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February 2011
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Cuts may lead to closures and death By Dominic Musgrave A GROUP which represents Northamptonshire’s care home owners has warned proposed funding cuts could lead to closures and the death of frail residents who are forced to move home. Glenn Hurd from the county’s Association of Registered Care Homes told Northamptonshire County Council if it cut the money it pays care homes to take council funded residents the decision would have serious repercussions. He told Caring UK the group, which represents 70 per cent of homes, is ‘shocked’ at plans to cancel a fouryear agreement reached in 2009 on the amount it paid in a bid to save money. “In 2009 we were given a four-year deal by the council to help stabilise the sector,” Glenn added. “We are surprised this agreement is being put forward to be withdrawn after just two years, particularly as home operators will have set budgets for the four-year period as promised by the council. “The consequences of cancelling this agreement to the well being of the sector cannot be understated.”
In 2009 the two parties agreed a cash injection of almost £1m after the group warned it would turn away council-funded residents and threatened to move out of the county because their businesses were no longer uviable. Glenn added: “The council should be aware that if this budget proposal stands there will be further home closures, reductions in quality, job losses and, as research has proven, an increased mortality rate among those older frail people that are forced to move due to home closures. “We all know that councils are having to save money, but it is time to spare the elderly and find savings elsewhere. There are simply none left to be found in the care home sector.” A spokesman for the council said at this stage it was just a proposal He added: “Substantial cuts in government grants are forcing us to make savings across all of our services. “Over the past two years we have invested in the Expected to Pay Rate above inflation. “We are therefore proposing that there is no increase to the rate in the next two years as the rate is now at a similar level as other authorities.”
Belly dancer leads the fun ...
Television presenter and journalist Esther Rantzen spent an afternoon talking to the residents at Nightingale House Care Home in Clapham. She enthralled a packed audience with stories from her career and her work with ChildLine. Esther also spoke about the value of older people in society.
RESIDENTS at a Northwich care home have found a fun way to exercise and stay active. They have been putting their rhythm and dancing skills to the test in lessons provided by professional belly dancer, ‘Samara’. Dressed in full Arabian costume, Samara has visited the CLS-run Gleavewood facility to pass on her dancing talent to residents and staff. The lessons were arranged by home service manager, Ellen Wigley, who has been going to her classes for almost 12 months. She said: “Belly dancing is great for improving flexibility and posture. Everyone enjoys listening to the Arabian music Samara plays during the lessons too.” The Arabian themed activity has also brought back memories for resident Bill Boydell, who served in Cairo during the Second World War.