Islington's adult social care services have seen an increase in admissions to residential and nursing care homes, exceeding the council's target for the 2025/26 financial year. The latest performance report for Quarter 4 of 2025/26, presented to the Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee, revealed 197 admissions, surpassing the target of 190.
The council is investigating the specific factors contributing to this rise. Areas of focus include understanding whether individuals could have remained independent at home with different support or housing options, or if earlier intervention was needed. The pathways into care homes, such as hospital admissions, dementia, frailty, and falls, are being examined. Additionally, the council is exploring the impact of deprivation and social isolation, particularly among those living alone, on the support provided at earlier stages. Efforts are also underway to link social care, health, and housing data to gain a comprehensive understanding of these trends.
Despite this increase, overall performance in adult social care remains strong. The report highlights that 83% of residents receiving short-term support did not require ongoing long-term care, exceeding the target of 75% and outperforming London and England averages. Safeguarding performance is also a continued strength, with 96% of service users reporting their desired safeguarding outcomes were achieved.
Victoria Nestor, Deputy Director of Adult Social Care Operations, presented the report, noting that while new admissions to care homes are an area for investigation, the council is committed to supporting residents to live independently for as long as possible. This includes the development of 60 new Extra Care Housing units at Holloway Park, due to open in November 2027. These units will provide independent accommodation with on-site care and support, and are expected to help residents maintain their independence for longer, thereby reducing the likelihood of requiring permanent residential care. This investment is anticipated to support the council's longer-term ambition to reduce care home admissions and improve outcomes for residents.
Councillor Oliur Rahman raised a request to add the reablement service to the agenda for a future meeting, indicating a continued focus on preventative measures within the council's work programme. The full report can be found in the Public reports pack for the Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee meeting on 22nd September 2026.