VULNERABLE and elderly people are facing a major upheaval after a Great Yarmouth care home announced it would cease trading next month.

Owners of Carisbrooke House Residential Home circulated a letter to staff and residents last week announcing the care home would close on November 16.

The decision has left 19 residents, some suffering with mental illnesses, in limbo over who will provide their care in the future.

Meanwhile, staff in charge of maintaining Carisbrooke House and looking after the residents are all set to lose their jobs.

But Norfolk County Council has moved to reassure both residents and families that they will help them find new accommodation before the closure next month.

The care home, on Sandown Road, Great Yarmouth, was privately owned by Goldcare limited who were unavailable for comment.

Harold Bodmer, director of community services at Norfolk County Council, said: “This is a difficult time for the residents and their families and we will be doing all that we can to make it easier for them.

“There are 19 people living in Carisbrooke House, and 14 of them are funded by the county council. However, we want to make sure that all the residents and their families get the support and advice they need, and everyone living there will be found appropriate alternative accommodation ahead of Carisbrooke House closing next month.

“We have already been in contact with residents and their friends and families, to make sure they are fully informed about the situation and of what we will do to help. All will be given details of how to contact us if they have any questions.

“We will also be visiting Carisbrooke House as soon as possible to carry out reassessments with the residents, review their needs and wishes, and support them to make an informed choice about their future housing and care arrangements.”

The care home appeared to be running as normal on Wednesday morning as families visited their loved ones.

One couple whose relative is a resident at the home said they were happy with the service it provided and described it as a “good” home.

A spokesman for Age UK Norfolk said: “It is always sad to hear of a care home closing.

“I am not aware why this home is closing but this is a place where older people would have formed relationships with one another and members of the care staff.

“It would have been a place they called home and this will feel like bereavement to them as it is unlikely they will be able to move together to another home.

“We have a Care Home Advocacy Service and are happy to work with the Care Home and residents to help in whatever way we can.”

Goldcare limited runs six care homes across Northampton, Milton Keynes and Leicestershire.