Care Homes Remedies Consumer Research

On the 2nd December 2016, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched a market study into care homes for the elderly, to review how well the market works and whether people are treated fairly. This market study covers the provision of adult residential care for older people (65 years+) in care homes and care homes with nursing ('nursing homes') in the United Kingdom.

On the 14th June, the CMA published its interim report, which provides an update on the progress of the market study, sets out areas for future focus and possible recommendations. Information on the market study, including the interim report is available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/care-homes-market-study The CMA commissioned some consumer research earlier this year, which examined decision maker's (family members and friends of residents in a care home, care home residents themselves and social care representatives) experiences of care homes.

This research covered searching for and choosing a care home, paying for care, complaints and redress in the care home and moving care homes. The findings from this research have been fed into the interim report.

The full report of this research will be published later this year. The CMA is considering commissioning some further consumer research in support of the market study and we therefore invite you to submit a proposal for this.