Older people to receive more care home choice

Older people who have been assessed as needing a place in a care
home will be given greater choice under plans outlined by community
care minister Stephen Ladyman, writes Clare
Jerrom.

New guidance issued this week means that if an individual would
like a place in a care home which was more expensive than the
council would normally pay for, the council should arrange the
placement providing the individual or a third party would pay the
difference.

Councils should only seek top-up payments where an individual
has chosen to move to a care home that has higher fees than the
fees agreed by the council with local independent care home
providers.

In addition, the guidelines specify that if a person has to move
into a care home whose fees are higher than the council’s
standard fees because of the level of care they need, the council
should meet the additional costs.

Ladyman said: “I want to see people receiving good quality
care in a place that’s right for them.”

“It reminds councils that it is their responsibility to
use best commissioning practice, that delivers high quality care,
that encourages fair competition to ensure best value while
ensuring that providers receive a fair return for their
services,” he added.

The new guidance is being issued under Section 7 (1) of the
Local Authorities Social Services Act 1970.