CARE homes could be forced to close if low occupancy levels across Southend continue.

There are fears that homes are becoming increasingly unviable as occupancy levels of some hover at about 70 per cent.

Care home bosses say families are being urged by Southend Council to keep their loved ones out a care in a bid to keep them safe.

But it means some homes could face the prospect of closure, although council bosses insist this is a last resort.

Southend Council would take that decision for homes it runs while the owners of privately owned homes are run independently.

In a new report submitted to Southend Council, it reveals some care homes are operating at 20 per cent lower than the expected occupancy level of 90 per cent.

It reads: “This is potentially damaging and unsustainable in terms of viability if occupancy levels remain this low or reduce further for an extended period.”

Bosses at the Barling Lodge care home, in Great Wakering, revealed the care home is running at 30 per cent occupancy.

Manager Gilda Figueroa said there are now only 16 residents in the home, which has capacity for about 50.

She added: “It’s because of the pandemic we are in this position. It does feel quite empty inside at the moment.

“We have had no deaths but people are still wary. The care home is big enough and the rooms wide enough to allow us to treat positive cases if they occur again.

“There are different zones of the care home depending on positive or negative cases.

“The council is encouraging people to keep families at home, rather than send them into care.

“This means they’re not getting 24 hour care. They will only be getting four visits, one hour at at time.”

Mrs Figueroa, who also manages two other care homes across Southend, Ravensmere rest home and Alexander House, said the two homes are operating at 90 per cent occupancy.

Trevor Harp, councillor in charge of health and adult social care, said moving residents to other care homes remains a last resort, adding: “This is an issue and the council is aware of it. We are reluctant to close care homes, but if it is looking likely then it is our responsibility to move residents elsewhere.

“We wouldn’t take the decision lightly, it’s their home and they are vulnerable.

“If care homes are in trouble, we will liaise with them.”