Commissioner for Older People welcomes decision on homes

Claire Keatinge said: “I am delighted that the Minister has listened to the views of the residents in coming to the decision to keep all statutory residential homes open. The views of those living in residential care must be at the heart of any decisions going forward; residents must not be pawns in the endgame of changing services for older people. It remains unclear as to whether this news means that the homes affected will admit new residents, and whether there will be refurbishments of the current homes to ensure they are of a satisfactory standard for those who will remain in the homes. I am calling on the Minister to clarify this as a matter of urgency, as he must ensure that this process is handled sensitively for older people, families and staff working in residential homes.”