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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


katycockle@stepcomms.com Design


Steven Dillon Publisher


Geoff King Publishing Dire


geoffking@stepcomms.com Publishing Director


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.


Welcome to the March issue of The Care onment.


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


n Three quarters of care workers either cannot cover their living expenses or do not have any money left after paying their basic costs.


n More than two fifths say their pay has not kept up with inflation over the past year.


n Financial pressures aside, 80 per cent say they either love or enjoy their job.


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 ISSN NO. 2398-3280


The Publisher is unable to take any responsibility for views expressed by contributors. Editorial views are not necessarily shared by the journal. Readers are expressly advised that while the contents of this publication are believed to be accurate, correct and complete, no reliance should be placed upon its contents as being applicable to any particular circumstances.


The Publisher is unable to take any responsibility for views expressed by contributors. Editorial views are not necessarily shared by the journal. Readers are expressly advised that while the contents of this publication are believed to be accurate, 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 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.


This publication is copyright 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.


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Discussing the report, Dr Karunanethy said: “We’re seeing an unprecedented number of care workers holding multiple jobs, a phenomenon we refer to as poly- employment, and which is a response to the cost-of-living crisis. Sixteen per cent of care workers have two jobs, one per cent have three, and one per cent have four or more. With similar figures observed among other industries such as hospitality and retail, this is a significant trend. For many people it’s a tricky but necessary balancing act.”


According to Deputy’s senior vice president, John Wilson: “The challenges of poly-employment are often experienced by those in the shift work sectors such as care, hospitality, retail, and broader


According to a new report, almost a fifth of UK care workers are now in ‘poly- employment’ – meaning that they have multiple jobs in order to make ends meet. The finding comes from a new report – The Big Shift: Navigating the Future of Work in the UK. The report features analysis by the economist Dr Shashi Karunanethy and is based on data collected from scheduling platform Deputy along with a survey of care workers. According to the report:


New research commissioned by care


Care workers and the rise of ‘poly-employment’


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.


I hope you enjoy the issue. Follow us on twitter @tchemagazine May 2023 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com March 2024 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com Follow us @tchemagazine Follow our page on Linkedin 5


services in this country. These workers need predictable hours, sustainable work, and financial security – which might not be available from a single role. Layered over this is the need for flexibility, particularly where workers may have other responsibilities such as caring for relatives.”


“The trends emerging from this report underscore the urgency for organisations to develop hiring and retention strategies that are attuned to the varying needs of workers. A significant emphasis on work flexibility and supportive HR policies are emerging as key factors in attracting and retaining staff at all levels. Understanding and preparing for the future of work in the UK is increasingly crucial for building a resilient, inclusive, and innovative labour market.” Care providers seriously need to up their game when it comes to wages. Is it really too much to ask that hardworking care staff be paid enough to cover their bills and the basics of living without having to seek out additional jobs on the side?


THE


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