One of Bermuda's oldest seniors homes could be forced to shut its doors because of a lack of cash.

And Government is now being asked to take over the running costs of The Matilda Smith Williams home after being approached by the home's owner, the AME Church.

Last night officials were remaining tight-lipped about the future of the home.

Health Minister Patrice Minors confirmed that Government had been approached by AME Church leaders about the future of the operation - but she refused to give further details, including the possibility of Government leasing the home.

“There have been discussions between the trustees and myself regarding the future of the home,” said Ms Minors last night. “Those discussions continue.”

Residing AME Church Elder Rev. Malcolm Eve did not return calls to The Royal Gazette yesterday, while other church officials, as well as staff at the residence declined to comment on the issue, referring instead to Rev. Eve.

However one church insider confirmed that the the home, which currently has about 20 residents, suffers from a financial deficit in excess of $100,000 and that, because of the financial losses, the AME Church was “challenged” to keep the operation afloat.

The situation facing seniors in Bermuda could become dire should the home be forced to shut down.

In the last three years, two other rest homes have shut their doors while others are facing both financial and staffing challenges.

Simultaneously, census figures show Bermuda's elderly population has risen by 25 percent in the past decade and now represents 11 percent of the population. There are fears that that proportion will continue to increase over the next decade, especially as healthcare continues to improve.

The St. George's Rest Home, which has been shut for three years for renovations, is set to open this year, offering four levels of care from independent living to rest home care, nursing home care, and care for those with dementia. The Sandys Parish Rest Home, which closed in 2001, is set to reopen in the future as a respite home to care for seniors while their families are travelling.