Monthly Archives: February 2014
Carers are victims of calculated and shameless exploitation
That is the right response to the report by Carers Scotland and Carers UK about the many ways in which carers are being treated unfairly at present (“Investigation reveals plight of carers forced into debt”, The Herald, February 4). And Colette Douglas Home was right last October when she called on society to care for carers. And no doubt the same call will be made next June, and next October, and so on. So why does society not respond?
Dr McNicol has written about the difficulties being experienced by families looking after the frail elderly and that is a very serious matter. But the same problems are faced by all carers who look after family members affected by learning disabilities, physical disabilities, disorders such as autism, mental illness, and long-term physical illness, as well as those children who care for a parent, and grandparents who look after children whose own parents cannot look after them.
Councils in England ‘pay too little for home care’
4 February 2014 Last updated at 08:01
The BBC received Freedom of Information data from more than 100 councils
Most councils in England are paying less than the industry recommended minimum for personal home care, a BBC investigation suggests.
The UK Homecare Association (UKHCA), which represents providers, want them to be paid a minimum of £15.19 an hour, to cover wages, training and travel.
But data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act found the minimum paid met that in just four out of 101 cases.
One provider said quality care was not possible at the levels being paid.
Cutting corners Trevor Brocklebank, chief executive of Home Instead Senior Care in Warrington, refuses to bid for council contracts.
Carers on benefits have now become financially vulnerable too
THE ageing population is causing some of the biggest social problems we have had to confront in decades.
