Thousands condemned to live in squalid care homes

Thousands of frail and elderly people are living in care homes that fail to meet the most basic standards, a damning report has revealed.

In the most comprehensive assessment yet of homes in England, new watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found that more than 10,000 people are living in squalid conditions and receiving inadequate care.

The CQC has threatened to close 400 homes unless they are improved immediately. It described a further 3,500 homes, where 70,000 people reside, as ‘adequate’, the second-lowest rating.

It criticised councils for sending people to the worst homes, apparently with little regard for their welfare.

Local authorities foot the bill for about half the 440,000 care home residents.