Government Policy

Starmer Delays Social Care Reform Timeline, Citing Deliverability Issues

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has tempered expectations on social care reform, particularly the cap on care costs. He stated that the timeline set by the previous Conservative government is unrealistic and undeliverable. The Tories had pledged an £86,000 limit on lifetime care costs by October 2025, a date already delayed multiple times since its initial proposal in 2011.

Starmer confirmed that health and social care reform will be part of a 10-year plan, with no specific dates for launching a National Care Service or a care cost cap. He emphasised the need for deliverable and properly planned reforms, acknowledging the issue's complexity and the necessity for a thorough review.

Social Care

Whitepaper Proposes Reforms to Address Social Care Crisis

A new whitepaper, "Ready to Care: The First Steps to Fixing Social Care," has been published by Birdie, featuring recommendations from 20 UK social care experts. Key proposals include:

Amending the 2022 Health and Care Act to mandate Director of Adult Social Care representatives on all NHS IBC boards.

• Delegating healthcare tasks to trained care workers.

• Establishing a national online support service for unpaid carers.

• Reducing travel time burdens for home care workers.

• Overhauling the Care Quality Commission with digital tools.

• Mandating real-time data-sharing between hospitals and care providers.

• Creating a Teach First-style programme for social care leaders.

The whitepaper stresses the need for integration with the NHS to alleviate strain on social care, highlighting the urgency for legislative and systemic reforms.

Health & Social Care

Inclusive Care Guide for LGBTQ Elderly in Care Homes Released

New guidance has been developed to support inclusive care for older LGBTQ people in care homes. Researchers from the University of Kent, in collaboration with the University of Surrey and the University of Hertfordshire, created the guide, co-designed by older LGBTQ individuals and care home staff. The guide addresses the urgent need for improvement in care practices, offering practical tips for care staff.

Dr Jolie Keemink from the University of Kent highlighted that older LGBTQ people are expected to rely more on social care due to a lack of children and social support. Unique health risks such as social isolation, addiction, dementia, and HIV increase their need for care. The guide aims to mitigate fears of discrimination and the need to 'go back into the closet' for safety.

Social Care

CWC Issues Guidance on Responsible AI in Adult Social Care

The Care Workers Charity (CWC), in collaboration with the University of Oxford's Institute for Ethics in AI and the Digital Care Hub, has released guidance on the responsible use of AI in adult social care. This initiative aims to ensure AI enhances care quality rather than detracts from it. The guidance, informed by a roundtable discussion in May, outlines expectations for employers, AI developers, policymakers, and local authorities.

Key recommendations include ethical integration, clear policies, proper training, and transparent practices. The guidance emphasises that AI should support, not replace, care workers, allowing them to focus on meaningful interactions. Karolina Gerlich, CEO of CWC, and Katie Thorn, project lead at Digital Care Hub, stress the importance of AI as a supportive tool, while Dr Caroline Emmer De Albuquerque Green highlights the need for fair working conditions and proper support for care workers.

Healthcare

UK Dementia Costs Projected to Reach £90bn Annually by 2040

The annual cost of dementia in the UK is projected to more than double from £42 billion today to £90 billion by 2040. Early diagnosis and symptomatic treatment are crucial in reducing system pressures and improving patient outcomes. Currently, spending on diagnosis and treatment is only 1.4% of total dementia healthcare costs, while unplanned hospital admissions account for nearly a third.

By 2040, dementia will necessitate 6.9 million additional primary care contacts annually, requiring 1.7 million more hours of primary care time. The number of hospital beds occupied by dementia patients is expected to rise from 20,500 in 2024 to 29,400 by 2040. Early intervention and treatments like cognitive stimulation therapy and AChE inhibitors could significantly improve patient lives and reduce healthcare expenditure.