A new report looking at Norfolk’s care homes has revealed places for council-funded residential care will run out by 2023 – unless quick action is taken.

The report was drawn up by Norfolk County Council and warns it could be a similar story for those who fund their own places in care homes.

The study also portrays a worrying image over the standards of some of the care homes in the country.

Council bosses have said they are taking action to provide new spaces, invigorate the market, help improve the quality of the private care homes and make it easier for people to remain in their own homes.

Bill Borrett, chairman of the council’s adult social care committee, said: “The prediction is based on a ‘no change scenario and we are not standing still on the future supply of care homes.

“By 2028, more than 2,800 new extra care housing units will be needed, so we are taking action now to make sure that there is the right support for those who need it – both now and in the future.”

The County Council has also launched ‘Living Well: Homes for Norfolk,’ with £29million to provide and extra 3,000 homes where help can be provided while living independently.

“We know more people want to live in their own homes and as part of our drive to promote independence, we are focussing on early help and prevention to give people the best chance to live longer at home.

“Providers are also helping to re-shape the provision – adjusting their care so it can support people with dementia,” said Mr Borrett.

Norfolk currently ranks bottom of the table in the East of England for the percentage of care homes rated as good or outstanding by watchdogs, with almost a quarter rated as ‘inadequate’ or ‘requires improvement.’