Private firms exploited the system
Almost all care homes forced to shut for breaches in England as a study finds more than 90% of facilities for children and 98% of those for adults that were closed down were run for profit. With a complete lack of due care for the patients and some devoid of any decent hygiene standards.
As a result almost all the care homes shut down for endangering children or vulnerable adults were run to make a profit, according to a landmark study examining the long-term impact of outsourcing care to the private sector.
Care homes forced to shut for breaches in England
Research published last week by Oxford University reveals that 98% (804 out of 816) of the adult care homes closed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England to protect disabled, mentally ill and elderly people from harm between 2011 and 2023 were operated by private companies.
The study, which analysed millions of data points recorded by regulators, also found that the care market had led to a concentration of old people’s homes in affluent areas, where firms were more likely to attract wealthy self-funded residents.
Contrasting that to children’s care homes which were conterated in poorer areas, where companies could source cheap properties and generate higher profits. As a side note the care homes forced to shut for breaches in England also exploited the equity of the properties.
Only 12 homes were run by either local authorities or charities. After legislation is catching out private firms who ran almost all care homes were found wanting and short of the standards expected in the UK.
The underlying data for the report, shows that one company, Atlas Project Team, previously known as ULTRAMIX LIMITED, was ordered to close 14 care homes in 2012 – more than any other provider over the last 12 years.
It is the kind of business that turns to any industry where government funding can be exploited. The Director seems like an expert in circumventing the legislation and standards and has run his business with a view of profit and a lack of morality.
An adult safeguarding review in 2019 found that adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health problems were subject to systemic neglect in homes run by the firm, which had pre-tax profits of £3m before it was dissolved.
A police investigation identified 2,600 instances of seclusion, with some residents wrongly confined up to 400 times. Vulnerable people were left without food, drink, heating or access to toilets.
Failure by the Government
A final thought on the outcome of this study also shows the failure by the government and how the it has failed elderly and vulnerable children in society. This happens when you develop a system which is dominated by the numbers and stats that politicians can use and quote, rather than one developed to help and care for the industry.
A very American approach to industry which has infiltrated our higher standards which has also destroyed the NHS and our stella children’s care homes.
Often run by donors to political parties it is astonishing to think that private companies are able to abuse a system where they can exploit the most vulnerable in society, for simply knowing the right people or being able to circumvent the legislation.
The Department of Health spokesperson said it was tackling the significant challenges facing social care: “To improve the consistency of care and ensure everyone can live an independent and dignified life.” Sounds like a very typical political soundbite, lacking of any substance or quality.