New research from King’s College London has revealed the harmful impact on families whose relatives are evicted from their care homes.

The report reveals at least 5,871 care home residents in England were served with a ‘notice to quit/ between September 2021 and October 2022.

Dr Caroline Green, of King’s College London who carried out the research, said: “Care homes must make sure that a notice is in the best interest of a care home resident and an action of last resort. Care home residents and their families often find themselves in particularly vulnerable situations. Receiving a notice to quit by a care home can have a devastating emotional and practical impact on people who require care and support. More action must be taken urgently to understand the problem, ensure that notices are only issued as an exception and that there is support for families experiencing such scenario.”

Helen Wildbore, director of the Relatives & Residents Association, who supported the project, said: “Too many people who contact our helpline are afraid to speak out about their concerns with care for fear of reprisals, including eviction. This dangerous situation cannot continue, it is allowing poor care to fester. The CQC is leaving people at risk by failing to monitor and act upon inappropriate evictions. People needing care and their families are being abandoned to fight these failings on their own, causing unnecessary stress, anxiety and trauma. This must change. We must create a care system where people’s basic rights can be met.”

Dr Green has written to the CQC asking them to take urgent action to tackle unfair evictions.

Amanda Partington-Todd, deputy director of adult social care at CQC, said: “Care homes are people’s homes and no-one should live in fear of being penalised for raising concerns. While we are aware that most people are served notice by a provider due to a change in need, in discussion with that resident and their family, sadly, this is not always the case.

“It is not acceptable for people to be treated unfairly if they raise concerns and we are clear that appropriate action will be taken if we find providers failing in their responsibilities.

“We already review how providers handle complaints when looking at how responsive and ‘well led’ a care home is, as well as checking with people who live there and relatives whether they know how to raise concerns and if they feel listened to. We have received the letter from Dr Caroline Green and Helen Wildbore raising their concerns and will be responding fully.”