Issue 203 30.10.24
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Carers respond to CQC State of Care report THE Government must act on a growing shortage of care for older, vulnerable and disabled adults after a report warned of a ‘precarious’ situation in social care. Campaigners say the Government must address a shortage of funding in the sector which has robbed providers of the staff they need to provide care. And The Independent Care Group said urgent measures were needed to prevent a serious increase on the two million people who currently can’t get care. It says social care has gone beyond the point of no return. The warning comes after the CQC released a damning report on care in this country. It spoke of a “precarious” situation in adult social care with the number of people not getting care jumping by a quarter over the past five years. And its State of Care report revealed that half of those well enough to be discharged from hospital could not leave because there were no care home beds or homecare packages available. It warns that the staff vacancy rate is three times the national average and that care workers “despite the crucial job they do, remain among the lowest paid members of society”.
ICG chair Mike Padgham said: “We are past the point of no return for social care. Unless we get action on funding soon, the system will grind to a halt, that figure of two million people who can’t get care will rocket and the number stuck in hospital beds through a lack of social care will go through the roof.” The ICG has sent an open letter to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves urging her to support social care when she presents her Autumn Statement next week. In the letter to the Chancellor, Mike said the Government needs to increase the funding it gives to commissioners like local authorities to buy care from providers. That would inject more money into the social care sector and enable providers to recruit, tackling the current 131,000 shortfall in staff. He warned the Chancellor that an increase in National Insurance would hit social care providers and be at odds with the Government’s desire to see more people looked after in the community. Mike also argues that the Government must support social care if it is to succeed in its proposals to reform and improve the NHS, as it is impossible to reform one without supporting the other.
A Lymington care home resident has been reunited with former colleagues at the Port of Southampton after a gap of nearly 20 years. Robert Nock, known as Vernon, was a manager in the vessel traffic services team at port operator Associated British Ports from 1981 until his retirement in 2005. When he moved to Colten Care’s Court Lodge earlier this year, carers asked him if there was a special wish they could make happen for him. He told them he would love to go back and visit VTS again, so they liaised with current managers to arrange a trip to the present-day operating room. Vernon Nock, right, is pictured with former colleague Alf Hunnybun.
Charity joins forces with tea merchant
ROYAL Star & Garter has teamed up with a veteran-owned tea and coffee merchant for the relaunch of a campaign designed to promote conversation and connection in the community. Brew For Two: Creating Connections One Sip At a Time, encourages people to purchase a Brew For Two pack for just £5, which includes two customised Rosie & Java tea bags, an invitation card to write, and a stamped envelope to make it easier to organise a gettogether with someone they want to connect with. They can use this to invite a friend, family member or Tickets to this year’s Caring UK Awards at the Athena, neighbour for a cup of tea and a chat. Leicester on Thursday, December 5th are now available. For Heather Perkins, senior partnerships more information and to book your tickets visit officer at Royal Star & Garter, said: “By https://script-events.co.uk/cuk-awards-tickets/ 00057 Carebeans CaringUK January 2024.qxp_Carebeans CaringUK Ad 23mmx80mm 15/12/2023 16:08For Page 1 supporters having a Brew Two,
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can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a special moment with someone they care about. “These packs serve as a prompt to sit down, enjoy a cup of tea, and share stories, thereby reinforcing the community spirit that is central to Royal Star & Garter’s mission. “I’m delighted that we have teamed up with Rosie & Java, a veteran-owned and run tea and coffee company, which also holds the care and wellbeing of veterans close to its heart.” The donation goes towards supporting veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia at Royal Star & Garter’s Homes, in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe. The charity also launched new services reaching out into the community.
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