A care provider wrote to nine Islanders to warn them they had until Sunday before  support was withdrawn.

However, Nobilis has since spoken to its clients and their families, to tell them that it will continue to provide care until alternatives are in place and will write a new letter to say so, the Isle of Wight Council has been told.

Are you affected? Scroll down for details of where to seek help...

Nobilis is contracted to the Isle of Wight Council to provide care and support in the south of the Isle of Wight.

It sent the vulnerable Islanders a letter, dated August 16, telling them provision would end on August 29.

The letter said that due to a 'crisis in care,' Nobilis now needs to concentrate on only those areas it is required to cover.

Blaming staff shortages, it called the process 'sad but necessary'.

It means people in the west and central areas of the Island, who pay for care from Nobilis, will no longer be supported by the company.

However, what appeared to be an ultimatum has now been softened to a promise that care will continue until an alternative is found, according to County Hall.

The County Press has asked Nobilis for a comment.

In a statement to the CP, the Isle of Wight Council acknowledged what it said had been a "difficult decision" by the firm, but said it was "unfortunate" it had not seen the letter before it was sent.

It told the County Press: "Nobilis has told the Isle of Wight council that it is writing again to the people affected, clarifying that care will not be withdrawn before alternative support is available.

"The council fully understands the level of concern the people affected and their families will have experienced.

"It is unfortunate that they did not share the letter with the council in advance of sending it." 

  • If you are affected by Nobilis's decision, or need support finding a new care provider, email asc@iow.gov.uk, or telephone (01983) 821000 ext 6580.

​The County Press has also asked for a comment from Councillor Karl Love, who leads on adult social care, public health and housing.

Meanwhile, retiring head of adult social care, Dr Carol Tozer, told the BBC yesterday about a crisis in the industry which led to one night when an Isle of Wight provider was unable to meet its commitments, leading to the council stepping in.