Leonard Cheshire is to close The Risings care home in Exeter.

The disabled charity said the home, which provides care for up to five young five younger adults with a range of complex learning and behavioural difficulties, had been loss-making for some time as a result of a drop in demand and rising costs due to partly to higher agency use.

A spokesperson for Leonard Cheshire said: “We are working closely with everyone, including families, Devon County Council and other providers, so our residents get alternative support they are happy with.

“We treat everyone at the Risings as an individual, as they have different needs and support requirements. Our priority is to get the best possible placements. Where there is suitable support available, we will of course try to move people together if this seems the best way forward for the individuals.

“Our charity would only ever close a service after every viable option has been fully explored, including another provider taking over. Sadly, the Risings has been running at a loss for some time. Demand has dropped over the years, and the difficulties we face recruiting staff in the area means our agency use and other costs are now too high.

“We can no longer justify use of charitable funds and the considerable investment needed in the building to better meet resident needs under these circumstances.”