ELDERLY deaf and blind people could be moved out of the home they have lived in for up to 20 years because of a funding crisis.

The voluntary organisation Sense, which runs Tanglewood Home in Malvern, has told the home's staff and residents' relatives it could be forced to close.

It is blaming the low level of funding provided by Worcestershire County Council's social services.

Relatives of the home's seven residents say the upheaval could be disastrous for them.

Gerald Johns, whose 59-year-old sister, Ann, has lived at Tanglewood for 20 years, said moving her to a different home could ruin the good work done by her carers.

He said his sister, who is deaf and dumb and has learning difficulties, had become used to the home and was happy there.

"It takes her a long time to trust people," said Mr Johns, a former Worcester resident.

"It will be a big setback for her. There are specialist staff at the home, and if the residents are moved into other homes, they won't get the same attention.

"It will have a devastating effect on my sister when she has been there for so long."

Peter Cheer, director of Sense West, said the charity was facing a very painful decision about the future of Tanglewood.

"We've spent the last few years trying to ensure the service can continue," he said.

"But the fees currently paid by local authorities are just not covering the costs of running the home. As a charity, we simply can't afford that."

Mr Cheer said Sense would do everything it could to support staff and residents if Tanglewood closed.

Coun Liz Eyre, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for social services, said home closures were always of great concern.

"While our banding rates may be a contributory factor, the size of the home, which Sense has said is too small to be financially viable, must be a significant contributory factor," she said.

"The important step is for our staff to review and assess the residents so we can find them good alternative placements and try to minimise their disruption."

n What do you think about the way we treat society's most vulnerable members? What is your experience of care homes? Tell us by writing to: Voice of Worcester, Evening News, Hylton Road, Worcester, WR2 5JX, or emailing: letters@thisisworcester.co.uk