On 6 October 2021, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson spoke at the Conservative Party Conference, acknowledging that the social care crisis and the unfairness in the way people with dementia are supported, compared to other health conditions.
Fiona Carragher, Director of Research and Influencing, responded to Johnson’s speech:
‘We’re pleased to hear the Prime Minister acknowledge the horrendous struggles people affected by dementia, the majority of those using social care, have battled with for far too long.
‘The pandemic has laid bare the urgent need for social care reform. We need to draw a line in the sand after the past 18 months, seeing the Government take urgent steps to shake up the system to provide the best quality care and support now and in years to come.
‘We look forward to seeing in more detail the investment and arrival of new technology to bring health and social care together, but this should be seen as a tool and not the solution.
Funding reforms are also a positive step forward, but we risk the system collapsing if we wait until this cash injection arrives in 2023.
‘We must see an absolute minimum of £3.9bn per year in the Comprehensive Spending Review and a clear timetable for delivery of long-term reform, so we aren’t letting down the 850,000 people with dementia and their families.’
As restrictions around the pandemic begin to ease more people are looking at returning to home from hospital settings rather than go into long term residential care.
The industry reports it’s busiest ever 6 months of enquiries for the provision of live in care while care providers struggle with recruitment, in part caused by Brexit, which has left many live in carers from Eastern Europe unable to return to the UK to work.
Everycare Eastbourne has now launched a service to run alongside it’s live in care service where clients can receive their care from staff on a series of shifts throughout the day and night. This provides the client with regular carers during the hours that they most need them without being tied to the hourly visits of normal domiciliary care.
Local homecare company, Everycare Eastbourne honoured their homecarers and recognised their amazing work on 22nd September, by taking part in the first ever ‘Celebrating Homecare’ day, organised by the Homecare Association and The Care Workers’ Charity (CWC).
The company hosted an event, where their team were welcomed to enjoy homemade cakes and refreshments.
‘Celebrating Homecare’ has been launched to celebrate and recognise the amazing work that homecarers provide. Every day of the year, homecare workers support people to live safely and well at home, enabling people to flourish within our communities.
The theme for this year’s inaugural event was ‘made with care’, celebrating the fantastic relationships that exist between the people who give and receive care, and highlight the many activities they enjoy together. Whether this is crafting, baking, completing a jigsaw or even filming a TikTok, careworkers and the people they support were encouraged to and celebrate something they have made or shared together.
Everycare Eastbourne employs around 50 careworkers who support their clients in their own homes, providing taylor made packages including personal care, companionship, assisting with shopping all the way through to 24 Live in care. Throughout a difficult period, they have served an important role as key workers, providing vital support to clients living across Eastbourne.
Jane Townson, CEO of the Homecare Association commented: “Homecare workers have been a lifeline for many people throughout the past 18 months, showing real selflessness and resilience in providing invaluable support to people in their own homes in incredibly challenging times. But the work they do is always important – not just throughout the pandemic. Homecare services benefit all of us: people who receive and give services, their families, health services and our wider communities. Their roles deserve to be celebrated now, and increasingly into the future.”
Speaking about the celebration, Karolina Gerlich, CEO of the CWC said: “It’s right and proper every so often to take a step back from the day to day and look at what you have achieved. Careworkers do such amazing work, bringing companionship, care and comfort to so many people. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to celebrate what they do!”
Owner of Everycare Eastbourne, Angela Fuller comments: “it’s because our carers care so much that their personal resources have been pushed to the limits, but they have given their all, we are so grateful. We couldn’t have asked for more”
To find out more about Everycare Eastbourne, and the homecare services they provide across East Sussex, please call 01323 430762.
