RESIDENTS have expressed their fears over their home potentially closing down for good.

Abbeyfield House in Dobbins Lane, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, has launched a consultation for the proposed closure of the care home.

Aylesbury MP Rob Butler has even written to the care home bosses expressing constituents' worries over the closure plans.

The company explained they have been reviewing the financial viability of their care homes across the UK.

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Residents have been reassured they will be offered help to find housing should the care home decide to close.

Abbeyfield has also promised to provide financial support to residents for any costs incurred with the move.

Despite this, Rob Butler is fighting against the plans and said: "I have received a letter from residents and staff there who are extremely worried at the implications of your proposal.

"They have asked me to draw your attention that "the possibility of closure is impacting on the physical and mental health of many of our residents, who, at over 90 years of age find it frightening and unbearable to worry about the likelihood of losing their home."

They add: "After all, there is very little sheltered housing in Wendover and many have moved here from other parts of the country to be near to relatives in old age.

"It is imperative for the needs of residents to be fully taken into account - and these are not necessarily simply financial."

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The care home has agreed to meet with Rob Butler next week to discuss the proposal.

An Abbeyfield spokesperson said: “As a responsible housing and care provider, we conduct periodic reviews of all of our homes to make sure they remain suitable for residents.

"We recently completed the latest review of all of our homes as part of making a clear plan for the future of the organisation and each of our homes. These reviews considered how our properties can keep pace with the changing needs, tastes and expectations of older people, the investment required to bring them up to modern standards and whether they are able to meet new regulatory and energy efficiency requirements.

"We also needed to reflect how the past few difficult years have impacted the organisation’s finances, particularly the impact of the Covid pandemic, the huge increase in energy prices, rising inflation, and rapidly increasing operating costs.

“Having fully considered the findings of this review, it is with regret that we have made the difficult decision to begin consulting on the future of Abbeyfield House in Wendover. Everybody taking part in the consultation process will have the opportunity to share their thoughts, ideas and any proposals they may have before a final decision is made.

“We fully acknowledge the impact that this consultation, and any potential outcomes, will have on our residents and staff in particular, and we will be doing everything we can to support and assist them through this difficult process.”