The Welsh Government is working with the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Sarah Rochira, to establish guidance to ensure older people’s rights are protected when care homes close.

Ms Rochira, who took over as Older People’s Commissioner in June this year, said: "There is currently a lack of guidance that specifically outlines good practice when closing care homes as a result of a policy decision.

"I am pleased to have been asked by the Welsh Government to chair a working group that will advise them as it develops statutory guidance on this matter."

Recent figures obtained by BBC Wales revealed that the trend towards closing council-run care homes has continued with the loss of 600 beds over the last five years. 

The Welsh Government guidance is still being developed but Ms Rochira has sent letter to all local authorities in Wales outlining her expectations when care home closures or the transfer of care to the private sector is being considered.

These include:  

• conducting meaningful consultation and engagement
• providing independent advocacy
• carrying ongoing impact assessments
• securing the human rights of care home residents 

She added: "I will be closely monitoring the way that care home closures across Wales are managed so that older people’s rights are upheld."

More on this story: www.olderpeoplewales.com/news