‘The final indignity’ – Families battle to claw back care home cash

At least 25 families across four council areas in Scotland have raised concerns regarding financial issues with care home provider Morar Homes over the past three years, according to freedom of information requests.

Morar Homes Financial Concerns

Complaints center around deposits not being returned and invoices that are difficult to understand.

One council, in a letter to the Scottish government, described Morar’s refund policy as “unnecessarily complicated.” The council added that its chief social work officer is “particularly concerned for residents who lack capacity and do not have family members to manage this on their behalf.”

Morar’s contract with residents states that any funds held by the company will be returned upon a resident’s move or death, but does not specify a timeframe for the return of these funds.

According to guidance from the Competition and Markets Authority, a UK government business regulator, deposits should be returned within 28 days.

Jim Pearson, deputy chief executive at Alzheimer Scotland, called year-long delays in refunds “appalling,” stating, “There is no reasonable excuse why that can’t be done in a reasonable timeframe.” He suggested a reasonable timeframe would be “a matter of weeks, maybe a month at the most.”

Morar Homes stated, “We act decisively where issues were identified, and continue to strengthen care, leadership and oversight.”