Care homes to close after staff go unpaid for months

Jess, who works as a carer at one of the homes, says she "loves her job"

Two care homes in East Sussex will close on Friday after a company ceased operations.

Queensmead, in Polegate, and Oaklands Court, in Heathfield, owned by Aethel Care Services Ltd, will close on Friday, a letter from East Sussex County Council (ESCC) says.

The letter said some staff had not been paid since the end of June and encouraged people to find alternative services. The BBC understands some staff have been working unpaid, while others have stopped working there.

Administrators on behalf of Aethel Care Services Ltd said that wellbeing and care standard for residents remain "the primary concern" but they have been left with "no viable option" other than to close both homes.

Jess, who works as a nurse at the care home, told the BBC: "I'm really heartbroken. I've recently worked two 12-hour shifts and residents' rooms have been packed up. I'm spending time reassuring residents.

"It's been hard and we try to tell ourselves it can't be happening.

"Trying to maintain the happy and the normal for the residents becomes hard when they are crying when it is completely out of their hands."

"I love my job."

Ian Parker's mum, Carol, has been in the Oaklands care home for five years

Ian Parker's mum, Carol, has been in the Oaklands care home for five years.

He said: "Her time here has been lovely.

"My mum has dementia but she's always had a smile on her face when I've seen her and been well looked after.

"She struggled with anxiety and stress but the staff here found a way to help her.

"What has happened is atrocious. Staff haven't been paid. It's horrific."

'Supporting residents and families'

The letter added that ESCC was aware of issues of waste collections and IT services, which "may be impacting day to day running of the site".

The administrators, Grant Thornton UK, added: "To minimise further disruption, the joint administrators and East Sussex County Council are providing care and support to residents of both care homes, while supporting residents and families to look for alternative accommodation.

"We would like to thank all staff who have supported the homes over the years."

An ESCC spokesperson said: "An administrator has been appointed for the Oaklands Court and Queensmead care homes.

"We are supporting residents and families to look for alternative accommodation as the care homes will be closing."