The Isle of Wight, where nearly a third of the population are pensioners, has seen a drop in the number of care homes available, new data shows.

The latest figures come from carehome.co.uk and show an 8.2 per cent fall.

The Isle of Wight has lost six care homes in the last year, which means Islanders of a certain age face greater challenges in finding a care home which best suits their needs.

The new statistics also show the number of beds available fell by 85 in 2022; a 4.5 per cent drop.

Sue Learner for Carehome said: “The latest census data shows nearly one in three Islanders are aged 65 or over.

“With the Isle of Wight facing an increasing older population, it is vital care homes get more financial support from the government so they can stay sustainable.

“As people on the Island now have less care homes to choose from, reading reviews and seeking advice can help care seekers make the right and informed decision.

“Care homes can differ greatly, and reading testimonials from the people receiving the care and having reliable information from care experts are valuable tools for comparing and contrasting the options available to you.

“We know that choosing a care home can be overwhelming, but our free advice helpline run by care experts can guide residents and make their search easier.”