Stabilising Social Care Services – Turning Around Failing Care Homes

The challenges facing the care sector today are significant, and for many care homes, maintaining stability feels like an uphill battle. High staff turnover, financial pressures, and regulatory scrutiny can quickly lead to underperformance, placing services and residents at risk. Our latest paper, Stabilising Social Care Services, provides practical guidance for turning around failing care homes and restoring stability. 

Recognising the Signs of Struggle 
Many care homes don’t realise they’re in trouble until a crisis hits. Common warning signs include falling occupancy rates, low staff morale, repeated poor CQC ratings, or mounting financial strain. Early recognition is critical—addressing these issues before they escalate can save time, money, and reputations. 

Strategies for Turnaround Success 
The paper highlights both informal and formal approaches to stabilising services. Informal strategies include: 

Staff Engagement: Rebuilding trust and morale through open communication and clear leadership. 

Process Reviews: Streamlining operations to improve efficiency and care quality. 

Formal approaches may involve: 

Interim Management: Bringing in experienced leaders to guide the service through recovery. 

Financial Restructuring: Working with stakeholders to address debts and rebuild financial health. 

Stakeholder Collaboration: Engaging Local Authorities, NHS commissioners, and families to restore confidence. 

Support for Care Providers 
To help providers take proactive steps, Cornerstone Care Solutions offers a Turnaround Toolkit. This resource includes templates for financial assessments, stakeholder communication plans, and operational reviews to support the recovery process. 

Free Risk Management Pack for Care England Members 
Care England members can also access our Risk Management Pack for free. This essential resource complements turnaround efforts by addressing governance and operational risks. 

Take Action Today 
If your care home is struggling, you’re not alone. With the right tools and strategies, recovery is possible. By identifying issues early and implementing targeted solutions, care providers can not only stabilise their services but also set a foundation for long-term success. 

Download our toolkits today at www.cornerstonecare.co.uk/toolkits or contact us at info@cornerstonecare.co.uk for a confidential conversation.