FEARS have been raised that the lives of vulnerable, older residents in a sheltered housing home in Ringwood could be put at risk.

The Forest Journal was contacted on Monday with information that full-time guardians at Quaker Court, owned by Spectrum Western Challenge and funded by Hampshire County Council are to be removed leaving residents scared and vulnerable.

Instead, individual care packages could be rolled out in September, with many residents fearing they will receive nothing more than a daily check call over an intercom.

Jonathan Boswell, whose 91-year-old mother has been living at Quaker Court for five weeks said: "We are deeply upset, concerned and for my mother very anxious and saddened that this situation has arisen.

"My mother was deemed a high priority case and escalated to a fast track move into Quaker Court, because she had become so withdrawn, lonely and isolated. Quaker Court currently offers my mum the opportunity and facilities of mixing with other folk and the opportunity to join in activities, exercise, arts and crafts and just provide her with the comfort that once again in her life she has a reason a purpose and a desire to get up, and interact with people.

"Currently my mother has no need for a care package as she can wash, dress, and cater for herself, what she craves is companionship, security and the confidence that someone will be there for her in her moment of urgent need.

"How can the council conclude that the services that come with this kind of environment can be best provided with personal individual care packages? This is absolutely and utterly ludicrous as what most folk of my mums age just need to feel needed, wanted, cared for and to be part of a meaningful and worthwhile life."

Mayor of Ringwood Michael Thierry said: "Some of the people went in to Quaker Court on the basis that the kind of support they need was being provided. This is not going to be the case now. 

"I can't see how a reduction in staff to that establishment is going to be in any way the benefit of residents. A much reduced level of service could, on occasion, put the residents at risk.

"The level of service of meals and assistance is now going to be withdrawn at very short notice. I feel there needs to be a rethink."

Read more in the Forest Journal on Thursday