Janet Finch-Saunders AM, Shadow Minister for Social Care and Older People’s champion, has spoken of her alarm and concern for staff as an industry expert has warned that ‘half of Welsh care homes could close’ within a year. 

Speaking over the weekend, Care Forum Wales chair Mario Kreft also suggested that many care-home owners were taking out loans or considering imminent closure because of rising costs and reduced revenues. 

There are 643 care homes for over-65s in Wales. Today (27 April), Mrs Finch-Saunders has urged the Welsh Government to provide immediate access to its promised extra £40 million package to support adult social care services throughout the coronavirus pandemic. 

Commenting on the situation, Janet said: 

“I am deeply concerned by this stark warning. Should this come true, the human impact will be devastating for the residents, their families, and the employees of care homes here in Wales. 

“Many care homes have taken the difficult decision to restrict new admissions, as introducing untested patients into their homes could pose a very real threat to the health and well-being of staff and residents. 

“The Welsh Government has previously promised an extra £40 million to support adult social care services throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, but care-home owners tell me that they need these funds released immediately.   

“Our selfless front-line social care staff also need clarity on what else the Welsh Government will do to help the sector because the prospect of 300 or more care homes closing doesn’t near thinking about. 

“Care home staff care for their residents as their own family. We must do more to support this vital and overburdened industry during this most challenging period. 

ENDS