The independent residential care sector comprises the elderly and specialist sectors. You can click on a market overview of each sector via the link on the right hand side of the page.   

What are the key issues?

Funding         

The public sector currently funds  60% of the elderly care sector and nearly 100% of the specialist care markets. As funding for the NHS and more importantly for local authorities is restricted over the next four years in accordance with the Comprehensive Spending Review, this will lead to pressure on occupancy and fee rates for care home operators.

Much of the increased demand arising from demographic drivers is likely to be satisfied by “care in the home” rather than residential care.

Regulation      

Changing rules and regulations, increased scrutiny from the press and rising public expectations have all impacted on occupancy levels as residents and their families become more conscious of their options. Whilst the star ratings system has been abandoned this will be replaced by a new system based on outcomes, the details of which have yet to be announced.  

Property

Property issues have also become of greater concern over recent years as the market forces out smaller, converted properties in favour of larger modern purpose built care homes, leaving converted properties under close inspection from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Issues

Many of the issues affecting care homes are particularly sector specialist, issues can often include:

• Poor inspection reports
• Issues with regulators
• Poor care practices
• Lack of policies and procedures

Or non- sector specific

• Inadequate or distant management
• Poor financial records
• Property issues

Reviews

We regularly undertake independent healthcare business reviews (IHBR) for lenders helping them understand the key issues, whilst highlighting any problems.The review concentrates on making recommendations, which we believe only our specialist knowledge, and insight of the sector can bring.

Why Moorfields?

So why use Moorfields healthcare team and why is our approach different?

• 20 years of experience in the Healthcare sector covering more than 500 care homes
• Experience across a wide variety of care categories including elderly, learning disabilities and special schools
• Guaranteed partner led service
• Professionals who are well regarded by the industry and other healthcare specialists
• Up to date knowledge of the Healthcare market

Our Approach is 

• Sensitive to the situation and the individuals involved
• Conscious of the effect of adverse PR
• Dedicated to providing the best solution for all interested parties
• Hands on, strategies are agreed, implemented and reviewed on a regular basis.

If you have any specialist healthcare requirements and you would like some independent advice please contact Robert Pick on 0207 186 1142 or email rpick@moorfieldscr.com.