Government announces new checks to clamp down on 15-minute home care visits, but no extra funding

Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb has told home care companies they can expect new checks, in order to make sure service users are having enough carer-time allocated to cover their needs.

The move comes amidst growing concerns that some adults may be receiving inadequate services because some councils pay carers for visits lasting as little as 15 minutes.

A Leonard Cheshire Disability report, ‘Make Care Fair’, was published earlier this month highlighting the extent of the problem, with research finding that 40 per cent of disabled adults receiving social care do not have basic needs like washing, dressing and getting out of the house included in their provision. Results also found that 47 per cent did not feel that care services helped them to be a part of community life.

Speaking to the National Children and Adult Services conference, Mr Lamb commented: “The current approach to home care is not fair on those who need support, it’s not fair on care workers and it is stripping away the human element of caring.

“Fifteen minutes is not enough time to help people who are older or who have a disability to do everyday things like wash, dress and get out of bed. Some do not even get the chance to have a conversation with their home care worker, who may be the only person they see that day.

“These tougher checks would ask specific questions about the amount of time allocated for visits and whether staff are suitably supported to do this. This is particularly important because these are services delivered in private, behind closed doors. I want to build a fairer society, and that means providing better care in care homes, and in people’s own homes.”

The Local Government Association (LGA) agreed with the findings of the ‘Make Care Fair’ report, but sees the answers as coming from central government rather than local authorities.

Councillor Katie Hall, who is also chair of the LGA’s Community Well-being Board, commented: “Significant cuts to council funding mean local authorities are struggling to meet the rising demand for home care visits. Unless local government finance is put on a sustainable footing social care will remain substantially underfunded and services will suffer as a result.

“We agree that 15 minute visits should never be the sole basis for care and councils do not base their provision of support on such an approach. However, in some circumstances such as administering medication they can be appropriate, but only as part of a wider comprehensive care plan involving longer one-to-one visits.

“Helping the old and vulnerable to maintain their independence and dignity is a vitally important job and councils have worked very hard to protect social care services from the full impact of cuts. However, the shortage of funding is being exacerbated by increasing demand and councils need an extra £400 million each year just to maintain services at current levels. It is not possible to substantially raise the standard of care on a nationwide basis until more money is put into the system.”

A CQC spokesperson commented: “This is part of CQC’s fresh start for the inspection of adult social care services.

“Our assessments will be based on expert judgement, which in home care will include whether the service allows enough time to ensure care is delivered compassionately and in a way that treats people with dignity and respect.

“Our questions will uncover whether the care being provided is appropriate.

“Services that ask someone to choose between a shower or breakfast in the morning are not responsive to their needs, can’t be effective or safe and certainly aren’t caring. No well-led organisation should let it happen.

“We will always be on the side of the people who use care services and we expect our judgments to inform what good looks like for providers and commissioners of service.”