Cost of living crisis: putting those in care at risk
20 September 2022: Much has been written about the cost of living crisis, but little thought has been given to the impact of those in care and for their family left at home. We are once again facing sharply rising poverty levels in our older population, something that the current economic forecast is set to exasperate. Those that might find themselves particularly hard hit are the couples and families living apart after a relative moves into care. Not only are families often left with reduced income when someone moves into care, they now face further struggles to meet essential bills this coming winter. This at a time while also worrying about ever increasing care costs as inflation and energy prices rise, and the potential impact this will have on the care of loved ones.
This winter is going to see an already struggling sector still recovering from the pandemic face yet more challenges it is ill equipped to handle. A survey of homes by the Independent Care Group found 93% of care homes who responded are having to make cuts, including making staff redundant and having to reduce the quality and quantity of food for residents. The potential impact on people’s quality of life and provision of care is evident.
Others read headlines of care home closures due to soaring bills and worry about the effect moving will have on older relatives reliant and settled in their care homes. Will their health decline further with a move? Will we be able to find another home they can move to?
We have a care sector that can no longer meet the needs of those who rely on it and are entering a dangerous period of cold weather, increased poverty and cash strapped services. It is vital that the new Government finally tackles the long outstanding problem of our social care infrastructure urgently, if we are to avoid unnecessary deaths again this winter.
Advice for people living in care and their families
Finance
Make sure you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to, including Pensioners Cost of Living benefit and Cost of Living Benefit.
If your care home fees go up unexpectedly, check the contract to ensure that it is following the terms of the contract.
If you are being asked to contribute, or contribute more, towards someone’s care costs, call our Helpline for advice. It maybe the local authority’s responsibility to fill the gap, or alternative funding available
Care concerns
Providers have to ensure:
care is safe and prevent avoidable harm (under Regulation 12)
that they have sufficient numbers of trained and able staff to meet the needs of residents in their care (under Regulation 18)
provide nutritious food and drink that meets residents’ preferences, religious or cultural needs.
if you have concerns about the above raise them with the regulator, the Care Quality Commission
Contact the safeguarding team at the local authority if you are concerned about someone’s health
If you’re home gives notice, check the terms of your contract to ensure it is being followed. The local authority may also be able to support you to find a new home if you require or would like support
If you are concerned about any of the above or any other issue, please contact our Helpline for information and advice.