Government recommends care home changes

A Government's action plan to improve the quality of care home services has been welcomed as a "positive response" by the OFT.

However, consumer group 'Which?' prompted the original OFT inquiry, has criticised the proposed reforms as "vague" and called for more detail to be included.

Consumer Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "The Government is firmly committed to improving the quality of service available in care homes.

"In broadly accepting the OFT's recommendations, we have made clear our determination to make the care homes market work better for consumers."

In particular the OFT welcomed the Government's recognition of its key recommendation that there should be a central source of information to allow easy access to information about care homes.

The OFT report published in May found that that older people and their representatives faced significant problems in finding information about moving into a care home, often at a time of difficult and distressing circumstances.

Subsequently commitments sought from the national care homes regulators will ensure that written contracts are in place for all care home residents in line with the minimum standards and regulations for care homes.

Health Minister Caroline Flint said: "We welcome the OFT recommendations as they will help us promote dignity for our older people through information, choice and support.

"We are committed to improving the experience for older people and their families when they choose and live in care homes."

However, one OFT recommendation - that top-up payments must be routed via Local Authorities - has not been fully accepted, although three administrations have said they will take steps to ensure that they will adhere to existing legislation and guidance in the area of pricing.

The Government's response to the OFT market study comes at the beginning of a wider process of improvement in care provision for adults generally.

The OFT said it was "greatly encouraged" by the support for and commitments to its recommendations, and looks forward to their successful implementation.

OFT Chairman, Sir John Vickers, said: "Choosing a care home is a major and difficult decision. Older people and their families need good information when making choices about their future care and need to know that they will be protected from unfair contracts."

He said: "Implementing the recommendations in our report, together with continuing OFT work, will help the care homes market work better for the public."

(SP)