An investigation into the five biggest firms providing homecare services in the UK has found millions of pounds has been paid to some owners amid a crisis in standards of care.
An analysis of published reports from the Care Quality Commission, the care regulator for England, reveals that of the 192 domiciliary care services run by major companies, and inspected over the last two years, 80 were found to “require improvement”, with eight found to be “inadequate” and placed into special measures.
In services rated inadequate, people were found to be unwashed, unfed, unable to get out of bed and left at risk of harm. In some cases, medicine was not given on time or safely and services were described as unsafe and short-staffed. Yet, in the past five years, an analysis of care records and company accounts by Corporate Watch reveals evidence of £36m being paid to owners, with a further £34m in liabilities being stacked up in company accounts…..read more
