Two Renfrewshire nursing homes have been taken over after the previous owner got into financial difficulties due to the pandemic.

Silverline Care, which ran Cochrane and Ranfurly in Johnstone, called in administrators on March 22 after a lender demanded repayment of a debt.

However, The Gazette has been told that both facilities in the town’s Quarrelton Road will continue to operate as normal and none of the 90 elderly occupants will need to find alternative accommodation.

Administrators FRP have appointed specialist residential and nursing care provider Anavo to take over the running of the two complexes on a day-to-day basis with staff also continuing to work as normal.

A Silverline Care spokesman said: “After an exceptionally difficult year caused by the coronavirus pandemic, our lender, Investec Bank, has decided to transfer the operation of a number of homes to a new operator and undertake a process of administration in respect of those homes only. They will cease to operate under the Silverline Care name.

“Our support team will assist Anavo, to facilitate a smooth transition of the homes to help ensure continuity of care for all residents. “We wish the residents, their families and all of the staff at these homes the very best for the future.”

Ranfurly currently has 44 occupants and Cochrane 46, with both homes specialising in care of the elderly and dementia care.

Anavo boss Tom Brookes said their priority was to ensure staff and residents at both Johnstone homes receive all the support they need.

He added:”We look forward to sharing our expertise to provide great care to residents across all of our services.”

The administrators were called in last week to sort out the running of 13 Silverline homes and provide additional cash to keep them afloat.

David Shambrook of FRP said: “While this group of care homes has faced some financial challenges, this restructuring will provide the financial stability the homes need to continue supporting their residents and staff.

“We are working with the new operators Anavo Group to ensure a smooth transition for the new senior management team and are engaging with the Care Quality Commission and Care Inspectorate to update them on our progress.”

Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership said it would also work with the Care Inspectorate and administrators to ensure the residents and their families got the support they need.

Cochrane Care Home was graded as “weak” and handed an urgent improvement notice in December after inspectors found numerous problems relating to infection prevention and control.

Following a fourth check-up last month, the home has now been ranked as “adequate”.