OAPs failed by a lack of investment

THE care home industry is in serious trouble and many older people are being badly let down.

In most walks of life, if you have savings you can buy a good service but not necessarily here it seems.

Part of the reason is that care homes struggle to attract and keep great staff.

Some carers leave for the NHS as the pay is much better, but many move from one care provider to another, lured by just a slightly higher wage.

Rapid staff turnover and vacancies for key posts are a surefire recipe for poor, inconsistent care.

The root cause of much that is wrong with our care homes is a chronic shortage of investment by the Government. It needs to get a grip and drive some big improvements, fast.