Private care home investors a risk to public sector, regulator says
The Care Quality Commission warns that private equity firms are increasingly buying up care homes in England, potentially threatening the quality and affordability of care. The regulator notes that this market shift is largely unplanned and could undermine the goal of a universal care service.
Why it matters
The commercialization of essential social care services raises concerns about equitable access and the long-term sustainability of public health infrastructure.
Image source, Getty Images By Nick Triggle Health correspondent Published 24 minutes ago Private companies buying up care homes for older people in England could undermine the government's ambition to create a universal care service , the regulator says.
The Care Quality Commission's annual report , external highlights how an increasing share of the care home market is owned by large firms - the five biggest have increased their share of the market by 26% in the last two years, driven by interest from US property investors. Between them they own around one in seven homes.
While there could be benefits, there are concerns the trend can lead to higher prices and a reduction in the quality of care - something the CQC says needs to be monitored.
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