01
20/12/13
11:18
Page 1
January 2014
incorporating
no.212 • £4.75
The Number One magazine for the care sector
CQC launches first review of dementia By Dominic Musgrave THE inspectorate is to carry out focused inspections of approximately 150 care homes and acute hospitals to review how people with dementia are cared for in England. CQC will explore the care and support that these services provide for people with dementia and in doing so, draw common themes on what works well and what needs to improve on a national level. The announcement came as the Government hosted a G8 summit on developing coordinated global action to prevent, delay and effectively treat the condition. CQC chief executive David Behan said: “670,000 people in England are estimated to have dementia and the number is expected to double over the next three decades. “We know that these people are often vulnerable because of their condition and can rely on a number of services across health and social care to support their physical, mental and social wellbeing. “There is a real need to explore why people with dementia may not be receiving high quality care, as well as how the different services work together. “This is the first time that CQC has undertaken a review, which
specifically looks at the care services that people with dementia use and rely on. It will address the key issues that these people face, such as why admissions to hospital from care homes are higher for people who have dementia compared to those who do not have the condition. “Our findings will draw conclusions on a national scale about what works well and where improvements are required.” The unannounced inspections will focus on: How people living with dementia are supported to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing. How effective care can reduce admissions to hospital from care homes and avoid unnecessarily lengthy stays. How care services can work together when there is a need for people to move between services. For every service inspected, CQC will publish a report detailing its judgments and any required improvements. As well as this, CQC will publish a national report in May, which will highlight the key themes on a national level. CQC wants to hear from people with dementia, or the relatives and friends of people with dementia, and their carers about their experiences.
Care head talks with business secretary
Darts legend Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor returned to his roots to officially open a new care home in Stoke-onTrent. The 16 times world champion cut the ribbon at Safe Harbor’s Agnes and Arthur Care Home, a former council run facility which has been renamed and fully refurbished by its new owners. The home has created 40 new jobs in the city and now boasts its own hairdressers and passenger lift, as well as new laundry and kitchen facilities. The owners are also aiming to reduce its carbon footprint by using wood free paper, installing LED lighting, moving from gas to biomass and also installing solar panels.
A SENIOR regional care representative met with a top government minister to call for more to be done to support the sector. Mike Padgham talked with business secretary Vince Cable about how the Government could provide greater support to businesses and organisations caring for older and vulnerable people. Mike, who is chair of the Independent Care Group (York and North Yorkshire), said: “Greater support for social care is vital for the rapidly growing number of people who need it to live a full and active life and vital for the massive contribution it makes to the UK economy,” he said. “Investment in social care is an investment in people – people who need care and people who provide care.” He added that greater support for social care businesses could start with addressing the VAT anomaly – the situation where care providers are charged VAT but cannot reclaim it.