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Matt Seex Editor mattseex@stepcomms.com


CARE HOME


ENVIRONMENT Editor Matt Seex


mattseex@stepcomms.com Business Manager


Mike Gammon


mikegammon@stepcomms.com Journal Administration


Katy Cockle


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Steven Dillon Publisher


Geoff King Publishing Dire


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Trevor Moon trevormoon@stepcomms.com


THE CARE HOME ENVIRONMENT is published monthly by Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road,


HOME ENVIRONMEN


is published monthly by Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road,


Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1892 779999


Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR, UK. +44 (0)1892 779999


Email: info@thecarehomeenvironment.com Web: www.thecarehomeenvironment.com


Dementia – misconceptions abound


Welcome to the May issue of The Care Home Environment.onment.


Welcome to the January issue of The Care New research commissioned by care Responding to the consultation on the


home provider Care UK has laid bare many of the misconceptions and fears that people have about dementia. Almost two thirds of the 2,000 people questioned by OnePoll are afraid of developing dementia when they get older. More surprising is the revelation that 11 per cent started worrying about the condition in their 20s. Misconceptions about dementia abound – a fifth of adults wrongly believe that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are different names for the same thing, while 17 per cent believe that if a member of their family develops dementia, this means that they will, too. While fourteen per cent of those questioned think that people living with dementia cannot lead a meaningful life, over a third admitted that they actually know little about the condition. Even though there are (according


10-year plan for the health service, the Local Government Association says that a plan recognising and prioritising adult social care is crucial to the success of the government’s ambitions for the NHS. In 2023/24, 72 per cent of councils


to Alzheimer’s Society) an estimated 900,000 people in the UK living with dementia (a number expected to rise to


ISSN NO. 2398-3280 The Publisher is unable to take any


responsibility for views e


ISSN NO. 2398-3280 The Publisher is unable to take any


contributors. Editorial views are not necessarily shared by the journal. Readers


responsibility for views expressed by contributors. Editorial views are not


d by


are expressly advised that while the contents of this publication are believed to be


of this publication are belie d to be


accurate, correct and complete, no reliance should be placed upon its contents as being applicable to any particular circumstances.


ate, correct and complete, no reliance should be placed upon its contents as being applicable to any particular circumstances.


This publication is copyright under the Berne ention and the International Cop ention. All rights reserv d, apart from any copying under the UK Cop right Act 1956, part 1, section 7. Multiple copies of the contents of the publication without permission is


This publication is cop right under the Berne Convention and the International Copyright Convention. All rights reserved, apart from any copying under the UK Copyright Act 1956, part 1, section 7. Multiple copies of the contents of the publication without permission is always illegal.


ys illegal.


cessarily shared by the journal. Readers are expressly advised that while the contents


STEP COMMUNICATIONS


overspent their social care budgets, with many using reserves to cover the shortfall. Further, increases to employer National Insurance Contributions will add significant costs for councils and the wider social care sector. According to the LGA, these pressures are putting vital services at significant risk of collapse. The LGA is urging the government to make adult social care a key part of its plans, so that both the NHS and social care can deliver the best possible outcomes for people. The LGA says that reforms should focus on prevention, early support, and making sure care is centred around individuals’ needs. According to the LGA’s submission to the consultation, by fully integrating adult social care into the wider health and care system, councils can ensure that prevention, community-


LGA calls for 10-year plan for adult social care


1.6 million by 2040), Care UK’s research found that 72 per cent of adults have made no effort to learn about the condition. In response, Care UK has launched a new video guide which aims to debunk the myths surrounding dementia and provide support to families whose loved ones have been diagnosed with the condition. Suzanne Mumford, head of nursing,


care and dementia services at Care UK, said: “There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to dementia, and what this means for the person living with it and their family. “In reality, dementia is a condition that


can be managed to ensure those who live with it can continue to lead fulfilling, meaningful lives and can be supported to still do the things they love. That’s why we’ve launched our latest video guide, One step at a time. Featuring tips from our experts, but also testimonies of residents’ families, it is designed to help people navigate through the dementia journey, from dealing with the initial diagnosis to learning how to live well with dementia.” While the results of Care UK’s research


might be troubling, they are perhaps not all that surprising. The spectre of dementia – along with the prospect of old age itself – is something most of us push to the back of our minds. It is a scary thing to think about, and most of us would prefer not to do so. Yet it is only a matter of time before dementia affects somebody we love, or indeed us personally. Perhaps, then, we all need to be a little braver and find out more about a condition that is almost certain to come into our lives one day. I hope you enjoy the issue.


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based care, and digital transformation are successful, helping to improve lives and outcomes for people across the country. Cllr David Fothergill, chair of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “It’s good to see the NHS getting a long-term plan, but adult social care needs the same level of focus and commitment at the top of government. A 10-year plan for adult social care is vital to making sure the NHS and social care best work together to improve people’s lives and life chances. “A plan for adult social care reform isn’t just about funding – it’s about thinking through how the government works with the public, private and voluntary sectors, the workforce and – crucially – people drawing on care and support, to codesign a new system that helps people live independent, fulfilling lives. “Councils are ready to play their part in creating a healthier and more independent society, but this won’t happen without proper funding and support for adult social care. An equivalent 10-year plan for adult social care is essential to make sure health and social care services work together to help people and communities thrive.” I hope you enjoy the issue.


THE


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