Issue 142 05.04.23
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Boss sets out challenge for First Minister THE head of Scottish operator Parklands Care Homes has recorded a video message to newly elected First Minister Humza Yousaf to outline the challenges currently facing the sector. In his message, managing director Ron Taylor highlighted the impact of inflation, recruitment and retention, agency costs and inadequate funding for care services. Ron stressed the need to reduce inflation, particularly rising utility costs which have spiralled “out of control”. He also addressed the recruitment and retention crisis in the sector, stating that “the number of people just aren’t there”, forcing care homes to rely on expensive agency firms. Ron added: “Social care in Scotland has always been seen as the Cinderella service and I think it now needs to be elevated and given far more prominence in the delivery of long term care.” On the proposed National Care Service, Ron said the new body could help eliminate inconsistency in the delivery of care but expressed concerns about its timing, calling for a 12-month postponement. He added: “I don’t think this is the time for the National Care Service. “I think it should be postponed for at least 12
months. “I think the amount of money that’s currently being spent on that should be hitting the frontline services immediately.” Ron described the current level of funding offered under the national care home contract as “woefully inadequate” and called for an immediate increase in funding to address the crisis in social care. He said: “We’re very blessed to look after people who have reached old age and these people deserve to be treated properly but, in order to do that, we need to get funding delivered at a higher level. “There’s been a lot of talk over the last few years from national government about dealing with social care, but nothing’s been done. “I think if we elevate social care up to a comparable service to the NHS, you’ll see a huge difference in the flow and the delivery of the way care is being delivered in Scotland.” Parklands Care Homes has nine care homes in Tain, Fortrose, Muir of Ord, Grantown, Aberlour, Keith and Buckie and employs around 700 care staff. The company also manages two homes in Keith and Cullen on behalf of Craigard Care Limited, now in administration.
Team members and residents from Care South’s Dorset House care home in Poole have raised £100 for Muddy Boots Nursery School and the children who regularly visit the home. The fundraiser was spearheaded by activities lead Sam Baker, who wanted to show staff and residents’ appreciation to Muddy Boots Nursery School, with the money raised going towards outdoor summer toys. Muddy Boots Nursery School attended Dorset House for a fun-filled Easter egg hunt where the home presented the donated items to the nursery which included garden toys consisting of a water table, footballs, goals and bat and balls that were purchased with the money raised. The home also presented the nursery with second hand toys which included a toy car and scooter, an activity cube with a slide and ride-on toys.
Care group springs into action LAPTOPS were switched off for the day at Athena Care Homes’ central office recently and teams dug deep to support a gardening project. Working parties made up of central office staff and members of the regional team visited Athena’s five homes and helped get the gardens ‘spring ready’ by weeding, painting, planting and mowing. Teams worked alongside the homes’ residents, gardeners, maintenance teams and gardening clubs to transform the outside spaces. Marketing manager James Eley, who organised the gardening day, said: “We saw some dramatic transformations at our homes and are excited to see residents start to use these green spaces again now the spring sunshine is starting to break through. “The day also benefitted our teams, allowing our teams at the homes to spend
some quality time with people they often only speak to on the phone or via video call. “In addition, everyone enjoyed the chance to spend some time outside and returned to their desks refreshed and energised.” The company’s managing director Mala Agarwal joined the effort and visited Amberley Hall in King’s Lynn where she and her team overhauled a courtyard garden to make it more accessible and appealing to residents. The day of action also kick-started the company’s annual Athena In Bloom contest, which sees the homes compete against one another for titles including ‘Best Sustainability Initiative’ and ‘Best Sensory Garden’. The gardening day proved so successful that Athena will be holding another ahead of the Athena In Bloom judging in the summer, while an indoor decorating event is being planned for the winter months.
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