HC Deb 29 October 2002 vol 391 c747W
Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the position of elderly residents who are obliged to seek alternative accommodation when nursing homes seek to re-register under a different status. [77987]

Jacqui Smith

If a care home is de-registered, councils should re-assess the needs of the home's supported residents for whom they are responsible to determine the best course of action, which may involve moving residents to another registered care home. In similar circumstances, self-funding residents may turn to councils for information and advice. Where self-funding residents cannot make their own arrangements, councils may make alternative arrangements for them under section 21 of the National Assistance Act 1948. When care homes are de-registered, there should be prior consultation with all relevant parties, including the residents and their families.