When it became clear that living at home was no longer an option for my mum, I began the search for a nursing home that could provide her with the quality care she deserves. To my shock, private nursing homes were charging extortionate fees—up to £2000 a week per resident, per home. Worse still, when I inquired about the breakdown of these costs, the manager couldn't even itemise why the price was so high. This lack of transparency is not only alarming but seems to exploit vulnerable people who have no choice but to place their loved ones in these facilities.

It's no secret that many private nursing homes operate on a skeleton staff, paying minimum wage to their workers while charging exorbitant rates. This not only shortchanges the residents who depend on quality care but also exploits the workers who provide it. This system benefits corporate greed at the expense of human dignity, and that's diabolical. It's time for change.

We must replace these ultra-expensive, unaccounted-for private nursing homes with regulated state nursing homes. These state-run facilities should adhere to decent standards, ensuring that all residents receive high-quality care. Enough well-paid staff must be employed to ensure that both the physical and emotional needs of residents are met. By doing so, we can support the dignity and rights of both residents and care workers.

Statistics reveal that the cost of private nursing home care in the UK has been rising steadily, often outpacing inflation. In 2020, the average cost of a private nursing home was around £850 per week, but it's not uncommon for prices to exceed £2000. With a rapidly aging population, this issue will affect more and more families in the coming years. It's crucial to invest in a system that supports affordable and quality care for every senior in our country.

We urge the government to take immediate action by introducing regulations that cap costs and enforce transparency in billing for private nursing homes. Regulations should also ensure that staff are paid fair wages, enhancing the quality of care they provide. It's time to prioritise the well-being of our elderly and the workforce who care for them.

Join us in calling for change. Sign this petition to demand accountability and fairness in the nursing home industry. Together, we can work towards a more just and humane system for our loved ones.