Urgent action required to protect vulnerable care home residents

Age Scotland, Scotland's leading charity for older people, has warned that closures of care homes could have serious consequences for vulnerable residents. The charity is calling for a compulsory risk register for care homes, as recommended by the Residential Care Taskforce in early 2014, to anticipate and mitigate similar closures in future.

Bield, one of Scotland's largest providers of care for older people, has announced it is to close its residential care homes as a result of financial pressures.

Twelve care homes are likely to close, although there are talks to try to keep a small number open. Homes in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Falkirk, Fife, Jedburgh, Biggar and West Lothian are under threat.

Keith Robson, Age Scotland's Charity Director, said: "We're concerned to hear about these closures. Studies show that poorly-planned moves are extremely stressful for older people and negatively affect their physical and mental health.  

"We hope that providers and local authorities are working together to minimise the impact on residents and their families and ensure they all have the support they need.

"With around 80 per cent of care home places provided by the private sector, there is always a chance that these will be affected by financial difficulties, Care Inspectorate enforcement action, or emergencies such as flood or fire.

"It's urgent that providers and commissioners work together to set up the most effective contingency planning process, and ensure that early action can be taken to prevent closure or ensure a smooth transition."

The 12 care homes affected are:

Woodlands - Bo'ness (Falkirk)
Thornton Gardens - Bonnybridge (Falkirk)
Grantsbank - Dunfermline (Fife)
Gillie Court - Dunfermline (Fife)
Finavon Court - Glenrothes (Fife)
Lochar Lodge - Pollock (Glasgow)
Milfield Gardens - Jedburgh (Scottish Borders)
Langvout Court - Biggar (South Lanarkshire)
St Andrews Court - Broxburn (West Lothian)
West Port - Linlithgow (West Lothian)
Haugh Street - Edinburgh
Craighall Gardens - Edinburgh

For more information on the decision, see Bield's website.
The Residential Care Taskforce report can be found here:
Summary report / Full report