More homes for older people meet standards

Almost half of older people’s registered care homes now meet all
of the national minimum standards compared to just 25 per cent a
year ago, according to a new report, writes Amy
Taylor.

The study, by the National Care Standards Commission, also found
that over half of the standards were met by just over two thirds of
registered care homes for older people.

Other findings show that the number of places in registered care
homes for older people increased between April 2002 and October
2003.

The report concluded that new regulations and inspections for
care homes are raising standards of care.

Joe Campbell, chairperson of care home representative body the
English Community Care Association, said: “Whilst ECCA is delighted
that care homes are progressing in terms of meeting standards it is
a matter of great concern that there has been a decrease of 6 per
cent in the number of independent care homes.

“Smaller, independent care homes have been forced out of the
market thus narrowing choice for those in need of care. This is a
situation that needs urgent attention,” he said.

Another NCSC report found that almost a quarter of care homes
for older people and almost a third of those for younger adults,
did not meet the national minimum standard for information. This
requires care homes to provide detailed information about their
services to those living in the home or considering moving
there.

Children’s homes fared slightly better with almost a fifth
failing to meet the standard.

‘How do we care? The availability of registered care homes and
children’s homes in England and their performance against National
Minimum Standards 2002-03’ and ‘Choice, Power, Performance – The
Need for Information on Care Services in England’