12/06/06 - New regulations to make care home services more “transparent”

New regulations to make care home services more “transparent” must be backed by better promotion of good quality provision, says care home leader Nadra Ahmed:

“Regulations are important and they are the benchmark by which all services must function. However, at times good practice doesn’t get as much recognition as it should,” – Nadra Ahmed, NCHA

New regulations to help people moving into care homes get a fairer deal were announced this week by care services minister Ivan Lewis.

The regulations which come into force on July 1, under the Care Standards Act 2000, will require care homes in England to provide clear information on terms and conditions, including fees, before a resident moves in.

Lewis said the regulations, announced yesterday [June 8], will better help families in choosing a care home for relatives and friends: “Moving into a good quality care home is a positive option for many people. But choosing to move can be a trying time for a family so it is imperative that people have as much information as possible to help make a decision.”

The move ends years of campaigning by the Consumer’s Association – backed by 28 organisations - which submitted a super-complaint to the Office of Fair Trading following concerns over price transparency in the care home sector.

Following an investigation the OFT published a report in May 2005 criticising lack of price transparency in the care home sector. It recommended a one-stop-shop for information on care homes, supported by better access to complaints procedures, greater price transparency and fairer contract terms for care home residents.

Lewis added: “We expect to know how much our groceries cost - we should be able to demand the same service for something as fundamental to a person’s quality of life as what they can expect from their care home. I am pleased we have implemented the OFT’s suggestions.”

But Nadra Ahmed, chairperson of the National Care Association (NCA), said that great strides have already been made in addressing public concern over these issues.

“What the minister needs to take into account is that fact that quality service is very high on the agenda already, but public perception of the service continues to be very negative. We hope that the new minister will look at the good practice and promote it as part of his personal agenda for social care.

“Regulations are important and they are the benchmark by which all services must function. However, at times good practice doesn’t get as much recognition as it should.”

Source : Care and Health