Category Archives: ukcuts

The Care Bill: the fight to end 15 minute home visits continues

October 23, 2013   Carers, Older care, Social care, ukcuts

The government has said it “fully agrees” with a shocking report which revealed earlier this month that local authorities are delivering more than 75 per cent of their care visits in just 15 minutes.

By: Information Daily Staff Writer
Published: Wednesday, October 23, 2013 – 14:30 GMT
Leonard Cheshire Disability, a charity campaigning for good quality personal home care visits, revealed through a Freedom Of Information request that older or disabled people were being washed and dressed in just 15 minutes.

The Department of Health (DoH) in a response to the report said it fully agrees that it is unrealistic to think that 15 minutes is enough time to help people who are older or have a disability to do everyday things, “it is not fair” on those who need support and “it is not fair” on care workers.

DoH said, however, that ministers would not be able to support the charity’s campaign, but hoped that the charity will accept the amendments that the House of Lords have agreed in the Care Bill.

The Care Bill, which has been scrutinised by the House of Lords this past month, is aimed at reforming care and support for adults and making provision for safeguarding adults from abuse or neglect. It will outline care standards and the support carers expect to receive.

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Parents’ emotional appeal to save disabled respite services in Cornwall

October 19, 2013   Carers, disability, ukcuts

Internet appeal to save threatened respite services for disabled children in Cornwall.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Campaigners have launched an emotional internet appeal to save threatened respite services for disabled children in Cornwall.

More than 200 families in Cornwall use children’s short break respite homes in order to give disabled children more social opportunities as well as giving parents a break too.

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    Simon Judge with his son Gabriel who attendsSt Christopher’s Respite Home in Redruth

The Save St Christopher’s Redruth and Redwing Truro Respite Services petition was launched on Facebook on Tuesday.

It has already attracted more than 1,000 members, including parents of children using the services, after Cornwall Council said it may close both centres.

The petition calls on council leaders to retain the respite services, which many families say provide vital support.

In an impassioned plea Jodie Debenham wrote on Facebook: “Cornwall Council have proposals to close a much needed sanctuary and safe haven respite care unit in Redruth. Why should with severe disabilities and life limiting illnesses have the one tiny piece of enjoyment ripped away from them just because the government have overspent and need to claw some of the waste money back.

“ We plan to fight this all the way. We need sits, petitions, marches. We will not allow you to do this to our children.”

During a public meeting on Monday at Penventon Park Hotel in Redruth, officers outlined a proposal that would see the closure of St Christopher’s Respite Home in Redruth and Lowenna Redwing in Truro.

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Britain’s forgotten million old people

October 18, 2013   Carers, Older care, ukcuts

Hundreds of thousands of older people are left lonely and without any regular social contact, Jeremy Hunt will say, describing it as Britain’s “national shame”.

Critics say that cuts in spending are contributing to poor care.

Critics say that cuts in spending are contributing to poor care.

By , Political Editor

10:00PM BST 17 Oct 2013

Hundreds of thousands of older people are ignored by society, Jeremy Hunt will say on Friday, describing the loneliness of the elderly as Britain’s “national shame”.

A “forgotten million” older people are left lonely and without any regular social contact, the Health Secretary will say, adding that Britain has “utterly failed” to confront the problem.

In a speech to care groups, Mr Hunt will call for a change in social attitudes towards the old and urge younger people to change they way they treat their parents and grandparents.

A lack of concern for the elderly contributes to low standards and mistreatment in care homes, the minister will say, suggesting that as many as 1,000 incidents of abuse and neglect are taking place every week in residential homes.

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