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Stepping in at a time of crisis...

On the 21st October 2022 the Care Quality Commission (The organisation which inspects and monitors the standards of care within the NHS and Care homes) published it’s “State of Care” report for 2021-2022. The Chief Executive, Kathryn Smith, summarised the health and care system in England as a “gridlocked” situation. It is “unable to operate effectively”. “The capacity in adult social care has reduced but the unmet need has increased”. The report reminds us all of the urgency to think about how this situation affects us but in particular, the elderly and vulnerable and carers alike. The report states only 2 in 5 people are able to leave hospital when they are ready to do so, contributing to record breaking waits in Accident & Emergency departments following a decision to admit, and dangerous ambulance handover delays. Members of staff involved in the inspections described the system they work in as “in crisis” and shared their fears of the risk of harm people may face as representing a worrying new status quo. There are no instant fi xes – solutions to the problem that affect people’s care can only come from long term planning and investment.

At Paladin we recognise that organisations both within the NHS and private sector do not have the time to focus on a person’s overall experience of care and we witness a fragmented approach that frequently leaves it to family members or services such as ourselves - we act as a voice and coordinator to ensure access to all areas of support be that facilitating a discharge from hospital back into the person’s own home, or working with the various organisations to source available funding options and negotiating packages of care. With our extensive clinical and legally experienced team we are able to step in, often at a time of crisis, to both advise and help practically to fulfi l an individual’s wishes. Either through haste or lack of knowledge, many of our clients are told the only option when in need of care and support is to go into a care home. The predominant wish of all our clients is to be cared for at home – but, what do you need to do or know to ensure this can happen? This is where Paladin can step in and support such hospital discharges, provide links to care agencies and sign post to appropriate resources within our professional networks. In the event you do not have family or friends our Anne Reed can be appointed as your Health & Welfare Attorney which means should you need such support, once appointed through a Lasting Power of Attorney, she can step in and facilitate such discharges and transitions on your behalf. The principle message of this article is take time to think about the “what if” scenarios whilst you are well. This is not age related as everyone should think about who would make decisions for them in

the event they were unable to do so and where to access professional advice when the need arises. We welcome you to call us and seek guidance, either as to how to prepare for the future or perhaps to deal with an urgent need for care and advice. Every circumstance is different but with over 40 years of experience Paladin has supported clients and families across the UK at differing intervals of illness and need and continues to be one of the leading advocacy organisations in the UK. Do take a look at our website to see the range of services we offer and simply call or have a chat with a member of our team.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and happy New Year.

“With our extensive clinical and legally experienced team we are able to step in, often at a time of crisis to both advise and help practically”

Anne

Anne Reed

Solicitor & Advocate Paladin Advocates

12 Plymouth Road VHF Tavistock PL19 8AY VHF annereed@paladinadvocates.com VHF paladinadvocates.comVHF