Managing care home closures: A good practice guide for local authorities, clinical commissioning groups, NHS England, CQC, providers and partners

Care homes are people’s homes, but there are certain situations which mean that these homes may have to close temporarily or permanently. In some cases closure is unplanned or cannot be avoided for a number of reasons; such as flooding, fire, quality and safety issues, or market exit by the provider.

A new good practice guide published recently explains the opportunity that voluntary and third sector organisations have to provide support should a care home close.

Despite the legal responsibility remaining with local authorities through the Care Act 2014, it is hoped that taking a partnership approach will help protect vulnerable people living in care homes and minimise the impact on them, their families and carers.