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March 2010
incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector
no.166 • £4.75 In association with
Winter fuel payments unfair claim By Dominic Musgrave CARE home owners should be allowed to ask their residents for any winter fuel allowance they receive, it has been claimed. Angela Baker, who runs Overton House in Manchester, says the government is wasting millions of pounds paying residents who live in care homes on average £125 per person. She told Caring UK that most of them spend the money on either toffees, cigarettes, clothing or going out. Angela added: “This is grossly unfair. After speaking to the department who issue winter fuel supplements, l was told that pensioners who live in a care home are entitled to a reduced rate of winter fuel allowance. “When l asked if home owners were within their rights to actually ask for this allowance as a contribution to the huge winter fuel costs, which have been even more than usual after the recent extreme temperatures, l was told certainly not as this money is for the person themselves. “Think how much the government is actually wasting on money across the country on pensioners who live
in care homes, and this winter fuel supplement is not even being used to keep them warm. The country would be better off not even paying it at all.” Angela, who has owned and run the home for 22 years, said ever escalating costs including an excessively high gas bill means the next few months will be a financial struggle for her. She added: “I have had several letters telling me that this year’s allowance has been deposited in a particular client’s bank account. “Most of our client's finances are handled by relatives or local authorities so my question is: ‘Where is this money going?’ because it is certainly not being used as it should be, to keep those pensioners extra warm and assist home owners in already extortionate running costs. Obviously keeping our elderly clients warm is a huge priority which must come before expenses such as staff training but, with little hope of the local authorities and government raising the fees, most homes will be in jeopardy of losing their financial control.” She is calling on the government to recognise care homes are necessary places and assist them by increasing fees appropriately to meet inflation.
‘For Better or for Worse?’
Coronation Street actor Bill Tarmey released a flock of pigeons to officially open a new Leeds care home. The actor, best known for playing Jack Duckworth on the soap opera, also unveiled a plaque at Ideal Care Homes’ new facility Berkeley Court, which has 78 en-suite bedrooms, 36 for people with dementia. Facilities at the home include a hairdressing salon and landscaped sensory gardens.
‘FOR Better or for Worse?’ is the theme of the annual ECCA conference in November. The event, which takes place at the Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury on November 17, will pose the question whether health and social care can ever be happily married. Chief executive Martin Green said: “There is much talk about shared values and common objectives with commissioners and providers collaborating to provide integrated care, but are these the basis for a marriage made in heaven? Or is divorce already on the cards? “This event will review the relationship from all sides and hopefully point the way to a long and happy partnership.” As in previous years, interactive workshops and seminars during the afternoon session will cover a range of business and care-related topics to provide practical advice and allow delegates to debate the issues raised by the speakers.