OFT targets care homes

Wednesday, 18 May 2005 12:00 AM

The Office of Fair Trading is recommending a one-stop-shop on access to information about care homes, to help older people choose the right home.

It follows a ten-month study initiated following a super complaint by the consumer group Which?, which found that the current system makes it difficult for older people or their representatives to know where to go to find relevant information.

Other recommendations include better access to complaints procedures, greater price transparency and fairer contract terms for care home residents.

Sir John Vickers, OFT chairman, said: "Choosing a care home is a life-changing decision often made under distressing and difficult circumstances.

"That makes it all the more important that good information - from both public authorities and care homes - is readily available to help older people and their families, and that fair contracts and good complaints procedures are in place for residents."

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