23 August 2002
Government plans to exempt existing care homes from controversial environmental standards could lead to a two-tier system of care for older people, claim social services chiefs.
Under the consultation proposals, only new-build or newly registered homes will have to comply with the standards on minimum room sizes, bathrooms and other facilities. From April 1, established homes will be allowed to stay as they are.
Sheila Scott, chief executive of the National Care Homes Association, expressed relief that Health Secretary Alan Milburn had 'seen sense', by abandoning rigid regulations that many home owners could not afford to implement. 'They have already led to the loss of over 50,000 care home places. This is a good move, which will help stabilise the care home market,' she told Public Finance.
However Mike Leadbetter, president of the Association of Directors of Social Services, believes the U-turn on care home standards could lead to a compromised, two-tier service. 'The danger is we'll see luxurious homes charging well above the odds, alongside existing homes barely meeting minimum standards.'
Leadbetter does not rule out 'sharp practices', with some care home firms cashing in on the situation by buying up older properties, with no obligation to modernise them.
The care home crisis is jeopardising government targets on bed-blocking and intermediate care, Leadbetter said, and is the primary reason for Milburn's change of heart. But older people's organisations are disappointed that minimum space standards are being watered down.
'The real issue behind the home closures is less about room sizes and more to do with inadequate government funding for residential care,' said a Help the Aged spokesperson.
The National Care Standards Commission has also expressed disquiet over the proposals, calling them 'somewhat premature.'
PFaug2002
