The Home Care Deficit

A new report from the Homecare Association is the most comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of its kind ever conducted and shows the perilous condition of our home care sector.

The report details the findings of enquiries made under freedom of information legislation, to 340 public organisations which purchase homecare across the United Kingdom. These included local authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).

In response to the findings, Homecare Association CEO, Dr Jane Townson said:

“Once again, the continued deficit in funding for homecare services for older people across the United Kingdom is exposed.

At least 70% of homecare is purchased by the State, so central government funding of councils for social care has a direct impact on the fee rates they are able to pay for homecare.

Scandalously low fee rates for homecare are paid by some public organisations, particularly in areas of highest deprivation, which do not enable compliance with employment or care regulations, never mind allow fair reward for the skills and experience of care workers.

It makes little sense to neglect people at home, wait until they reach crisis point, then admit them to the most expensive setting of care in an acute hospital. Here they may lose further function and require even higher levels of support and care when they are discharged back home, or to a care home.”