Relocation fears over Derbyshire County Council care home closures

The Glebe in Alfreton is one of four homes set to close

The daughter of an 89-year-old woman whose care home is set to close says she fears a move to another home will kill her.

Derbyshire County Council has confirmed it is closing four care homes, including the Glebe in Alfreton, where Heather Arden's mother is a resident.

The authority said the homes were not financially viable, but understood people's concerns.

About 78 residents will be affected by the closures.

Mrs Arden, whose mother has dementia, said: "We are absolutely devastated by the news.

"We always believed it was a foregone conclusion - it's left the staff, residents and families really distressed."

She added: "I don't think, in my opinion, my mother will survive the move. It will be too distressing for her because she's at a point in her life where she's like a child.

"She won't understand why she's been taken out of her home.

"All I can do now is try and get her the best possible alternative and just hope I am wrong."

The homes affected are:

• The Willows, Ripley

• Red House, Chesterfield

• The Glebe, Alfreton

• Hillcrest, Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston

Councillor Paul Smith, cabinet member for adult social care, said the authority would support those affected "every step of the way".

He said: "I have every sympathy with them but unfortunately we have no choice."

No decision on a time-scale for the closures has been made.