Category Archives: ukcuts

Charity attacks 'rise' in 'disgraceful' short care visits

October 7, 2013   Carers, dementia, disability, Multiple Sclerosis, Older care, Social care, ukcuts

7 October 2013 Last updated at 10:52

Charity attacks ‘rise’ in ‘disgraceful’ short care visits

 

Richard Stapeley, who has Multiple Sclerosis, says his 30-minute visits are not long enough

Short care visits to elderly and disabled people are “disgraceful” and on the rise, a charity has claimed.

In England, 60% of councils use 15-minute visits, which are not long enough to provide adequate care Leonard Cheshire Disability says.

The charity says such visits can “force disabled people to choose whether to go thirsty or to go to the toilet”.

The government said the Care Bill would prevent “inappropriate” short visits but would not outlaw 15-minute visits.

Leonard Cheshire wants a ban on what it calls the “scandal of flying 15-minute visits”, lobbying the government to prevent the practice in England.

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Public consultation due on supporting carers in Scotland

October 1, 2013   Carers, Scotland, ukcuts
Scotland has about 657,000 unpaid carers, the Scottish government says
1 October 2013 Last updated at 16:07

Woman helping man

The Scottish government wants to hear from the country’s unpaid carers on how they can be better supported.

First Minister Alex Salmond told a meeting of carers at Holyrood that a public consultation would take place on the issue before the end of the year.

Legislation is currently being drafted to improve the well-being of carers.

Scotland has about 657,000 unpaid adult carers, up to 100,000 young carers and many who provide care but who do not identify themselves as carers.

The government said it was keen to improve the lot of carers so they could continue their caring duties while remaining in work and having a life of their own.

It also wanted to prevent or delay hospital or residential care admissions for cared-for people.

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Norfolk County Council’s social care cuts will hit elderly and disabled

September 30, 2013   Carers, Older care, Social care, ukcuts

Norfolk County Council's proposed social care spending cuts will hit the most vulnerable, including the elderly. Norfolk County Council’s proposed social care spending cuts will hit the most vulnerable, including the elderly.

 

Monday, September 30, 2013
12:34 PM

But they insist Norfolk County Council has to make ends meet, even if that means some 15,000 people who get care from the council have to see changes to services.

Social care changes are among some of the most major shake-ups proposed in the county council’s consultation to save £140m over the next four years.

Among controversial proposals are suggestions that £12m could be saved over the next three years by limiting what people can spend personal budgets on.

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