Three government residential homes will no longer accept long-stay admissions, from this weekend.

The DHSS says instead there will be greatly enhanced community care provision, helping older people stay in their own homes for longer.

Glenside and Reayrt ny Baie in Douglas and Cummal Mooar in Ramsey will stop taking long-stay patients from this Sunday.

Southlands, EMI services, Sweetbriar Unit in Glenside and short term care and respite services will not be affected.

General Manager for Older People Services Adrian Tompkinson says the move doesn't signal a cut in services for the elderly, and explains there are two main reasons why the approach is being taken: