Last Updated on July 27, 2016

A new good practice guide, Managing care home closures has been published this week to help minimise the impact on people, and their families and carers, in the event of a care home closing.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has worked in partnership with NHS England (NHSE), the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Care Provider Alliance (CPA) to agree the guide, which sets out how local and national organisations should work together in order to co-ordinate action, avoid duplication and prevent confusion when facing a care home closure.

When a care home closure situation arises, organisations including local authorities, clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), NHSE, CQC, providers and partners will be expected to use an appropriate and detailed checklist to ensure the process is co-ordinated well.

Recommendations include:

• Appointing a co-ordinator within the lead local authority for families, carers or other advocates who will ensure there is an accurate list of all residents and their needs, together with up-to-date names, addresses and telephone numbers of family representatives and who will seek fullest involvement in the relocation process.
• Placing a poster in the care home with key information about the planned closure, including contact details for residents, carers, families and staff to refer queries, questions and complaints to.
• Appointing a transport co-ordinator within the lead local authority to act as a single point of contact and oversee timely moves; e.g. to notify ambulance staff in good time so that residents are not kept waiting for transport outside the home and are helped to move only in daylight hours.
• Assessments of residents’ health and care needs should start to be considered straight away, rather than waiting for an urgent closure legal notice to be served, as arrangements can be explored in the meantime.

CQC’s Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, Andrea Sutcliffe said, ‘When a home closes unexpectedly, this can be a real shock for people, either for themselves or a loved one, which is why this will never be a decision that is taken lightly.’

She went on to say, ‘Clearly defined roles and responsibilities, consistent communication and making sure people’s wishes and requirements are fully taken into account are vital to ensure the impact on people is as comfortable as possible…I am confident that the guide will strengthen how organisations work together in these difficult circumstances for the benefit of those using services.’

Representing the Care Provider Alliance, Frank Ursell said, ‘The CPA welcomes the guidance which should remove some of the uncertainty which can accompany the closure of a care home.’

The Managing care home closures good practice guide is available to view online here.