More job losses have been signalled on the West Coast, with the closure of a rest home in Westport.

The West Coast District Health Board has announced the closure of Kynnersley Rest Home.

General Manager Kathleen Gavigan says the number of people staying in rest homes is dropping dramatically in the district, as more people are choosing to stay in their own homes for longer.

She says residents will be moved into new homes in the coming weeks.

Ms Gavigan says staff will be offered new positions over the next fortnight.