Exeter's Arthur Roberts home will be one of the first in Devon to close under privatisation plans of Devon's elderly care services.
In a leaked email a schedule for closure has been announced showing the homes that will be closed this month – the list includes Arthur Roberts home in Exeter, Green Close in Sidmouth, Fairlea in Bideford and Orchard Lea home in Cullompton.
Private care homes providers have been asked to take on remaining residents of the homes but there is widespread unease at the decision to make cuts which affect the county's most vulnerable citizens.
The pace of the programme of closures has also shocked opponents. The decision to shut 20 homes was only rubber stamped on June 26.
The next tranche of closure is due to take place in the autumn, with Barnhaven in Bampton; Alphin House , Exeter; Daw Vale, Dawlish; Lydiate Lodge, Lynton; Butterpark, Ivybridge and Whipton Barton, Exeter, due to shut.
Early next year the council is due to close the St Lawrence Centre in Crediton; the Bodley Centre, Exeter; Tracey Vale, Bovey Tracey; Oakwell, Barnstaple and Wardhayes, Okehampton.
The remaining homes - Beech House, in South Molton; Davey Court, Exmouth; Burrow House, Ilfracombe; Harewood House, Tavistock and Charlton Lodge, Tiverton, will shut in spring 2015.
Doubts remain about the ability of the private sector to take on some of the residents close to their existing locations and the programme may see people over 100 years old moved many miles from rural homes, like Barnhaven in Bampton. Care home staff are expecting to be made redundant.
In an email revealed by The Mid Devon Gazette and sent to staff and councillors Stuart Barker, the cabinet member for adult social care, writes: "We will do all we can to minimise disruption to residents. Our staff have experience gained over many years of moving people from their homes as their needs change, ensuring a smooth move to new homes .
"This is not a view that has been reached lightly and we know it will be concerning for residents, their families and for staff.
"We have written to all residents and their families and carers to reassure them that there is no change to eligibility criteria for access to care services by Devon County Council. We have also given assurances that we will arrange and purchase a residential placement, or nursing placement if appropriate, in the independent sector, as we already do for 90% of people with residential care needs that we support.
"Meetings are also being held with our staff to explain what this means for them and to offer them support and advice."
