Annex K: Consumer behaviour and care homes: A literature assessment

<p>The OFT study into the care homes market for older people found that people need easier access to information when choosing a care home and more support once in a home. Care homes also need to ensure that fee related terms used in their contracts are fair and transparent.

<p><p><p>The report makes a series of recommendations to improve the way in which the care homes market is working for older people and their representatives. A key recommendation is that the government should establish a central information point or 'one stop shop' where people can get clear information about care for older people.

<p><p><p>As part of this study the OFT commissioned the PSSRU to conduct a literature assessment to inform the strand of the market study looking at consumer behaviour. The review is divided into five main parts. It starts by summarising the characteristics of older people living in care homes. The legal and policy context is outlined in terms of relevant policy aims and objectives, including those related to advocacy and complaints mechanisms, and the responsibilities and duties of councils, the National Health Service (NHS) and care home providers. This is followed by a description of key issues and concerns. The fourth section of the review describes the literature on consumer behaviour and care homes. It reviews the evidence about the meaning and significance of moving to a care home for older people and their relatives, the frequency of moves between homes, and the process of moving. The process of moving is considered in terms of the following stages: the timing and reasons for moves; the choice of moving to a care home; the choice of individual home. Evidence about the effectiveness of redress mechanisms and the impact of consumer behaviour on the market is also assessed. Finally some comments are offered about the strengths and limitation of the evidence base.