Counsel and Care warns on standards

The national minimum standards for care homes should not be
sacrificed in the face of market turbulence, according to older
people’s charity Counsel and Care.

“Right now there’s a strong possibility of loosening some of the
requirements on care home providers, apparently so as to stave off
further closures. But we shouldn’t be sacrificing quality
standards,” said deputy chief executive Les Bright.

Under the amended draft standards, care homes that opened before 1
April this year are exempt from meeting some standards on space,
baths, doorways, and single rooms.