Fears over care of old folk

A ROTHERHAM MP has warned that changes to the way that residential homes are rated could lead to a decline in the standard of care for elderly people.

John Healey fears that people will be left with less information about the quality of care if plans to change the system are implemented later this year.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC), which regulates adult social care in England, currently gives each home and residential care provider a star rating.

These are then published alongside inspection reports so people have information to help them assess care homes.

But later this year the CQC plans to phase out the ratings and check only whether essential safety and quality standards are being met.

The Wentworth and Dearne MP has written to the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley about the proposals.

Mr Healey is concerned that replacing the graded ratings system with essentially a pass or fail could mean a decline in care standards and the loss of information families need about the quality of service.

He said: "Relatives will find it harder to make an informed choice about who will best care for their loved ones at what is already a very difficult time.

“They often have to make a decision quickly because of a crisis, like their relative has fallen or become unable to cope due to illness.

"Families often feel a mix of emotions, from guilt that they can't provide care themselves to worries over cost.

“The most important thing is for them to have peace of mind that their relatives are being well treated when they are not with them.

"Removing the graded ratings system could also be a disincentive for care providers to maintain the high standards because I know many work hard to raise the rating they get and are proud when improvements are recognised."