§ Mr. PollardTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to assist care homes in adapting premises to meet the new size requirements for residents' rooms. [135178]
§ Dr. LadymanNational minimum standards relating to room sizes in pre-existing care homes (that is, a care home which existed before April 2002) were relaxed in June 2003. The change means that pre-existing care homes which do not already meet certain of the standards introduced in April 2002 will no longer be expected to make physical changes to the home to do so.
The Government has no plans to provide direct financial assistance to care homes to meet any of the standards. Care homes are independent businesses and any changes to meet standards should be viewed as `upgrading' the service being provided. Providers will be able to detail the facilities they offer in their prospectuses, so that those purchasing or using the services can make an informed choice.