A GROUP of adults with severe learning difficulties are preparing to move as their care home is set to close after failing to meet standards

Worcestershire County Council's social services department currently cares for five adults at Hughenden Residential Care Home, in Players Avenue, Malvern Link.

However, the council was instructed by the Commission for Social Care Inspection to stop the use of the building as it does not meet new standards for care homes, introduced in 2001.

It followed an inspection of the building - which comprises two semi-detached houses joined together - last year, with one of the areas it failed on being a lack of disabled access.

The council's social care staff is now working to find the best options for re-homing the adults there, which may include "adult placements" - a form of foster care.

A social care spokeswoman said it did not mean the building itself could not be used in some other way and they would still use it for people with learning disabilities - but not as a care home.

She said it might mean the existing residents could use it for day activities, with social functions being hosted there in the evening.

The various options for its use are being explored and are set to be discussed at a meeting of the council's cabinet on Tuesday, February 8.

"The council has been working over the past nine months with carers and residents, looking at ways to provide the right service to the five residents," she said.

"Proposals will be presented to the county council's cabinet for few options, such as, adult placement, privately-run care homes and sheltered accommodation.

"Cabinet will then decide which option proves best practice for the service users."