Substance use in care homes

Approximately 2,500 care homes in England are caring for at least one person with an alcohol or drug problem. But our previous research found that some homes are delivering poor care for people with alcohol problems and raises questions about how this sort of care should be regulated. We know almost nothing about the care of people who use drugs.

The University of Bedfordshire, in partnership with the support of the Care Quality Commission, the regulator of care homes in England, has been funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research to carry out further research. The new research aims to improve the care of people with alcohol and drug problems in care homes.

The study will also provide information about the use of drugs which may not be considered to be problematic but may still cause issues for the care home because drug use is illegal. This is important because drug use has increased in older age groups in recent years, so it is an increasing issue for care homes and people who live in them.

About the research project»

We use the terms ‘alcohol and drug problems’ to mean the use of alcohol or drugs (substance use) that lead to significant problems or distress for the individual.

Drugs include cannabis, heroin, cocaine or medicines such as methadone or benzodiazepines held without prescription. Harm includes falls, alcohol poisoning, drug overdose, conflict with family, liver problems, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, brain damage, hallucinations and risky behaviour such as drink or drug driving.

Signs of alcohol and drug problems include not being able to cut down or stop using the substance, spending a lot of time getting, using or recovering from use of the substance, and cravings or urges to use the substance.

If you are a member of the public, a care home resident or family member, you can read answers to frequently asked questions including how to find a care home if you use drugs or have an alcohol or drug problem and what care you should expect.

If you are a care home worker or provider, you can read answers to frequently asked questions about caring for people who use drugs or have an alcohol or drug problem including legal issues relating to drug use.

This information will be updated as new research findings become available.

Public Guidance » Care Home Guidance »