In The Care Sector News This Week | July 2024

ADASS Spring Survey 2024

The latest ADASS Spring Survey 2024 reveals that people needing post-hospital care require more complex and intense support, which is causing financial strain on local councils. With a 7.5% increase in ‘double-handed care’ and a rise in the average number of homecare hours per person, councils are facing increased costs, leading to overspending by nearly three-quarters of councils in 2023/24. This trend is partly driven by the rapid discharge of patients from hospitals, resulting in higher care demands on social services. The survey highlights that councils are struggling to meet statutory duties and are forced to plan significant budget cuts, risking the provision of early support that helps individuals live independently at home.

The survey underscores the interconnectedness of health and social care, noting that increased NHS pressures lead to greater demands on social care services. Many directors report that care complexity and financial pressures are their primary concerns, with a growing number of people needing council-funded long-term care. Experts and leaders in the sector, including ADASS President Melanie Williams and other prominent figures, call for a shift in government focus towards sustained investment in social care, particularly in community-based and preventive services. They argue that enhancing social care supports individual well-being and alleviates pressure on the NHS, emphasising the need for a long-term, fully-funded solution to address the sector’s challenges.

You can read the full AASS Spring Survey here.

The Kings Speech - July 2024

The King’s Speech 2024 introduced key legislative measures set to make waves in the adult social care sector.

Fair Pay Agreement

One major highlight is the proposed Fair Pay Agreement for adult social care. This aims to tackle the ongoing issues of low wages and poor working conditions by setting national standards for pay, conditions, and career progression. By doing so, it hopes to boost the recruitment and retention of care workers, which is crucial given the rising demand for complex care needs.

Employment Rights Bill

The Employment Rights Bill is another significant proposal. It seeks to ban exploitative zero-hour contracts and ensure fair working conditions for care workers, who often face precarious employment situations. This legislation is expected to provide much-needed stability and support for those in the sector.

Mental Health Bill

The Mental Health Bill also stands out, aiming to modernise the Mental Health Act 1983. It focuses on enhancing patient rights and ensuring care is more patient-centred. Key provisions include limiting the detention of individuals with learning disabilities and autism, promoting community-based support, and removing police stations and prisons as places of safety for mental health crises. These changes are anticipated to alleviate pressures on adult social care by providing appropriate support and reducing the need for emergency interventions.

You can read more about The Kings Speech - July 2024 here.

Heartfelt Farewell for Devoted Couple Thanks to Ashgate Hospice Care

A devoted couple from Bolsover, married for 52 years, passed away just days apart in Ashgate Hospice’s care. Lynne, aged 69, and Chris Johnson, aged 76, spent their final days together at the hospice’s Inpatient Unit in Chesterfield.

Lynne, diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour in December, passed away on 13th February. Chris, who was battling bowel and secondary liver cancer, followed her on 21st February. Their daughter, Julie Whittaker, praised the hospice for honouring their last wish to be together.

“Dad was there for Mum’s last breath,” Julie shared. “He was holding her hand and took so much comfort in that moment. After Mum’s passing, he just couldn't cope; he stopped eating and drinking, heartbroken.”

Chris and Lynne met when Chris was a local milkman. Their romance blossomed quickly, leading to their marriage on 3rd June 1972. They lived together in the same house for 47 years, raising two children, Garry and Julie. Throughout their lives, they were inseparable, truly embodying the term 'soulmates'.

Before moving to the hospice, the couple received at-home care from Ashgate’s Virtual Ward team. However, as their conditions worsened, they needed continuous medical attention. The hospice promptly provided a private room for them both, fulfilling their final wish.

Julie expressed her gratitude for the exceptional care her parents received. "The care was phenomenal, not just for Mum and Dad but for all of us. The hospice staff went above and beyond, ensuring every little detail was taken care of."

Each year, Ashgate Hospice must raise £11 million to keep providing essential palliative care, with only 31% of its funding coming from the NHS. Julie hopes more families can receive the compassionate care her parents experienced.

"Everyone deserves the kind of end-of-life care my parents had. Hospices ease the burden on the NHS and offer unmatched love and compassion. I wish more families could be as well looked after as we were."

For more information about Ashgate Hospice’s services, visit their website or call 01246 568801.

You can read Lynne and Chris's full story here.