Local MP meets with Chief of care home inspections

Local MP Tim Farron met today with Paul Snell, Chief Inspector of the Commission for Social Care Inspection to discuss the issue of care for the elderly. Mr Farron has received a number of letters from concerned relatives of care home residents and will be taking up some of these cases with Mr Snell.

Mr Farron is concerned that the inspection and complaints systems do not give enough protection to people living in care homes. He is calling for a the authorities to have the power to put homes that are failing their residents into 'special measures' and for all residents - not just those who are publicly funded - to have access to a full complaints system.

The Alzheimer's Society issued a report today stating concerns that some care home residents suffering with dementia are not properly cared for. Mr Farron, who is Vice-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Dementia Group raised these concerns as well.

After the meeting, Mr Farron said:

"I am keen to ensure that people get the best care possible when they are at their most vulnerable. I know there are a great many care homes which do incredible work, and we must aim to ensure that the standard is as high as possible across the board.

"Paul Snell agreed with me that there is a need for a proper complaints system and that the inspectors need more powers. We now need to convince ministers of this."