A councillor is angry she learned about the closure of the care home where her elderly mother, a dementia patient lives, from a relative on social media.

Lyn Milner received the formal letter from managers of Edward Moore House in Gravesend the day after a public meeting to discuss the announcement was held.

She said Rapport Housing and Care told her that the Royal Mail postal strike was to blame for the delay in communication.

But Mrs Milner felt, as next-of-kin, she should have received a personal call on the plight her 94-year-old mum was facing.

She said: "My mum was invited to a meeting to discuss the plans for the closure of the home. Many of the residents – including my mother – have dementia so how can they be expected to fully understand what is going on?

"They haven't contacted the families of residents at all, which is absolutely appalling. I'm not only speaking as a councillor, but as a daughter.

"My sister and I did not find out about this until our niece sent me a message via Facebook. They wrote to some relatives but many didn't receive the letters.

"This is completely unacceptable. Once again it is the elderly who are suffering the outcome of this government's cost-of-living crisis as it affects the care homes that are supposed to look after them".

Mrs Milner, a Gravesham council Labour member and former Mayor, lives a 15-minute walk away from the home and fears her mother may be moved to alternative accommodation further afield.

She said: "I don't drive, so what happens if she is offered a place 20 miles away?

"My mum is very poorly and she has no idea what is going on."

The care home in Trinity Road is one of three Rapport sites in the county shutting by January 20 because of staffing problems, underfunding from the government and rising energy costs. Dene Holm in Northfleet and Connors House in Canterbury are also closing affecting a total of 105 residents.

Leon Steer, Rapport's chief executive, said: "It’s really unfortunate that this lady’s letter didn’t arrive until the 21st. It seems the majority of relatives did receive theirs in time, as we had many of them attend the two meetings on the 20th.

"We asked that the story was only published once all meetings had taken place. Unfortunately anyone who didn’t attend may well have seen the story online, which we understand must be incredibly upsetting.

"Regarding finding suitable accommodation for the residents, Kent County Council will be working with us to support residents and their families over the next three months to find alternative homes.

"They attended the relative meetings with us and are confident they can find suitable homes within the time frame of three months."

Rapport has eight home across Kent which caters for dementia patients, palliative care, physical disability and short-term respite.

Mr Steer issued a statement to staff last Thursday at Edward Moore House, which is home to more than 30 residents.

It read: "The social care sector is currently under extreme pressure and amidst the greatest workforce crisis in history. Unfortunately, the staffing crisis, combined with chronic underfunding from the government, rising energy costs and essential forecasted property improvement works has left us in a position where operating these homes is no longer viable.

"Earlier this year, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) reported that more than 1,600 care home beds had been lost in just six months, as worsening staff shortages and the financial strain after two years of the Covid pandemic caused a net loss of 134 homes in England.

"In addition to that, a poll by the South East Social Care Alliance found that almost half (45%) of care providers in the region are considering exiting the sector because of underfunding for local authority/ NHS funded residents.

"The sector needs urgent reform and until action is taken, there will undoubtedly be many more care home closures across the UK.

"As we start the closure process, the wellbeing of our residents remains our priority, and we will be supporting our residents and their loved ones as they move into alternative accommodation."

Rapport has homes at Rogers House in Wigmore, Edward Moore House, Gravesend, Dene Holm, Northfleet, Connors House, Canterbury, Barnes House and Rosewell House, Tonbridge, Watling Court, Gravesend and Lawson House, Aylesford.

It was established 55 years ago and caters for people over the age of 55.