Figures show fall in care home numbers

December 6, 2001 in Adults, Residential care

In March 2001 there were 700 fewer residential
care homes and 200 fewer nursing homes in England than a year
earlier, government figures published last week reveal.

A total of 4,700 residential home places – or
1 per cent – were lost over the 12 month period. More than a fifth
or these were in the South East.

The number of local authority-supported
residents fell for the first time since 1994 by 3,400 down to
261,800. However, only 16 per cent of these residents were actually
in local authority-run homes.

Health minister Jacqui Smith said that there
were particular “capacity problems” in the care home sector in some
parts of the country, but said the government’s investment
programme – an extra £900m annually by 2004 on intermediate
care – would help stabilise problems.

– Residential Personal Social Services for
Adults – England available from 020 7210 5231