Residents of an Exmouth residential home for people with learning disabilities are coming to terms this afternoon with the news that their home will close.
For some residents Bystock Court has been a home, community and place of work for decades.
Some were too emotional to speak and convey their upset at the decision by Guinness Care & Support to close the home which is operated by the Devon Sheltered Homes Trust Charity but overseen by Guinness.
A consultation process was launched in February over the home's future.
Families of residents were told that as a result of changes in Government policy and local authorities' commissioning plans, provision of services at Bystock are considered "outdated" and it is "financially unviable" to continue as they no longer receive referrals from commissioners.
Instead the vision for Guinness Care and the trust is for the home to close and residents to instead move into smaller houses in a "supported living environment with a more personalised service".
Residents were informed in a meeting today of the closure of their home provoking anger and concern at the capability of some residents to cope with such information.
Some family members received a letter informing them of the closure.
It said that the decision had been a difficult one and "not taken lightly". And it said that the closure would not happen until everyone has been re-provided for.
Emma Knight's brother James, 45, has severe learning difficulties and a mental age of three, has lived at Bystock Court for almost three decades.
She said: "We're feeling sick with worry. These are vulnerable people, this is so wrong."
A statement on behalf of Devon Sheltered Homes Trust and Guinness Care and Support, said: "We have taken the decision to close Bystock Court and instead provide services in smaller homes in the local community. This decision has not been made lightly.
"With the number of customers at Bystock Close declining and this trend more than likely to continue, the services at Bystock will be no longer viable. However, by making this decision now we will be able to continue to provide care, support and training for customers in smaller homes both now and in the future.
"We understand this may be a difficult time for some and we are committed to working with customers, their families and local authorities to help deliver the best outcome for each individual and to make the transition as smooth as possible. The closure of Bystock Court will not take place until everyone has been re-provided for."
