Understanding the State of Care in England – What It Means for Home Care in Lancashire
The latest State of Care report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides a revealing look at how the UK’s health and social care systems are coping in 2024/25.For people across Lancashire — whether you’re arranging care for yourself or a loved one — the findings highlight how essential dependable, locally based home care truly is.
In this article, we’ll explore what the CQC report means for Lancashire residents and how Unique Homecare continues to help people live independently, safely and happily at home.
Access to Primary Care: Why It’s Getting Harder to Be Seen
The CQC report confirms what many already know: getting a GP appointment is harder than ever. Demand for appointments continues to rise while GP numbers have not kept pace. Many patients now wait over two weeks just to see a GP (CQC – Access to Primary Care).
In rural Lancashire areas such as Garstang, Longridge and Over Wyre, this can mean delayed diagnoses and increased reliance on home-care services.
That’s where Unique Homecare steps in — bridging the gap between healthcare delays and day-to-day wellbeing support at home.
CTA: Need help managing day-to-day care? Book a free care consultation with our local Lancashire team today.
Access to Adult Social Care: When Delays Create Dependency
The Access to Adult Social Care section reveals that more people than ever are requesting care support — yet local authorities are struggling to meet demand. Nearly half of delayed hospital discharges in 2024 were linked to waiting for social care packages (CQC – Adult Social Care Access).
For families in Lancashire, these delays can mean loved ones remain in hospital longer than necessary, creating added stress and risk.
At Unique Homecare, we specialise in fast, flexible Reablement and Respite Care services, helping people return home safely and recover comfortably.
CTA: Planning a hospital discharge or short-term recovery care? Get in touch to arrange timely support across Lancashire.
Access to Mental Health Support: The Waiting Game
The CQC report highlights ongoing strain in mental-health services. Long waits for assessment and treatment are common — particularly for older adults and those in rural areas (CQC – Mental Health Access).
At Unique Homecare, we know emotional wellbeing is just as vital as physical care. Our carers are trained to recognise signs of depression, anxiety and loneliness, and to provide compassionate, person-centred support.
Explore our Companion Care and Specialist Dementia Care services to see how we help clients maintain positive mental health at home.
Access to Secondary Care: Diagnostics and Delays
The report notes that over 1.6 million people are waiting for diagnostic tests and procedures in England (CQC – Secondary Care Access).
Delayed testing often leads to later diagnoses, longer recovery times and greater reliance on community-based care.
In Lancashire, hospitals such as Royal Preston and Lancaster Infirmary are working to reduce waiting times — but home-care providers remain an essential safety net, offering continuity and comfort while people await medical treatment.
CTA: Looking for reliable home-care support during treatment or recovery? Contact Unique Homecare to discuss flexible care options.
Safeguarding and DoLS: Protecting Rights in Care
The CQC report also highlights growing backlogs in Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications — a key system protecting people who lack mental capacity. Applications rose by 11% in one year, leaving thousands without timely assessments (CQC – DoLS Focus).
At Unique Homecare, we take safeguarding seriously. Our carers are trained in DoLS, Mental Capacity Act principles and person-centred care — ensuring every individual’s dignity, freedom and rights are respected.
What This Means for Lancashire Families
Here’s what the national challenges look like closer to home:
- Fewer GP appointments available in rural Lancashire areas
- Limited capacity for home-care and respite services
- Increased demand for dementia and companionship support
- More pressure on unpaid family carers
That’s why choosing a local, trusted care provider like Unique Homecare can make a life-changing difference.
How Unique Homecare Is Responding
Unique Homecare is proud to provide a Lancashire-based solution to these national challenges. Our mission is simple: to help people live safely, confidently and independently at home.
We do this by:
- Creating tailored care plans designed around your needs
- Employing qualified, DBS-checked carers with real compassion
- Working closely with local GPs, hospitals and social-care teams
- Offering expert services like Dementia Care, Reablement, and End-of-Life Support
CTA: Ready to explore care options for yourself or a loved one? Speak to our friendly team today or call 01524 751 751.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CQC’s “State of Care” report?
It’s an annual review by the Care Quality Commission assessing the performance of health and social care services across England.
Why are delays happening in social care?
Staff shortages, high demand and funding pressures mean people are waiting longer for care assessments and support packages.
How does home-care help ease hospital pressures?
By providing safe, effective care at home, we help people recover faster and reduce the need for hospital stays.
Is Unique Homecare CQC registered?
Yes. We meet all Care Quality Commission standards and undergo regular inspections to maintain quality and safety.
What areas of Lancashire do you cover?
We provide care in Preston, Lancaster, Garstang, Ribchester, Longridge, and Over Wyre — and surrounding areas.
Final Thoughts
The CQC’s State of Care 2024/25 report makes one thing clear — access to health and social care is under strain across the country. But with trusted local providers, there’s real hope.
At Unique Homecare, we’re proud to be part of the solution — helping Lancashire families stay independent, supported and safe at home.
Don’t wait until care becomes urgent. Get in touch today or call 01524 751 751 to explore your options and find out how we can help.
