Staff turnover in a small home service: a study* of facilities for adults with severe and profound mental handicaps

Turnover of staff in a small home service for adults with severe and profound mental handicaps was compared to that in a number of larger units also based in the community and serving people with similar handicaps. Turnover was higher in the two small homes studied although recruitment was able to match staff loss so that the proportion of staff in post was maintained. Reasons for staff leaving were discussed. The main difference between the settings to account for the difference in turnover was size.