132 care homes in England rated 'inadequate.'

Research has revealed that about one in five care homes in England is underperforming, according to the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Out of nearly 14,000 facilities surveyed, 132 were rated as 'inadequate,' which is the lowest score possible. Additionally, 2,418 homes were noted to 'require improvement.' The situation is particularly concerning in areas like Liverpool, Halton, and Camden, where around 40 percent of care homes do not meet quality standards. Care England's chief executive criticized the inconsistent quality of care across different regions, blaming poor funding from local authorities. Political leaders have called for urgent reform in the social care sector. The Liberal Democrat's care spokesperson highlighted the struggles faced by elderly and vulnerable individuals in accessing proper care. They stressed the need for immediate action rather than waiting for a government review that may take years. The CQC evaluates homes using a color-coded system, with scores reflecting how well they provide care. In Liverpool, for example, nearly 37 percent of the homes were rated as needing improvement or were inadequate. Other areas, like Islington and Kensington, had no sub-par homes. Recent investigations have uncovered disturbing cases of neglect and abuse in some care homes, which has further fueled public outrage. One specific incident involved a disabled man filmed eating from a bin due to a lack of supervision. The CEO of Lifeways, the company involved, acknowledged the issues and stated that actions were taken against those responsible. The current state of care homes points to a crisis within the system, with staffing shortages and high operational costs contributing to the problem. The CQC is attempting to regain the public's trust by addressing these concerns and improving the quality of care. They are committed to ensuring that everyone receives the care they deserve.