ELDERLY residents say they are frightened about an “uncertain future” after council bosses announced they would be making major changes to their care.

Residents living in Heathfields House, in Abbot Road, the Cannons in Layer Road and Wren House in Christine Chase, Colchester, have been told by Essex County Council their extra care provision, which includes a resident warden, carers and hot meals, are all to be reduced or sold on to another provider to save money.

Sheila Feveyear, 76, who has lived in Heathfields House for almost five years, said: “This is all extremely worrying and we are all very upset about what could happen.

“When we all sit downstairs together, nobody laughs anymore, we are just really anxious about the future.

“It is so hard for people who can’t get about by themselves and we fought so hard to get our home-cooked meals, but now it seems that will all go, which is a great shame.”

Residents and family members were invited to a meeting held by county council bosses last week to explain the changes.

However, 84-year-old Heathfields House resident, Alex Smith, said nobody knew what was happening.

He said: “No one knows what is going to happen to us, which just makes everything so much worse.

“I help to organise social events and entertainment, but now I’m wondering if any of it is worth it now.”

Under the proposals, Heathfields House is set to be downgraded from an “extra-care” scheme to a sheltered housing scheme, which means it will no longer provide in-house care and there will no longer be a staff member permanently based on site.

It is thought the Cannons will continue to provide extra care, but will be sold on to a private company.

Canters Meadow Court, in Clacton, and Jessop Court, in Waltham Abbey, are also in line for major cuts.

About 26 jobs are set to be lost as part of the measures, which will see control of the homes go to alternative providers.

Christine Hunt, of Monkwick Avenue, Colchester, said her 83-year-old mother, Margaret, was “wracked with worry” over the changes.

She said: “My mum is immobile so sheltered housing, no matter how they dress it up, is simply not suitable.”

However, Colchester Borough Homes’ director of housing, Karen Loweman, said: “It is important people realise the level of care that tenants receive will not change.

She added: “We are working with Essex County Council to ensure any changeover is as smooth as possible. No-one will have to move as a result of the changes, and there no plans to demolish either home.”

Council bosses are due to meet with residents on February 7 to discuss the plans.

The changes are to be put in place from April 1.