Press Releases

Statement on Care Home Closure

01.12.10

Introduction

One of the functions of the Older People’s Commissioner is to “promote awareness of the interests of older people in Wales and of the need to safeguard those interests”. The Commissioner has a particular interest in the needs of older people who are in situations where they are vulnerable.

Through her contact with older people and with voluntary and statutory bodies across Wales the Commissioner has been made aware of people’s anxiety and distress surrounding the issue of care home closure. This statement sets out the views formed by the Commissioner so far.

Rights Framework

The United Nations Principles for Older People aim to ensure that priority attention is given to the situation of older people. The Commissioner must have regard to these Principles when considering what constitutes the interests of older people in Wales. The Commissioner considers the following Principles to be particularly relevant to the issue of care home closure:

Principle 5:

“Older persons should be able to live in environments that are safe and adaptable to personal preferences and changing capacities.”

Principle 14:

“Older persons should be able to enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms when residing in any shelter, care or treatment facility, including full respect for their dignity, needs and privacy and for the right to make decisions about their care and the quality of their lives.”

The Commissioner’s View

• The Commission recognises the challenges faced across Wales when updating care services to meet growing demand both today and in the future.
• The priority in any decisions about care home provisions should be providing a safe home for older people, and offering both quality and continuity of care.
• The Commission is aware of concerns relating to the ‘transfer trauma’ that older people can suffer when moved from a care home. As a result the Commission is currently working with Swansea University on a research project into the effects of care home closures in Wales.
• All consultation on changes to existing care provision should be fair and unbiased and take full consideration of the rights, needs and wishes of older people.
• Consultation about the potential closure of care homes should be well planned, and provide a genuine opportunity for all stakeholders to participate.
• Decision making should be transparent, address the concerns raised during the consultation process and stand up to external scrutiny.