Q&A: Care home closures

Local authorities have a responsibility to people needing care

The UK's biggest care home operator, Southern Cross, is to close. Landlords owning all 752 of Southern's homes said they wanted to leave the group.

In a statement, Southern Cross said the landlords were committed to providing continuity of care to its 31,000 residents.

The process of transferring homes to landlords is under way. Southern Cross expects all homes to be transferred and the company to be wound up by the end of the year.

The government says it will ensure there is protection for anyone affected by changes to the business - saying the welfare of residents is its "number one concern".

The plight of Southern Cross underlines the financial difficulties in the care home market, and fears about closures remain. So what are residents' rights if homes do shut?

Who is entitled to care assistance?

What happens if a care home closes?

Can the residents choose where to go?

What about those older people who fund their care home place themselves?