A Suffolk nursing home which cares for dozens of residents living with dementia has shut its doors – just days before Christmas.

The decision to close Friars Hall Nursing Home in Hadleigh comes just weeks after a health watchdog ranked it inadequate for safety, effectiveness and leadership.

Care Quality Commission inspectors returned to the home on Monday – and after they shared their findings with the owner of the home, the owner decided to close it.

Support is being given to families and residents affected and homes have been found for them, authorities have said.

Suffolk County Council (SCC), Ipswich and East Suffolk CCG and the CQC have been rallying round to find them new homes before the Christmas weekend.

A CQC spokesman said: “CQC has been working closely with the local authority and CCG with regard to driving through improvements at Friars Hall Nursing Home in Hadleigh, Suffolk, for some time. On Monday we carried out a further inspection at the home.

“Following the inspection, and feedback from inspectors, the provider took the decision to close the home.

“CQC continued to work with the local authority and CCG with regard to the welfare of people using the service to ensure they were able to find suitable care alternatives.”

Friars Hall Nursing Home provided accommodation and support to older people, those with physical disabilities and dementia.

It was registered to provide accommodation for people who required nursing or personal care, treatment, disease or injury.

Beccy Hopfensperger, SCC’s cabinet member for adult care, said: “Along with colleagues in health and the CQC, we have been working intensively with the home for the past few months, encouraging them to make improvements focussed on ensuring residents receive the quality of care they deserve.

“Unfortunately, little progress was made so we took the difficult, but right decision to find new homes for residents. As of yesterday evening all were settling into their new home. Until then, along with partners, we were putting in the necessary support to ensure residents were well cared for.

“While moving home for elderly and vulnerable people can be unsettling, especially at this time of year, we have worked hard with residents and their families to ensure their moves were as smooth and stress-free as possible.”

Representatives for Friars Hall were unavailable for comment.