Home care for the elderly is reviewed by inspectors

Inspectors have found that some standards in England could be improved when it comes to elderly home care services

15:23 13 February 2013

At least one quarter of services who deliver home care in England are not meeting certain standards according to inspectors, it has emerged.

Overall the inspections revealed that most home carers were doing a good job, but that there were some problem areas where standards of care were not up to scratch.

In its review, which looked at 250 home care services, the Care Quality Commission found that one of the problems related to home care appointments.

Inspectors reportedly found evidence that appointments had been hurried and as a result the elderly were affected by this. One reason for the rushed visits could be because of pressure on staff to meet each appointment on time.

It is believed by some that the inspections outlined problem areas for the services to work on in order to improve home care, but that most services are to be ‘celebrated’.

Through home care an individual can avoid having to move from their home into care, and this helps them avoid having to pay care home costs.

 

These can be expensive and it is thought that some elderly people may have had to sell their homes in order to make up the money to afford a care home.

The news comes following an announcement made on Monday about plans for a £75,000 cap with regards to social care costs for pensioners in England. It is understood the aim is to help the elderly afford care.