Sharp rise in closures of care homes puts frail in danger

 Care home evictions as a result of closures have risen by almost 40 per cent in a year amid a growing crisis in social care, a report warns.

An Association of Directors of Social Services (ADASS) audit reveals that at least two thirds of councils, and thousands of residents, have experienced closures.

It follows warnings that such moves can threaten the health of the frail, with higher death rates found in those forced to undergo unplanned changes in accommodation. The figures show 58 councils have seen nursing and residential homes go out of business within a six-month period, forcing the vulnerable into new accommodation.

In total, 2,492 people were rehoused after their provider shut down, the figures show – a rise of 39 per cent on the previous year.

Overall, three quarters of those polled said health services were under increased pressure as a result of attempts to cut spending on social care.