Issue 14 01.07.20 We are committed to supporting customers in these unprecedented times, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me or a member of my team to talk about how we can help Derek Breingan, Head of Health and Social Care 07818 454674
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Government must ‘heed warnings’ CARE providers have urged the Government to heed warnings over closures and take immediate action. The Independent Care Group says care and nursing homes and homecare providers could close at a critical time due to increased financial pressures brought on by coronavirus. Chair Mike Padgham said: “Providers have been warning for years now that they are struggling to survive but nobody took any notice. “Now coronavirus has exposed a social care system that could not withstand such a devastating virus and there will undoubtedly be casualties unless urgent action is taken to get funding support to the front line.” The ICG’s warning came after the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services said increased costs due to Covid-19 had exacerbated the existing crisis in social care. An ADASS report warns that increased spending due to coronavirus – for example, on personal protective equipment, staffing costs and sickness cover – means some private care providers may go out of business. ADASS called for a two-year
ring-fenced funding settlement for adult social care as well as reform of the sector, including better pay and conditions for care workers. Mike added: “ADASS’ warning makes grim reading but it is something that we have known all along, that the Government financial support so far promised is neither enough nor is it reaching the front line where it is needed. “Social care was already on its knees after decades of under-funding. Coronavirus could be the hammer blow that finishes some providers at an absolutely critical time, unless urgent action is taken now.” Local authorities have been given £3.2bn by the government to support all of their extra work during the pandemic, and there is a £600m infection-control fund for care and nursing homes. However, estimates suggest that care providers will face additional costs of £6.6bn between April and September. An annual survey of adult social care directors found only four per cent of respondents were confident their budgets would meet their statutory duties this year – down from 35 per cent in 2019-20.
Group’s first Wellbeing Day is a hit
When Barnes Lodge resident Bob Greenhead turned 89 his great granddaughter had an idea. Brooke Murray decided to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society by baking 89 cupcakes in honour of his birthday. The Tonbridge care home had a delicious delivery of 89 cupcakes, all baked and decorated by Brooke. Bob suffers from vascular dementia, so this is a cause very close to the whole family’s heart, in particular his daughter, Janice Bishop. Brooke hasn’t stopped there. She has decided to walk 89km – the equivalent of just over two marathons – to raise more funds, having already completed 60km of that so far.
A BIG THANK YOU
FROM ALL OF US TO ALL OF YOU FOR ALL YOU ARE DOING TO KEEP OUR MOST VULNERABLE SAFE AND HAPPY …
WE’RE IN AWE OF YOUR SELFLESS HARD WORK AND DEDICATION.
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THE first Caring Homes Wellbeing Day saw 69 homes take part in the run up to World Wellbeing Week. During the Covid-19 pandemic the operator has designed and implemented a unique wellbeing response to the virus, with several projects and initiatives underway to support residents’ wellbeing. Extra support has also been given to colleagues with the launch of a wellbeing app and weekly newsletter offering support to those who may want it. The aim of the Wellbeing Day – Wear Something White for Wellbeing, was to encourage residents and colleagues to take part in activities together and to talk about mental and physical wellbeing. Project support manager Melissa Jeffery said: “The aim of the day was to raise awareness for both staff and residents’ physical and mental wellbeing and I was delighted that all homes took part. “In addition to wearing something white we encouraged homes to use old white T-shirts or napkins and get involved by painting rainbows on these items to support and raise awareness for all those working in the frontline against Covid-19.” Other activities across the homes on Caring Homes Wellbeing Day included picnics, barbecues, afternoon tea, discussions on themes of peace, happiness and friendship, mindfulness breathing exercises, a ‘White, white wedding’ event and an Abba themed day.
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