Care home associations have welcomed a report that estimates the cost of providing nursing care for older people at £459 per week and residential care at £353.
The figures are significantly more than the average fee currently paid by local authorities which is £385 for nursing care and £268 for residential care, a difference of £74 and £85 respectively.
The study recognises that councils cannot afford an immediate increase in baseline fees and proposes a phased approach. Funding could be made available to local authorities through a 'care home modernisation grant", with the government paying social services departments according to the degree of compliance with national minimum standards achieved by the homes with which they hold contracts.
The report 'Calculating a Fair Price for Care' is available from 01235 465500.
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Government Legislation
02 December 2008
Details of government consultations
28 November 2008
Private Member Bills
21 November 2008
