·
Given the ever growing demand
for elderly care services, Care Homes perhaps surprisingly close at an alarming
rate. A principle reason is the lack of resources that local authorities have
to meet need, combined with the government’s sticking plaster approach to
reform and making good.
·
In 2016 some 144 Care Homes
plus closed. Additionally and reportedly 58 of the closures provided less than
three months notice to their residents. Given that we are one of the very
richest nations in the world this cannot be right.
·
One reason so many Homes
close quickly is because when they make their decision to close, staff leave
quickly meaning a Home cannot stay open.
·
When a Home closes stress for
the residents and their families is inevitable. New Homes have to be found and
in the process the vulnerable suffer. Many say the stress harms the health of
the frail because they are taken away from carers who residents inevitably
develop close relations with.
·
The reason many Homes are
closing is because Councils are driving down the fees that they are willing to
pay, whilst the Homes themselves are enduring unprecedented rises in running
costs largely because of increases in the minimum wage. What we do know is that
the Tories if they get back into power will publish a Green Paper in the autumn
on the future of adult social care.
·
There seems to be very little
good news to report in the sector largely because those with influence and
power have been unwilling to make political decisions about what needs to be
done. There is also a lack of ideas
making discussion at the top difficult to start. Let us hope that our new government can find
the time and the inclination to properly overhaul a situation which demands
reform and is a disgrace to our nation.
·
The above is an overview
only. For a FREE appointment and to find
out answers to the questions that need answering and to get the care you or a loved one need email
Andrew Douglas or his team on ajd@awdrys.co.uk or call
on 0800 072 8636. Alternatively visit our website www.abdcare.co.uk
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