September 2016
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Group’s chair fears sector’s downgrading By Dominic Musgrave A LEADING social care group fears the loss of a dedicated ministerial post could signal a downgrading in the new Government’s attitude to looking after older and vulnerable adults. The Independent Care Group is dismayed that the recent new Government reshuffle has seen the social care brief come under a more junior, parliamentary undersecretary of state for community health and care. Previously it was a ministerial post, held by Alastair Burt, who resigned in July. The Group’s chair, Mike Padgham, said: “We had been optimistic that a new Government might at last begin to recognise the importance of social care and address the chronic underfunding which is threatening the care of many thousands of adults. “The new Prime Minister has said she means to support the disadvantaged as she takes up the reins of Government, but the loss of a dedicated ministerial post for social care looks like a backward step. “It very much appears that, after a generation of waiting, any hopes we had of new progress in social care have been swiftly dashed
by this apparent downgrading of social care. “Social care should have its own Secretary of State to give it the status it deserves and not be looked after by a more junior parliamentary under-secretary of state for community health and care, however able they might be, in a directorate that also includes digital, technology and local government. It needs a more senior level position to fight its corner. “A lot of leading commentators agree that social care is going through a crisis due to chronic under-funding and the impact of the economic downturn. “As it settles to the tasks ahead the Government needs to rethink this as social care needs to rise in priority, not fall.” The last six years has seen more than £5bn cut from social care budgets and the amount local authorities pay to providers to offer care has been savagely cut back. The National Living Wage has also added a huge burden to providers, prompting many to fear for the future. Q Do you share Mike’s fears? Share your thoughts by emailing ot@scriptmedia.co.uk or leave a comment on Twitter @caringuk
Residents cone-tent with new parlour
Hats and horses were the order of the day at the Ascot-themed grand opening of Home of Compassion care home in Thames Ditton. Caring Homes’ flagship care home in Surrey was opened by TV and radio presenter Angela Rippon. She was assisted by the Mayor of Elmbridge, Coun. Tannia Shipley, the home’s first resident Patsy Herrod and founder director of Caring Homes, Helena Jeffery. Angela and the Mayor were given a tour of the historic building before meeting the care team and residents. In keeping with the Ascot theme, Helena presented Angela with a framed photograph of her riding a racehorse named Star Performance in 1977.
A CARE home in Paisley is bringing a taste of summer to its residents, providing them with their own traditional ice cream parlour. Bupa’s Braemount facility features the innovative confectionery counter, which aims to provide a recognisable social environment for residents to relive the past and encourage the sharing of memories and stories. The ice cream parlour opens daily and is fully stocked with a variety of classic ice cream flavours, as well as different sauces and toppings, including wafers and flakes. It has become particularly popular with sweettoothed residents who enjoy a cone or tub of the frozen snack alongside an after-dinner film. Manager Kate McConville believes the ice cream parlour delivers a creative form of therapy for residents, especially those living with dementia. She said: “The parlour is a comfortable and familiar social setting for our residents which helps to make them feel more at ease within their surroundings. “It is open to all residents and appeals to the vast majority as it allows them to reconnect with old memories, such as summer holidays to the seaside.”