September 21, 2006
Thursday, 21st September 2006
Greetings from Angela Gifford, Proprietor of Able Community Care, and welcome to the Able Newsflash, published by email every Thursday morning.
If you enjoy reading it please forward it to any other person who may also find it of interest.
Alternatively, they can subscribe directly for their own copy each week from our website: http://www.uk-care.com
Care News
The Government has given £10m directly to Marie Curie Cancer Care. This is part of a £50m pledge to refurbish hospices as part of its plan to improve palliative care. The bulk of the money will be spent in modernisation and refurbishment for adult hospices during the next two years.The National Care Forum (previously The Care Forum) represents the not for profit health and social care providers in the UK. Members include Abbeyfield, Anchor, Cornwall Care, Royal British Legion and Somerset Care. For details of other members and further information visit their website at: www.nationalcareforum.org.uk
Annually NCF carry out a Member Personnel Statistics survey. Some of the results for 05/06 are as follows:
- Over 50% of staff and 70% of managers are over 40 years of age.
- Average NVQ 2 qualification is 59.5%
- Staff turnover rate is 25% for care workers in care homes for older people.
- 45% of workers leave within 12 months of commencing in the sector.
In-House News
Interviews for potential live-in carers have taken place this in Norwich and Glasgow. Assessment visits to potential clients have been carried out in Kent and ScotlandA respite care post has been started in Worcestershire for an elderly female. Salary £601.00pw inc. Care Manager Ruth Divey
A care scheme has begun in Yorkshire for a male with Multiple System Atrophy. Salary £568.00pw inc. Care Manager Alan Wilson.
Free to good home - beige, recliner chair with foot rest. Chair has been serviced. Buyer to collect (London). Please telephone 0207 624 8923 Mrs Jackman
New member of staff - Jim Green has joined Able Community Care as a Risk Assessor and Moving and Handling Trainer. Jim joins us after working with Gt. Yarmouth College as a Tutor: First Aid, Health & Safety, Risk Assessment (care role) and Moving and Handling (clinical care and inanimate loads).
Interesting Information
Community Care magazine recently conducted a survey in connection with the star rating system for care homes which comes into force next year. The survey was based on responses from 93 care home providers. Some of the results were as follows:- 52% thought it would lead to the closure of (particularly small) care homes.
- 55% thought star ratings would lack credibility.
- 60% thought the star ratings would boost standards.
- 66% did not think that the ratings would be awarded fairly and consistently.
- 70% thought it would help individuals decide which home to choose.
- 70% thought it would fail to give the full picture.
- 80% thought it would lead to higher costs.
- 81% it would influence how councils and others commissioned services.
- 83% thought it would make providers chase ratings.
The following rates of pay are being advertised in Norfolk this week from either companies, council or individuals other than Able Community Care:
- Female live-in carers required £401.00 per week.
- PA wanted for lady with brain injury £6.40 per hour with enhanced weekends plus travel allowance.
- Care Assistants from £6.21 - £7.78 per hour plus enhancements for weekend working. (various posts)
Best Wishes,
Angela Gifford, Proprietor
Able Community Care.
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