UNISON is calling for the Government to clamp down on problems and ensure adequate funding for rigorous annual inspections, to prevent further elderly care failures. The call comes on the day the Care Quality Commission (CQC) delivers its verdict on Castlebeck – the private provider at the centre of an investigation into the abuse of adults with learning difficulties.
As the Department of Health launches an independent review into elderly care, the UK‰Ûªs largest union is urging the Government to tackle serious problems in lack of training, accountability and standards. The union is demanding that the CQC be given the funding to carry out annual inspections – it currently cannot do this due to lack of staff and resources.
Helga Pile, UNISON‰Ûªs head of social care, said:
‰ÛÏInspectors and regulators cannot expose failures when they are struggling with staff numbers and resources.
‰ÛÏElderly care is a service where mandatory regulation is vital to protect their interests. The privatised model means that the time carers can spend with each person is minimal, forcing corners to be cut, and employers see basic training as an expensive luxury. It is not right to try to get elderly care on the cheap.
‰ÛÏThe Government review must lead to a properly resourced regulation and inspection system and tougher standards on workforce training and support.‰Û