More results from an exclusive survey for Caring Business
With minimal increases in the state pension and funding from local authorities, care homes
are forced to boost current fees for residents. With a growing number of care homes facing
closure without local authority support, we uncover your thoughts on the subject of fees and funding in care homes.
Our Survey Says...
- 31% say they received no funding increase from local authority – up 8% from 2007
- 56% are concerned they will struggle to provide a decent level of care in the future
- 36% say the level of support they receive is ‘only just sufficient’ to meet residents’ needs – up 13% from 2007
- 12% warn they may have to close unless the funding situation changes
- 39% state their weekly care home fees have risen to an average £450-£500, compared to £350-£400 a year ago
Topping Up
With no funding, respondents say self-funded residents are effectively subsidising those supported
by the state in a significant number of homes...
- 20-30% of residents tend to be privately funded
- 14% of care homes are refusing to accept any more local authority placements
One care home respondent states local authority funding had to be "topped up" by her residents:
"Staff costs have gone up with increases in the National Minimum Wage and in holiday entitlements.
All utilities have gone up in cost and to maintain high standards, this is very costly. The government
treats the elderly as second-class citizens and their freedom of choice is non-existent."
This scenario seems to be common with several care homes...
"Our success is dependent upon me taking state-funded residents. The state wants champagne and pays beer money."
"Top ups are required to meet our fees. There is a tendency therefore to select privately-funded residents to
avoid additional hassle and potential shortfalls in fees."
Brian Potter, Marketing and Sales Director at The Consortium, summarises: "Much of the evidence from
our latest research points to a worrying future for care homes unless there is major change in the way
the care sector is financed."
Remember, The Consortium Care is doing its best to make life a little easier for you. Look out for our
latest Care Big Deals specialogue in June, packed with fantastic savings on a vast range of care essentials.
Want to have your say?
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this issue and the worrying situation that appears to be
developing in a number of care homes. Get in touch with us at streams@theconsortium.co.uk or write to
us at Streams, The Consortium, Hammond Way, Trowbridge, BA14 8RR.