Cost of providing elderly care is forcing care homes out of business

Nadra Ahmed, chairman of the National Care Homes Association, claims financial pressures and difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff has prompted her to close Headcorn Hall, in Headcorn.

Mrs Ahmed said it was important to highlight the plight of small, independent homes which were being forced to shut as they struggled to meet costs and make improvements required under new national standards.

Challenging standards

"We have been very lucky because we have had the support of the families and residents who understand the reasons for the closure," she said.

"We have tried very hard to keep it viable but is has been difficult to meet the national standards under which we must practise to protect the most vulnerable people.

"Two-thirds of our residents are referred by social services which pays �290 per patient per week for care provision, when it actually costs us �390 per patient per week to do so."

'No financial future'

Mrs Ahmed has operated in the care home industry for more than 20 years and has run Headcorn Hall since 1996.

But she has decided to close the facility rather than face having it closed down by regulators or the bank.

The home's 17 residents, aged between 70 and 95, have been helped to find places in other homes before Headcorn Hall closes on 25 October.

Sheila Scott, NCHA chief executive, said the closure was indicative of the struggle facing small care homes across England.