The DHSS closed the three homes for long term admissions last month, but it has now re-opened them.

Health Minister Eddie Teare has come in for severe criticism since the announcement was made last month that the three residential homes – Glenside and Reayrt ny Baie Resource Centre in Douglas and Cummal Mooar Resource Centre in Ramsey – would stop taking long-term admissions with immediate effect.

Instead, the DHSS said it was going to expand the range and depth of the domiciliary care service, which includes home care, community care and dementia care.

The DHSS was roundly criticised for a lack of consultation and warning.

Now it has confirmed that it is re-opening all three homes to long-term admissions.

Health Minister Eddie Teare said: 'The department is still fully committed to the policy and vision of expanding community based service provision.

'This will offer more flexibility and better meet the needs and expectations of this section of our community.

'Service users and their representatives have made it clear that they support and welcome that intention.

'However, after listening to the representations put forward from various groups and individuals and taking into account the concerns about potential cost increases in our Health Services Division, the department has taken the decision to defer the changes and reopen our three resource centres to long term admissions.'