The landscape of adult social care in England is facing a critical juncture, as revealed by the recent ADASS Spring Survey published on June 21st. Care England, the leading representative body for independent adult social care providers, has expressed deep concern over the survey’s findings. While short-term funding boosts from the government have alleviated certain challenges, the survey underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and sustainable reforms in the sector. In this blog, we will delve into the key takeaways from the ADASS Spring Survey, the concerns raised by Care England, and how Platinum Care, as a private healthcare provider, aligns with the vision for a transformed and robust social care system.
The ADASS Spring Survey Findings
The ADASS Spring Survey casts a spotlight on the current state of adult social care across England. According to the survey, most local councils are not confident in their ability to provide the minimum required social care support within their communities. This alarming insight underscores the pressing need for fundamental changes to address the challenges faced by the sector.
Care England’s Concerns and Call for Action
Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, has highlighted the profound concerns arising from the survey’s findings. While acknowledging that recent funding injections have been beneficial, he emphasises that these measures fall short of addressing the sector’s underlying issues. Local Authorities are grappling with significant financial burdens that hinder their ability to deliver essential care services. Despite a commendable effort by 94% of Local Authorities to implement the adult social care precept for 2023/24, the existing funding gap remains substantial.
Local Authorities are faced with the challenge of meeting multiple financial demands, including the National Living Wage increase, demographic pressures, and savings targets. The deficit they are operating under has far-reaching implications for service quality and the overall sustainability of the sector. Additionally, the survey highlights a concerning trend of providers closing down, ceasing trading, or returning council contracts, further exacerbating the crisis.
The Call for Sustainable Change
To drive positive transformation in the social care sector, Care England calls on the government to commit to several key actions:
Investing in Preventive and Recovery Support: Adequate funding is required to develop Program that help individuals avoid hospitalisation or care home placement. Moreover, support for post-hospital recovery and reintegration into the community is essential.
Enhancing Carer Support and Workforce Pay: The call for increased support for carers and improved pay for the workforce is paramount. It is emphasised that international recruitment is not a sustainable long-term solution.
A Fully Funded Long-Term Plan: There is an urgent need for a comprehensive, fully funded long-term plan that transforms social care. Such a plan must ensure that everyone in England can access necessary care and support when needed.
Platinum Care’s Role in Transforming Social Care
Platinum Care, a private healthcare provider, aligns with the goals and principles set forth by Care England and the ADASS Spring Survey. As a private care provider, Platinum Care offers a unique approach that can contribute to the transformation of the social care landscape:
Personalised Care Plans: Platinum Care’s approach revolves around personalised care plans tailored to individual needs. This strategy mirrors the emphasis on avoiding the need for hospitalisation and promoting recovery outlined in the ADASS survey.
Experienced Care professionals: Platinum Care prides itself on its team of experienced care professionals who are equipped to handle complex medical needs. This expertise directly addresses the workforce challenges highlighted by the survey.
Holistic Approach: The comprehensive approach of Platinum Care addresses not only medical needs but also emotional and psychological well-being, aligning with the call for holistic support.
Flexible and Reliable Services: Platinum Care’s flexibility in Carer scheduling provides a sustainable solution to prevent burnout and exhaustion among care professionals, in line with the ADASS survey’s recommendations.
