Preyen Dewani: Why Care Home Closures Are Putting Older People at Risk

The recent rally organised by MPs against the closure of care homes highlights a critical issue facing our society - as we see closures mounting, the repercussions for older adults are profound and far-reaching.

Across the UK we’re already seeing concrete signs of this, for example, in Lancashire relatives of residents at a proposed closing care home described the situation as “cruel” The Guardian.  In Scotland, the Salvation Army announced it is considering transferring or closing several residential care homes because it can no longer maintain the level of standards required. Meanwhile, new research from University of Oxford shows that outsourcing and a shift towards for-profit models has disproportionately impacted closures in the most deprived areas, undermining access for those who most depend on care.

Why this matters:

• The demographic imperative is clear, the number of people aged 65+ and especially those aged 85+ is rising sharply, boosting demand for specialist support.

• When care homes close, older people face disruption, relocation, loss of familiar routines and social connections, factors that can adversely affect health, wellbeing and dignity.

• In many cases these closures reduce choice, increase pressure on home-care systems and risk leaving the most vulnerable without a safe alternative.

Being actively engaged in care-home investment has shown me how essential continuity is for older people, especially when local provision comes under pressure. I believe we must act decisively: care provision for our ageing population is not just a business opportunity - it’s a social imperative. We must ensure that closures are the exception, not the rule, and that where they do occur they’re managed with the utmost sensitivity, transparency and resident-first mindset.

Let’s keep the conversation going, because the care of our older generation affects us all, and the cost of inaction is too high.

For more insights and perspectives by Preyen Dewani, please click here.

Insights and Perspectives by Preyen Dewani