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.