Issue 72 01.09.21
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Government needs to act say providers CARE providers have renewed their appeal for urgent Government action as more and more hit difficulties. They say the Government has to set up an emergency task force of volunteers straight away otherwise the social care system will collapse and take NHS care with it. The Independent Care Group says news of a homecare provider unable to deliver care on the Isle of Wight and one in York earlier this year show that the system is crumbling. Chair Mike Padgham said: “We really are reaching a crisis point, but the Government continues not to listen. “It has shown that it can recall Parliament to debate an emergency issue like Afghanistan – well thousands of care providers and those they care for are wondering why they can’t tackle this issue at home, right now. “Unless we get urgent funding action and the task force we have called for, the provider failures we are already seeing and the many others that are not making headlines will grow into a flood until we cannot properly provide care any more in this country. “Providers are failing and there is only so much local authorities will be able to do when contracts are handed back or when care and nursing
homes close. And if social care fails then NHS care will start to fail too, as the two need each other to survive.” The ICG has unveiled its three-point plan to prevent a “winter meltdown” due to the crisis in the care. It calls for: n Parliament to be recalled urgently to tackle the crisis n A volunteer army to fill gaps left by the huge recruitment shortage in care n A financial injection to help providers give staff better terms and conditions. It says years of underfunding followed by the Covid-19 pandemic has left the sector on its knees with increasing closures of care and nursing homes and homecare providers having to hand back contracts. “We need some urgent funding to be put in place, like the Government did with infection control, to enable providers to address pay within the sector and help them to recruit, because staff shortages are now becoming critical,” Mike added. “The Government should also recruit a care volunteer task force, from retired nurses, doctors, carers, to help out. “This would need to be done quickly so they can be DBS checked and trained before winter pushes us to tipping point.”
Residents enjoy new technology
Staff and residents at De Brook Lodge care home in Urmston have hosted a month-long cycling extravaganza, racking up an impressive 500 miles on stationary bikes to raise funds to purchase an interactive activities table. Staff and residents played their part to achieve the remarkable mileage, after residents decided to challenge themselves during their monthly social meetings. Lifestyle manager Danielle Aikenhead organised the event and included residents from other Ideal Carehomes facilities in the fun. Using stationary foot pedal machines with built in pedometers to track their progress, residents could complete their ‘Tour de Manchester’ cycle from the comfort of their armchairs. Resident Rosemary Turner is pictured completing her cycle.
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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RESIDENTS at Bradbury Court, one of Friends of the Elderly’s three Malvern care homes, have been enjoying and benefiting from new, interactive technology. The team at the specialist dementia home invested in the interactive table after manager Elaine Banks decided to take part in an exciting fundraising effort to raise money for a cause close to her heart. She said: “I wanted to do something to raise money for all my residents at Bradbury Court as they are my extended family, especially as I no longer have my parents or grandparents with me. “I’d always wanted to do a skydive so I thought I’d tick it off my bucket list. Of course I was nervous getting ready and going up in the plane, but as soon as I jumped, I felt like I was flying, it was brilliant. “I’m so happy that the money the skydive raised has given our residents a great new, interactive pastime that they all enjoy. It makes it all worthwhile seeing them happy, smiling and enjoying the new gadgetry. They’ve picked it up very quickly.” The interactive touch screen activity table is designed to deliver a unique experience for people living with dementia. As the residents play and interact with the technology, they experience and enjoy a wide range of stimulating activities which ignite and provoke their senses, which helps them to engage, relax and reminisce.
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