Advocacy in action: supporting residents through a sudden care home closure

When a residential setting in Newcastle announced it would be closing, 19 residents faced the prospect of moving to new homes with just eight weeks’ notice.

For people living with dementia, mental health conditions, learning disabilities and complex trauma, a sudden move could have a significant impact. Our advocacy team knew it was vital that every resident had the opportunity to have their voice heard and that their individual needs, wishes and support networks were taken into account.

Putting people at the heart of decisions

Two of our dedicated advocates, Julia and Andy, quickly began working with the residents affected by the closure.

They took the time to understand each person as an individual, looking at their friendships and support networks within the residential setting, family connections across the city and what mattered most to them

when considering a new home.

We increased our visits so that advocates could spend more time with residents while also speaking with staff to build a full picture of each person’s needs and preferences.

For residents with cognitive impairments, we used a range of accessible communication tools to help them understand their options. This included photographs and video walkthroughs of potential new homes as well as supporting people to visit settings in person. This meant residents could play an active role in decisions about where they would move, rather than decisions simply being made on their behalf.

Making a difference

All 19 residents have now moved to their new care settings. Throughout the transition, our focus was on ensuring that each person’s voice, wishes and individual circumstances were understood and taken into account as decisions were made.

Our advocates’ incredible work, and their understanding of residents’ views, wishes and preferences, ensured these were actively represented and reflected in decision-making meetings, despite the urgency and speed required.

Following the moves, people have been able to reconnect with activities and interests they had previously enjoyed, take part in new opportunities and maintain relationships and connections that are important to them.

The experience demonstrates the value of involving people meaningfully in decisions about major changes in their lives. By taking time to understand what matters to each person and working alongside the wider network of people supporting them, advocacy helped ensure residents’ voices remained central throughout the transition.

One resident told us he had “always been chasing rainbows, finally got my pot of gold” following the move.

For more information about the advocacy services we provide, visit www.yvc.org.uk/advocacy.