Innovation
Technical innovation for a brighter future in residential care
Adam Daniels of Intercall believes that technical innovation can be a force for good in the care sector. Here he tells us how considered innovation can help create a brighter future in challenging times
It is no secret that the UK social care and residential living sector is facing unprecedented challenges. Industry publications and national newspapers are awash with reports of a rapidly aging population, care home closures, staffing issues, and rising costs with the current cost-of-living crisis. Care managers and owners are facing demands like never before.
The Office of National Statistics has
reported that by 2045, the number of people aged 85 years and over will have doubled to over 3.1 million – representing 4.3 per cent of the population – while by 2024, 24 per cent of people living in the UK will be over 65. Partnered with fewer younger people entering the workforce, the strain on social care budgets looks unlikely to ease any time soon. Recently, there have been reports of at least one Scotland-based care home closing every week1
and the Care Inspectorate
Wales (CIW) has reported that there were 87 fewer care homes in March 2023 compared to 2015, as well as 520 fewer care home places in March 2022 compared to 2015.2 The current cost-of-living crisis has
seen the cost of food and incontinence products increase by 20 per cent, along with the steep rise in the cost of utilities and insurance. Add to this demanding staffing issues, exacerbated by Brexit, the pandemic, and rising wage costs, all of which have impacted recruitment and retention across the sector at a time when the levels of care required in care facilities has increased, and it is not difficult to see why many in the
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sector feel at breaking point. Approximately 40 per cent of all care home residents are living with dementia. Caring for dementia patients can be stressful, exhausting, and more time consuming for care staff due to the unpredictable nature of the condition. As the dementia takes grip and health deteriorates, the resident is likely to need more time and practical help with everyday tasks, including bathing, grooming, and dressing. Many care home owners are warning they could be forced to close due to insufficient funding for people living with dementia. Six care homes have recently closed in Plymouth, and a recent BBC report found the city’s council paid the least for a residential placement with dementia care and a nursing placement with dementia care.3
Care managers and owners are facing demands like never before
The government has said it is spending up to £700m on adult social care reform over the next two years, but many providers are saying that government funding is not sufficient, and amongst care providers there is a fear that council funding for dementia placements does not match the costs that care homes are facing, while care homes in council areas that are poorly funded are getting an even worse deal.
Dementia care around the world A worldwide issue, the aging population and challenge of dementia care is encouraging innovative person-centred solutions in other countries.
In Denmark, the Dagmarsminde Care
Home is working to create a literal ‘home’ for its dementia residents, with bedrooms used only at night for sleeping, pets and petting animals (such as chickens and goats), and an established daily program that is repeated every day. In addition, the home focusses on both learning and the restorative abilities of activities such as
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com January 2024
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