THE ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED

The National Health Service

Over the last ten years, the role of the NHS in providing long term care for older people has declined significantly with the closure of many long stay geriatric wards and the redirection of resources to reduce waiting lists and fund ever more sophisticated and expensive treatment. Once the medical input to a patient's needs has been completed the NHS’s responsibility passes to the local authority. In cases where there is an ongoing need for nursing input but which can be provided in a setting other than hospital, the NHS will continue to offer some funding support through the Registered Nursing Care Contribution (RNCC).

Local Authority / Social Services

As a result of the National Health and Community Care Act, primary responsibility for care provision now rests with the Social Services department of the local authority. They are required to provide an assessment of need to determine the most appropriate care package for an individual and also to undertake the financial means testing in accordance with CRAG, (Charging for Residential Accommodation Guidelines). Whilst some local authorities continue to own and operate their own care homes, this practice has tended to decline over recent years.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

The DWP was formerly known as the Benefits Agency and its main role is to administer the benefits system including Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance.

The Independent Care Sector

The largest group of care providers is the independent sector incorporating charitable and voluntary homes. The majority are owner/operator homes although there has been an increase in the number of multiple operator groups and plc.

	Care Regulations
	To Return to Previous Page