‘Achieving closure’ – improving outcomes when care homes close

A study on closures: Outcomes and key lessons

Care homes for older people are a crucial service, supporting some 280,000 people 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year. However, when care homes close – whether through financial problems, care failings or other factors – the commonly held understanding is that subsequent relocation can be detrimental to the wellbeing of older residents.

Despite this, there is little formal evidence to guide services when undertaking such sensitive work, with local areas often ‘reinventing the wheel’ each time a closure takes place.

Building on a previous pilot in Birmingham, this study, conducted by the University of Birmingham, explored what happens to older people and care staff when homes close, how best to manage closures in a way that minimises negative outcomes for older people and families, and key lessons for councils as they manage future closures.

In addition to a detailed research report and articles, the team have produced a national good practice guide, an accessible guide for older people and families, a good practice guide for care staff, and a training video.

Training video

This 25-minute training video explains the study and gives recommendations to improve support for older people and reduce the risk of negative outcomes when a care home closes.

It is relevant to anyone with an interest in this topic, but might be particularly helpful as a training resource for practitioners and managers who might not always have access to formal training and development opportunities.

Further resources

• An article on research into care home closures in Birmingham (University of Birmingham pilot) – Glasby J., Allen K., & Robinson S. (2019). “A game of two halves?” Understanding the process and outcomes of English care home closures: Qualitative and quantitative perspectives. Soc Policy Admin, 53: 78–98.
• A review of the previous evidence – Douglass, T., Zafar, S., & Glasby, J. (2024). What happens when care homes close? A review of the literature. International Journal of Care and Caring, 8(3), 471-488.
• Previous guidance for ADASS to help manage care home closures – Glasby J., Robinson S., & Allen K. 2011, Achieving closure: good practice in supporting older people during residential care closures. ADASS/HSMC.