May 2016
no.239 • £4.75 incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector
Care operators fear closures, survey claims By Dominic Musgrave DOZENS of worried social care providers fear they could be forced to close down as the crisis in the sector is made worse by the introduction of the National Living Wage, a new survey has found. The Independent Care Group asked its members what they felt the impact of the National Living Wage would be. 82 per cent said they feared the extra cost would have some or significant negative impact on their businesses. And when asked about the future, two per cent feared they would close within a year, five per cent within two years and 10 per cent within three years. One respondent said: “Without an increase from our local council, the new National Living Wage will cause serious threats to our business.” Another added: “National Living Wage is good if the care sector is equally supported by a rise in council fees, otherwise care homes will not be able to survive.” The National Living Wage saw minimum pay for staff aged over 25 rise to £7.20 an hour from £6.70. Social care providers say this will have a devastating effect on their already struggling businesses. 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 ICG is currently in negotiations with both North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council to try to get better fees for the region’s providers. The group’s chair, Mike Padgham, said: “This survey bears out what we feared: that providers are seriously worried about the future. “Everyone supports the introduction of the National Living Wage because all workers, especially those working hard in social care, deserve to be paid fairly. “But because local authorities, the NHS and ultimately the Government are not putting enough money in to properly fund social care, providers are going to really struggle to meet this extra cost and for some, it may signal the end.” The ICG surveyed more than 400 members and had a response rate of around 32 per cent. Respondents were in favour of the introduction of the NLW, with 69 per cent agreeing or strongly agreeing that it was a good idea. Most, (62 per cent), felt it was at the right level. However, 51 per cent disagreed or strongly disagreed that it was being introduced at the right time.
Care home is visited by the Danish community
Patricia Martin, a resident at Hallmark Care Homes’ Bucklesham Grange in Ipswich, met Peter Andre after winning a wish granting competition. She was chauffeur driven by Rolls Royce to Peter Andre’s ‘Come swing with me’ concert, to meet him in person and watch him perform live. Patricia was accompanied to the show by care assistant and family friend, Beverley Shaw. She said: “I had a lovely time and I enjoyed meeting Peter, he is a really nice man and a talented singer. It was worth the late and sleepless night!” After the show, Patricia was given a signed programme and lanyard with Peter’s signature.
A CHARLTON care home has hosted a special visit from members of the Denmark community. The team at Sanctuary’s Time Court Residential and Nursing Home invited and hosted a Danish delegation that was supported by the Danish Embassy in London. The delegation, which included healthcare specialists from Academia, the Danish Embassy, municipalities and healthcare companies came to see and learn how a Sanctuary Care home is designed, organised and managed. The delegation met with staff and residents and enjoyed a tour of the home. The delegation and Jes Lauritzen from the Danish Embassy were taken on a tour of the home to learn about the care and support services provided to older people in the UK. Seeing first-hand how residents are cared for, the group also discussed with the team how recent advances in technology have helped further support staff. Manager Mary Johnson said: “It was fantastic to welcome our Danish VIPs into Time Court, we really enjoyed their company and it was a great opportunity to show off our home and our fantastic residents.”