Issue 123 12.10.22
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Campaigners welcome hardhitting report CAMPAIGNERS say a frightening list of the major concerns facing social care providers cannot be ignored if people are to continue getting the care they need. The Independent Care Group has welcomed a new report on the current social care market which reveals that providers are most concerned about the workforce, energy prices, inflation and return on operation/capital investment. The ICG has praised the Care Provider Alliance for creating a report that lays bare the challenges facing the sector. Chair Mike Padgham said this latest evidence of a sector facing frightening challenges could not be ignored. “We see time and time again evidence that the social care sector is in crisis and facing very real existential challenges that place the delivery of care to many thousands of older and vulnerable people in jeopardy,” he said. “Here, the CPA very plainly and clearly shows that the level of staff vacancies, the struggle to recruit staff and the rocketing costs of energy, food and insurance, amongst other issues, are creating a very difficult playing field upon which to deliver good, sustainable care.
“The Government cannot ignore these issues and hope they will go away.” The evidence provided by the CPA is to go to local councils for them to consider as they finalise their Market Sustainability Plans. “It is an excellent report by the CPA but makes very difficult reading. “It does however give local councils vital ammunition to go to the Government and say, in realistic terms, what they need to deliver social care in the current economic climate,” Mike added. After surveying providers, the CPA found, amongst other things, that staff vacancies are up 52 per cent; that 60 per cent of providers are having to increase carer pay in addition to their annual pay uplift, due to the cost-of-living crisis and that recruitment costs are up 127 per cent in the last two years. It found that even after the introduction of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme and the introduction of a cap, energy prices for providers are three to four times what they were 12 months ago. Food inflation is more than 15 per cent of total costs currently for care home providers and insurance premiums can be 400 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Tickets to this year’s Caring UK Awards at the Athena, Leicester on December 1 are now available. For more information and to book visit https://script-events.co.uk/cuk-awards-tickets/
Care home manager Sharon Troy and Weber Rescue UK Ltd director Richard Wood took to the skies to perform a ‘wing walk’ in aid of Andy’s Man Club and Dementia UK. Sharon, home manager at Ashworth Grange care home, and Richard were strapped to the wings of a 1930s plane in flight during this fundraiser. Founded in 2016 in Halifax, Andy’s Man Club works to create healthy and judgement-free spaces for men to open up about their mental health. Specialist dementia nurse charity Dementia UK support and develop Admiral Nurses who provide life-changing care for families affected by dementia. Sponsored by Webber Rescue UK Ltd, the pair raised more than £2,000.
Operator shares its warmth HARTFORD Care has committed to making a winter fuel contribution of up to £600 to all its employees. Paid across two instalments in September and December 2022, team members will receive this extra income as part of their salary payments. Hartford Care employs more than 850 staff, all of whom will benefit from the donation at a time when many are struggling with the current cost-of-living crisis and rising fuel prices. Even new team members who began their employment in September will receive this bonus payment. CEO Kevin Shaw said: “Our values of care, comfort and companionship extend
to those who work for us, not just those we care for in our homes. “Our people are the heart of our business and it’s important for us to help where we can. As one of the UK’s leading care providers, we hope that other companies in our sector – and elsewhere – will follow suit.” The winter fuel contribution is being made as a stand-alone payment in response to the current economic climate and the financial challenges faced by many during these tough times. This contribution does not hinder or prevent any future pay reviews and next year’s annual pay review will still take place as planned.
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