31ten Consulting’s Post

📢 Check out this eye-opening article from LGC revealing waiting time figures for adult social care, released for the first time in a decade! The data sheds light on the significant waits endured by older people, with some waiting up to 149 days for essential care and support. The lack of routinely published waiting time figures highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the social care sector. Explore the article to learn more about the challenges councils face and the calls for improved standards and funding to address these issues. #SocialCare #safeguarding #socialwork #localcouncil

Elderly, frail & disabled destabilised. 1 Viability de-stabilised. There isn't a Social Care Provider in the country who can see how to maintain standards, capacity and survive viably, as a result of the huge unexpected costs imposed in the budget. 2 Poor health. And there were already huge challenges. Terrible backing up in hospital discharge, as well as inevitable further delay, waiting for treatment, inside or outside of hospital, ambulance handovers and even getting an ambulance in time to save life, is a national scandal, that we are knowingly tolerating. 3 Interdependence. The health system is very dependant on the social care system, but unlike many other countries, we prioritise and politicise the NHS itself, but simultaneously neglect health itself in a narrowly obsessive. narrative and knowingly fail people right accross the board, with catastrophic consequences. 4. Ineptitude. We have fundamentally lost our way as a result. Healthcare is significantly dependant on an effective social care commissioning system, which is theoretically the responsibility of the state, and which then government itself is deteriorating and undermining, and costing lives. 5 The commissioning, or care purchasing system, is itself undermining social care, as it has for at least 15 years and more. It was only marginally better under the Blair years. 6 Massive Cost. The rise in the National Living Wage in social care, and Employers NI is hugely significant in social care. It will add circa 10% to the wage bill, and at the same time additional funding is only c2%. A deceitful slight of hand. 7 Care work devalued. Whereas successive Governments have long perpetuated low pay in the care sector by fixing local authority settlements on minimum wage assumptions, the new government has not only gone back on its election promises, it doesn't have a plan either, but has quickly driven a dagger through the heart of most business, especially those for which employment costs are the principal cost (like social care) and even worse, if disproportionately dependent on lower wages (as social care has been kept, by this and successive governments).

10 years of the Care Act. Anyone else remember it’s part implementation? Interesting article reflecting on the success and the misses of this important legislation for adult social care.

Interesting read and one I agree with. One of the big point was this comment;- “A serious underinvestment in prevention and early intervention services”, contrary to section 2 of the Care Act, which requires councils to provide or arrange preventive services. Mentoring is one such service that if used as an early intervention service can make in my mine a long term sustainable difference in vunerable adults.

What is Social Care? This video helps to answer the question

Great insight

This #SocialCareWeek, check out this article from The Guardian looking at social care in 2024: the needs, the challenges and reasons to be optimistic https://ow.ly/xtGC50QVs6c

Adult Social Care: Navigating Rewards, Challenges, and the Need for Innovation Working in adult social care is a journey filled with profound rewards and undeniable challenges. Every day, we see the impact of our dedication on the lives of those we support, from helping someone regain independence to simply offering a comforting presence. This work is deeply fulfilling, and the moments of connection and compassion remind us why we chose this path. Yet, beneath the surface lies a frustrating reality: the system we operate within is often tangled in constraints. Regulatory red tape, funding limitations, and outdated practices can hinder our ability to provide the best possible care. These barriers not only stifle innovation but also limit the potential for growth and improvement in the sector. It is increasingly clear that thinking outside the box is not just beneficial but essential. We must challenge the status quo and push for a new system—one that is more adaptable, responsive, and centred on the genuine needs of individuals. Embracing technology, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocating for policy changes are just a few ways we can begin to dismantle the restraints holding us back. The system, as it stands, is broken. But with collective effort and a willingness to innovate, we can build a framework that truly supports both care providers and recipients. It's time for a transformation in adult social care—one that honours the dedication of those on the front lines and ensures the well-being of every individual in our care. Let's start the conversation and work together towards a brighter, more effective future for adult social care. #AdultSocialCare #InnovationInCare #HealthcareReform #ThinkOutsideTheBox #CareCommunity

https://lnkd.in/eWaywasY Reablement is such an important part of adult social care, really useful document

A great article by Ewan King at Shared Lives Plus. It's time for a new and positive vision for social care. In communities across the UK there are models of care in place that are making a difference to people and communities. In Ewan's words: "In every area, there are bound to be great examples – such as Local Area Coordination, a form of support that connects people to one another and support in the community; Small Supports, which are community organisations helping people with significant support needs; Micro Enterprises, which are small care businesses providing highly personalised care; and community-led support, a whole systems approach to developing good social care practice that can reduce demand for formal social care. In almost every part of the country, there will also be Shared Lives, a pioneering and proven approach to supporting people who need support in their local communities." #BetterIsPossibleNow #SocialCare