A major enquiry has been launched by the Equality and Human Rights Commission into the experience of older people requiring or receiving home-based care.
Sally Greengross, Commissioner at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: “Against a backdrop of budget cuts and public sector reform, local authorities are playing an ever-decreasing role as direct providers or funders of care and support, with the majority of older people receiving care from private and voluntary sector organisations or individuals.”
The Commission is looking at how the elderly are being protected as well as people’s experiences of and confidence in the system to protect those rights. It will explore the legal obligations of the different players, including care providers, local authorities, the Care Quality Commission and central government and look at the case for reform. ■