CARE home residents were overjoyed at being sent Valentine’s Day cards — only to discover they were from a chain of undertakers.
The elderly recipients eagerly opened the cards, decorated with a red heart and a pink bow.
But many were baffled to read the message inside, which said: “Sent with love from T.H. Sanders & Sons.”
Angry relatives say the stunt was an insensitive attempt to woo new customers — and accused staff at the home of helping to bring it about because the cards were unstamped.
One outraged son is now planning to move his mum, who is in her 80s.
He said: “Luckily, we managed to hide it away before Mum could see it as it would have been devastating.
“It’s appalling for a funeral directors to be trying to attract new customers by targeting vulnerable elderly people.”
The cards were given out at Whitegates Care Centre in the village of Laleham, near Staines, Surrey.
Relatives say many of the residents are frail and easily muddled. Another family member said: “This would have caused them great confusion, upset and disappointment as often they are here after losing their life-long partners.”
Carole Easton, of the Centre for Ageing Better foundation, said: “This is an utterly appalling stunt.”
Prices at the 31-bed home start at £1,300 a week.
It insisted: “Residents were thrilled to receive the cards.”
T. H. Sanders has nine branches and is part of the Dignity group, which said: “We deeply regret any unintended distress.”
