Issue 108 25.05.22
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Shocking care figures shame the country SHOCK new figures on the number of older and vulnerable people waiting for care shame the country, campaigners have said. The Independent Care Group said the statistics were further damning proof that reform of social care was “just not happening.” The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has released figures showing that more than 500,000 people are waiting for care. They blame a dire shortage of staff in the sector. ICG chair Mike Padgham said: “These are yet more damning statistics that show that reform of the social care sector is just not happening and older and vulnerable people are suffering as a result. “ADASS represents the local authorities who are delivering and commissioning care, we represent the providers who are struggling to deliver it – between us we can say that the sector is in crisis and urgent action is needed before that 500,000 becomes a million.” He paid tribute to new president Sarah McClinton and to ADASS for revealing the true picture of social care. He said the Government had to switch tack on its plans for spending the £36bn Health and Social Care Levy. “At the moment it is planned that the bulk of this will go into
NHS care initially, but these figures show that the need is just as great, if not more urgent, in the social care sector,” Mike added. “It is totally pointless bailing out the NHS if social care is leaking at the other end. The end result is that the boat will sink and that is what we are seeing now. “Social care and NHS care need equal support – one cannot operate properly without the other – and we need the Government to recognise that and to act, diverting some of the earmarked money to social care so that we can address the staffing crisis which is crippling care.” The ICG wants to see: n A root and branch overhaul of the way social care is planned and funded. n NHS care and social care merged and managed locally or nationally. n Extra funding for social care, funded by taxation. n Dementia treated and funded like other high priority illnesses. n A fixed percentage of GDP to be spent on social care. n Proper pay, conditions and career structure for carers. n Social care businesses to be zero-rated for VAT. Social care currently looks after 400,000 people in care and nursing homes – three times the number in NHS hospital beds.
Lorraine Kelly supports care campaign
Residents at Aliwal Manor Care Home in Whittlesey have been preparing for the Queen’s upcoming Platinum Jubilee by making some arts, crafts and decorations. During a recent craft session, residents were given a variety of royal-themed templates, paints and decorative items to make some jubilee themed art. Jon King decided to use a template of the Queen’s head as his art piece. He placed this on a plain piece of paper and dabbed red and blue paint around the edge of it. He then removed the template to reveal a perfect picture of the Queen. Jon was really happy with how his idea turned out and the team was equally impressed with his creation, so much so that they have sent it to Her Majesty. They are now eagerly waiting to see if she replies. n For more ahead of the Platinum Jubilee turn to page 4.
TELEVISION legend Lorraine Kelly recently appeared on Loose Women to talk about Home Instead’s Care Conversations campaign: a cause that urges people to discuss care options with loved ones. During the interview on the chat show, Lorraine referred to Home Instead’s findings that 81 per cent of people are reluctant to talk to ageing older loved ones about care, despite a third saying they are concerned about their parents’ physical health. Lorraine triggered a discussion among the panel about care for family members, with the panellists agreeing that it’s a conversation we should all have Lee Chapman, Home Instead’s brand and marketing director, said: “Our Care Conversations campaign demonstrates why care shouldn’t be a taboo subject. It can be a tough conversation to have but when broached sensitively, it will be a huge weight off yours or your loved one’s shoulders. “We’ve loved having Lorraine on board to promote this campaign, and it was particularly exciting to see her getting the Loose Women talking about care. I’m certain that Lorraine will have planted a seed in people’s heads and encouraged families across the country to discuss preferred care options. It’s never too early to have the ‘Care Conversation’.” Home Instead is the sponsor of Lorraine’s successful podcast ‘What If?’ in which she and daughter Rosie interview wellknown and much-loved celebrities about key events and crossroads in their lives.
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