Four out of five local authorities do not have enough care facilities to meet the needs of older people in their area, new research has warned today.
A survey conducted by the Family and Childcare Trust found less than half (48%) of local authorities have enough availability for home care, while 44% do not have enough extra care home places.
Only 32% of local authorities said they had enough nursing homes with specialist dementia support, according to the research.
The research – the Older People’s Care Survey – also revealed a lack of information for families looking to find their own care, with nearly three in four local authorities unable to provide data on the rates that self-funders pay.
Claire Harding, head of research at the Family and Childcare Trust, said: ‘It is inexcusable that vulnerable people are left unable to find the care that they need.
‘We urge Government to make sure there is enough care for everyone who needs it. In order to do this, we need robust data on where there are gaps in care, a funding system that truly meets the cost of providing care, and clear information for families.’
The survey also showed that the average yearly rate for one residential care place in the UK funded by a local authority comes to £27,113.
Today, outsourcing group Mitie has announced it is withdrawing from home healthcare market after making a loss of more than £100m in the first six months of the year.
