A CARE home in Kidderminster for adults with learning difficulties will close next month due to financial problems.

Staff at Rose Orchard, based in Baxter Avenue, have been told the home will close down on May 27.

Its five residents, who all have complex intellectual or neurological disabilities, now need to find alternative accommodation, and a redundancy consultation is already underway with 10 of the home's 15 employees. Some will be relocated to other care homes.

Operators Praxis Care say the decision to close was "not taken lightly" but that without more funding the facility is too expensive to run.

A Praxis spokesman said: "Following extended discussions with health and social care commissioning colleagues, Praxis Care have had to take the very difficult decision to close their Rose Orchard service in Kidderminster.

"Although difficult, Praxis feel that this is the most appropriate decision in the circumstances. It has been taken in the best interests of the people supported by the charity.

"Praxis are immensely proud of Rose Orchard. It is an amazing place offering a home, care, safety, opportunity and compassion to some of our most vulnerable community members.

"However, the services’ great strength is also its great weakness – it is simply too small. As a nurse led service this means it is expensive to commission placements at Rose Orchard."

They added: "Praxis have been working hard for some time along with Worcestershire County Council and CCG commissioning colleagues to explore options to address this and to maintain the service but, contrary to initial hopes, this has not been achievable.

"The commissioners are unable to fund the service to a level that will enable Praxis to consistently offer an appropriate, safe and quality nursing and care offer to those we support.

"We cannot continue to deliver the service on this basis."

The specialist facility, which is rated 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission, has been running for 13 years.

Elaine Carolan, Worcestershire County Council’s assistant director for strategic commissioning for adults and health, said: "Worcestershire County Council adult services is aware that the provider has determined that the service is no longer financially viable.

"Each individual currently living at Rose Orchard has a named social worker who is working with them and their families to ensure that all future options are explored.

"We have also written to families to advise them of the support we will provide.

"We appreciate that this is a challenging time for all concerned and will ensure that the individuals affected and their families are supported.”