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Crisis talks underway over social care at home

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The system of home care is 'in crisis', according to care services minister Norman Lamb.

Speaking at the Health+Care conference in London last week, Mr Lamb blamed low wages and neglect for poor care and warned there could be an abuse scandal

The system of home care is 'in crisis', according to care services minister Norman Lamb.

Speaking at the Health+Care conference in London last week, Mr Lamb blamed low wages and neglect for poor care and warned there could be an abuse scandal in this sector, as serious as the problems which occurred at Mid Stafford hospital.

As Independent Nurse was going to press, Mr Lamb was attending a 'summit' in Westminster with leading care organisations, calling for recommendations on how to reform the system. He warned frail pensioners suffer from care that is organised 'by the clock', with some visits lasting no more than ten minutes, while rushed workers are paid the minimum wage or less.

Alzheimer's Society said commissioners were putting price before quality.