PAGE 2 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 26
EDITOR'S VIEWPOINT Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital! “There are only four kinds of people in the world. Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.” ROSALYN CARTER
Editor
Peter Adams
Our front cover lead story is good news, and do we need some good news! It has taken a lot of effort and lobbying and praise must be given to those behind the scenes who took the government on and fought for the right family members to be treated as key workers. The stories regarding the impact isolation is having on residents and their families has been thoroughly heartbreaking, and in one article I saw a daughter say “my mum dying of a broken heart”. Another example was when a family were allowed a half-hour visit one member say goodbye to their dying grandfather. I think everybody acknowledges the government found itself in a very difficult place. The pandemic is unprecedented, and of course risk has to be managed. But we have, in recent months, seen the impact not being able to visit loved ones and loved ones not being
able to see family has had. So, I warmly congratulate health minister Helen Whatley for introducing the pilot scheme. I would also echo the calls by Independent Care group Chair Mike Padgham in his call for long-term “root and branch” reform to the sector. It continues to be the elephant in the room. Mike Padgham is correct when he describes the sector as: “Under-funded and neglected by government after government, coronavirus exposed a social care system that was already in crisis and plunged it into further despair.” I think that pretty well sums it up! The big concern however is the devastating impact the coronavirus is having on the wider economy. We publish a sister title for the hospitality and we have been reporting regularly the swathes of job losses in the hospitality and on trade, and as the country teeters on the brink of another total lockdown causing even more harm to the economy concerns are that reduced tax revenues will reflect in funding for an already underfunded sector. Once again, a big thank you to all the homes/agencies and staff who are continuing to send us some of the most uplifting and heart-warming feel-good stories. The care sector has risen to many challenges and the lockdown, with its isolation implications described above, has been a huge challenge for staff in raising spirits, keeping residents happy and motivated. We are delighted (as always) include some great initiatives, ideas, functions and events from homes around the country which are putting that little bit of cheer back into the residents lives so very well done! And as set out last week we are also delighted to bring back our “Unsung Hero” Award
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(see page 15). A small gesture on our part, but one we are delighted to say has always been really well received and appreciated within the sector. We are always overwhelmed with the uplifting nominations we receive for various people in various sectors of the industry, from manager, supervisor, care assistant, activities coordinator, chef, maintenance man, gardener, truly heartwarming nominations for people who have gone above and beyond their normal duties, which can sometimes go unnoticed, and we are delighted to occasionally step in with a “luxury 2 night break” in a choice of over 300 hotels! Don’t forget you only have until October 21 to nominate! So please do get your nominations in at nominate@thecareruk.com. We will be drawing a winner on Saturday October 24th. Say hello to some of our previous winners:
01202 552333 (6 lines)
Fax: 01202 552666 Email: sales@thecareruk.com
WEBSITE: www.thecareruk.com EDITOR Peter Adams SALES EXECUTIVES Sylvia Mawson David Bartlett Guy Stephenson TYPESETTING & DESIGN Matthew Noades
rst of Cloverfield Marion Brocklehu
Care Home
Debbie Day of Cedars Care Home
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Shelly Roche Published by
Helen Miller, activities coordinator at Beechwood care home
Tina Higginson of
e Sambrook care hom
I can always be contacted at editor@thecareruk.com
Sam Buckley of
The Boynes Ca re Centre