§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect on their health of transferring elderly people between residential or nursing homes. [98862]
§ Jacqui SmithThe Department recognises that moving into and between care homes can be difficult and stressful for any long-term resident, particularly vulnerable older people.
Such moves, including ones made as a result of care home closures, should be handled as sensitively and appropriately as possible. Proper arrangements should be made for the safe and satisfactory transfer of all residents to other suitable homes. There should be adequate time for this to be done, in a way that allows 362W both residents and their relatives a choice in where they are to move to, and which creates the minimum possible discomfort to all concerned.