Elderly at risk, says task force
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.FEARS over care of the elderly means responsibility should be taken away from local authorities and be subject to national standards, according to a Government task force.
It is calling for changes to be brought in to stop "major anomalies" which are putting old people at risk.
The review of long-term care published yesterday by the Better Regulation Task Force says the system is "confusing" and consumers have little confidence in it.
The task force recommends that a independent inspectorate should be set up to enforce minimum standards of care in nursing and residential homes.
The chairman of the working group, Dr Chai Patel, said: "At the heart of all regulation has to be the need to provide protection for vulnerable people through guaranteed standards."
The force wants the responsibilities to be taken out of the hands of local authorities where there could be conflict of interest when such authorities act as providers, purchasers and inspectors of care.
The Department of Health is expected to respond to the review by August.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments