In the first or our campaign interviews, we ask Martin Green, Chief Executive of the English Community Care Association (ECCA) to answer some key questions facing the care industry.
1. Is the care home industry facing a crisis?
The care home industry is facing a short-term crisis because of the lack of funding and recognition for the sector. However, the prospects for the longer term look better and I base this prediction on the demographic change that will hit society in the next twenty years and the increased number of older people who will have assets that they will use to pay for care.
2.How can an inspection and assessment system which promotes quality care help restore public faith in care homes?
Good inspection and assessment processes that are consistent and trusted by the public are an essential part of developing a quality care system and ensuring that the public have comprehensive information on which to make informed choices.
3.Why is it vital that we act now to persuade Government to deliver quality care across the country?
Developing a care system that will meet the needs and aspirations of the future generation of older people requires investment and support immediately. We also owe it to the people who are currently in the system to ensure that the services they receive are of the highest quality possible.
4.How can we prevent care homes that fail to meet even minimum standards on dignity and privacy from being allowed to continue?
The regulation of health and social care should be the way to expunge from the market low quality services that do not deliver dignity for older people. Local authorities should also be forced to commission properly funded high quality care and not just be allowed to purchase the cheapest services available.
