An Epsom woman said news the care home her elderly mother lives in may close was "totally out of the blue."

Louise Taylor's mum Patricia, 88, has resided in the Elders Care Home in Epsom Road for the past five years.

But last Thursday they, along with staff members, residents and family members were informed by the Abbeyfield Society - which runs the home - that it could close next year.

"A lot of residents were in tears," Louise said.

"It's devastating news for the residents and their families. The staff didn't even know."

Patricia has Alzheimer's and vascular dementia which her daughter says will make it extremely difficult to start up again in a new care home.

"It’s going to be a huge upheaval for my mum," Louise added.

"She’ll be saying 'I want to go home, I want to go home'.

"And she is just one person. There are some people who live there who are more than 100 years old. How can you find places for 23 vulnerable residents?"

When contacted about the possible closure, a spokeswoman for The Elders Care Home said that regular reviews of the quality of buildings are necessary to meet current and future standards.

"The wellbeing and comfort of our residents are always our top priorities," the spokeswoman said.

“Following an in-depth review, we have decided that despite doing our best to maintain the home, it’s size and design mean that in the near future it is unlikely to meet the high standards residents and regulators expect, and that we pride ourselves on delivering.

“Having considered all options available to us, we have made the very difficult decision to open discussions with residents and colleagues about our proposal to close the home. These discussions will run until November, after which a final decision on the future of the home will be made."

She added that no resident or staff member would be asked to leave the home until at least the beginning of 2020, but that there were no guarantees after that.

Louise said it was disappointing to hear as the home has always treated her and her mum well.

"The carers treat the residents so kindly as well," she added.

"So it was a huge shock when they told us."

Elders added that it has opened a dedicated information and support phone line for everyone who is affected.

"Should our proposal to close the home move forward, we will do everything we can to support residents to find a suitable new care home nearby.”