Issue 143 19.04.23
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Study reveals post-Covid struggles CARE providers are urging the Government to listen and take action after another report on the perilous state of the sector. They have accused the Government of continuing to ignore the plight of care providers, despite numerous warnings from them and other social care experts. A new report from The University of Warwick on the financial impact of Covid-19 on care homes found that the Government did not support homes properly, particularly after the worst of the pandemic was over. It concluded that the Government’s decision to end financial support after the first year of the pandemic had contributed to the difficulties now faced by care homes. The provider organisation The Independent Care Group says the report provides more evidence of the neglect of the care home sector. “The report says what we have been saying for a generation, that social care has been so chronically under-funded that it was in a perilous state even before the pandemic,” said chair Mike Padgham. “Whilst we got some help during the worst of Covid-19 that stopped far too quickly. Since then, the extra costs associated with the pandemic,
combined with huge increases in energy and utility costs and the ongoing staffing challenges have all pushed the sector deeper into the abyss. “Care and nursing homes have been closing and homecare providers handing back contracts or ceasing to operate. “Those providing local authority funded care have been particularly badly hit.” Mike added: “When we surveyed our members earlier this year, a frightening number said they feared for the future. “Given the cutbacks the sector has suffered for decades there will be further closures within the sector. “We appreciate that local authorities and the NHS are suffering financially themselves and that it is down to Government to properly fund the sector. “We must address the low pay issue in the sector too and achieve parity with NHS staff. “Far from increasing funding the Government confirmed last week that, for example, £500m earmarked to help train the social care workforce has been halved to £250m.” The ICG wants to see urgent action and has issued its Five Pillars of Social Care Reform document, setting out what it believes are the actions required to save the sector.
David Gault, a resident at Heatherfield House Care Home in Armadale, has created an outdoor haven for birds to shelter from the elements in. He decided to assemble the birdhouse after worrying how the birds were coping in the recent frosty weather. Heatherfield’s maintenance staff member Joe Folek helped David make the birdhouse, pre-cutting the wood and labelling it so he could safely put it together with little support. Joe said: “It was great to spend the day with David building his birdhouse. I could see how happy it made him, and I was glad to help.”
Awards nominations now open OPERATORS wanting to put themselves forward for recognition have been urged to enter the Caring UK Awards in partnership with Virgin Money. Nominations for this year’s event are now open at www.caringukawards.co.uk The awards, organised by Script Events in partnership with Caring UK, recognise excellence and achievement in all corners of the care industry. And with more than 20 categories up for grabs, there’s something to suit every type of care business. These include everything from Quality in Housekeeping and Catering Team of the Year to Best Outdoor Environment and End of Life Team of the Year. Event director Dominic Musgrave said: “We are really excited to be introducing the sixth Caring UK Awards – nominations are
coming in and our events team is already busy ensuring that this year’s event is bigger and better than ever. “Obviously, our main aim is to recognise and honour the best in our wonderful care sector and showcase the innovation and dedication that goes on every day so please share your successes and tell us about your hard work and initiatives by sending in your nominations … it’s a real privilege to read them.” A shortlist in each category will then be drawn up, with winners chosen by an expert industry panel following a visit by a member of the Caring UK team. Trophies will be handed out at a glittering ceremony at the Athena in Leicester on Thursday, December 7 presented by television personality Emma Jesson. Closing date for nominations is August 28.
Book a demonstration today by calling 01925 386800 or visit www.carebeans.co.uk