Government Policy

Government Plans Fair Pay Agreement for Care Workers

Care minister Stephen Kinnock has announced plans for the first Fair Pay Agreement for care workers, aiming to address workforce challenges in adult social care. The initiative is part of the 2024-2025 winter letter, which outlines priorities for improving service resilience, including a home-first approach, high-quality care, and close involvement of care recipients and their families.

The government will engage with sector partners, including workers and trade unions, to establish the Fair Pay Agreement. Other winter priorities include preventing avoidable hospital admissions, supporting timely discharges, and ensuring robust business continuity plans for local authorities. Mr Kinnock emphasised the importance of collaboration between adult social care, the NHS, and community partners to achieve these goals.

Health & Technology

AI Technology to Monitor Care Home Residents at Night

Dorset Council and Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole BCP Council are inviting between nine and 22 care homes to participate in a government-funded AI initiative. Each home will receive £10,000 for technology that uses audio and motion sensors to monitor residents at night. This system, provided by Ally Cares, alerts staff via handheld devices when residents show signs of distress or attempt to get out of bed.

Councillor Steve Robinson of Dorset Council emphasised that real-time notifications will allow staff to respond promptly without disturbing residents with regular checks. Councillor David Brown of BCP Council added that the initiative aims to improve care services through modern technology. This scheme is part of the government's Digitising Social Care Programme.

Health & Safety

Care Home Rated Inadequate After Staff Use Social Media for Training

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Elmcroft Care Home in Essex as inadequate, placing it into special measures. This follows an inspection prompted by whistleblowers and healthcare professionals raising safety and training concerns. Staff were found to be undertrained, with one resorting to social media for dementia care information.

Serious issues included unexplained bruises on residents, unreported incidents, and insufficient staffing. The CQC noted that leaders failed to provide necessary training and oversight. Since the inspection, key managerial staff have resigned, and a new manager has been appointed. The CQC is closely monitoring the home and considering further regulatory action.

Social Care

Council Splits Social Care Role to Address Workload Concerns

Camelot Care has acquired Deer Park Care Home in Holsworthy, Devon, previously registered for 56 residents. The family-run business plans to refurbish the facility before reopening it to provide high-quality dementia care.

Christie & Co facilitated the sale, with business agent Eve Apperley noting significant interest but a specific desire from the seller to see it continue as a care home. This acquisition allows Camelot Care to expand its portfolio with a purpose-built facility.

Local Government

Wiltshire Council Faces £8m Overspend Due to Adult Care Costs

Wiltshire Council is facing an £8m overspend for the next financial year, primarily due to increased demand for adult social care packages. The first four months of 2024-2025 revealed a £7.9m rise in costs, with the total overspend projected to reach £8.3m. Immediate action is being taken to address this issue, according to Lizzie Watkin, the council's director of finance.

Councillors noted the increasing complexity of adult care needs, particularly for those with autism and mental health issues. Despite having adequate cash reserves, the council aims to avoid using them to cover such gaps. Wiltshire Council's leader, Richard Clewer, highlighted the broader financial pressures on local governments due to adult social care demands. By 2040, Wiltshire's population aged 85 and over is expected to rise by 87%, while those under 65 will decrease by 3%.

Business Acquisition

Camelot Care Acquires Devon Care Home for Dementia Services

Camelot Care has acquired Deer Park Care Home in Holsworthy, Devon, previously registered for 56 residents. The family-run business plans to refurbish the facility before reopening it to provide high-quality dementia care.

Christie & Co facilitated the sale, with business agent Eve Apperley noting significant interest but a specific desire from the seller to see it continue as a care home. This acquisition allows Camelot Care to expand its portfolio with a purpose-built facility.