October 2015
incorporating
no.232 • £4.75
The Number One magazine for the care sector
New survey predicts a ‘care crash’ By Olivia Taylor THE results of a National Care Association survey of independent care provider members shows that 24 per cent of care providers could exit the market. The very people the residential care sector relies on to provide high quality care are being squeezed to the point where many are considering an exit from the sector, which could create a serious bed shortage and have serious repercussions for the wider NHS. The National Care Association predicts that – due to a £375million black hole in state funding – such an exit could equate to the loss of 40,000 beds in the independent social care market, and the worsening of a bed-blocking crisis already in evidence across much of the NHS. National Care Association chairman, Nadra Ahmed OBE, said: “The chronic underfunding of social care by local authorities is prompting the systematic collapse of the independent social care market, which could, in turn, mean thousands of frail older people will not be able to access the care and support they need at a time when they are at their most vulnerable.
“This will create a pathway into the NHS, which the State can ill afford, resulting in hospital admissions for non-acute conditions.” The National Care Association points to a critical shortfall in average council funding of about eight per cent for a typical care home placement as the significant contributory factor in the likely exodus of care providers. This underfunding, together with the impact on care sector overheads of the introduction of the living wage from April next year, is seriously eroding the viability of many care home businesses. Without increased funding from local councils in recognition of the true cost of care, the predicted market crash, the National Care Association believes, will spell the end of the road for many independent care homes. Nadra added: “In short, under very real threat is a UK support service which is essential to local government and NHS care provision.” I What do you think of the National Care Association’s findings, and of the predicted market crash? Let us know by emailing ot@scriptmedia.co.uk
Company founder wins top accolade
A Bollywood-themed bash brought residents, their staff and families together to mark a hugely successful first decade for Sunrise of Banstead staff. Although the weather was more Banstead than Bangalore, the rain didn’t dampen any spirits as everyone got in the party mood. Staff welcomed guests in full Bollywood dress with a platter of Indian snacks prepared by Sunrise’s team of chefs. As the celebrations got into full swing, Lionel Blair arrived onstage to perform. Lionel then joined general manager Suzanne Spurgin in toasting to further success and cutting the specially made birthday cake.
THE founder and director of an award-winning Gloucestershire homecare company has scooped a top accolade. Steve Mills, who founded DoCare with his wife Una 10 years ago, was named businessperson of the year at the annual Stroud Life Business Awards. DoCare employs over 100 staff, and covers 1,000 square miles of Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire. Steve said: “While I am really delighted to have been named business person of the year, I regard this as a win for the whole team. “It’s our fantastic staff who make DoCare such a successful company. “We’re a family business, and the support I have from my co-director Una, our general manager Sue Mothershaw and the team is phenomenal. “When we set up DoCare, our aim was to provide quality homecare by training our staff to the highest standards, and making every day a better day for our clients.”