http://www.communitycare.co.uken-gbFri, 10 Feb 2012 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/10/117977/lga-steps-in-to-tackle-councils-adult-safeguarding-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/10/117977/lga-steps-in-to-tackle-councils-adult-safeguarding-failings.htmlThe Local Government Association has stepped in to address adult safeguarding failings at Wirral Council by setting up a board to drive improvement. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/10/117974/how-telecare-can-defuse-chronic-conditions-timebomb.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/10/117974/how-telecare-can-defuse-chronic-conditions-timebomb.htmlWalsall is making telecare a default component of care packages to boost independence for people with chronic conditions and manage the rising costs of supporting this group, says council adult care director Paul Davies. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117971/nhs-must-protect-lives-of-all-psychiatric-patients-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117971/nhs-must-protect-lives-of-all-psychiatric-patients-at-risk.htmlPsychiatric hospitals risk breaching human rights law if they do not take action to protect the lives of patients admitted informally, the Supreme Court has ruled in a landmark judgement today. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117969/cqc-personalisation-lacking-in-winterbourne-style-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117969/cqc-personalisation-lacking-in-winterbourne-style-services.htmlMany learning disability hospitals and care homes are failing to provide person-centred care, the Care Quality Commission has found in its national review triggered by the Winterbourne View case. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117965/supreme-court-to-rule-on-councils-right-to-limit-care-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117965/supreme-court-to-rule-on-councils-right-to-limit-care-funding.htmlThe Supreme Court is to rule on councils' right to take resources into account in determining the levels of care they will fund for users, in a case that could have significant implications for social care funding. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117964/mps-unify-health-and-social-care-to-tackle-funding-shortfall.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/08/117964/mps-unify-health-and-social-care-to-tackle-funding-shortfall.htmlAdult care and health should be brought under a single commissioner in each area to improve support for older people and help solve social care's funding crisis, the health select committee, chaired by Stephen Dorrell (pictured), said today.Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/06/117962/adult-social-workers-pessimistic-but-proud-finds-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/06/117962/adult-social-workers-pessimistic-but-proud-finds-college.htmlAdult social workers feel pessimistic about the future of their practice because of bureaucracy and care management, but still believe they make a difference, The College of Social Work has found. (Photo: Rex Features) Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/02/117953/improving-access-to-social-care-for-adults-with-autism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/02/117953/improving-access-to-social-care-for-adults-with-autism.htmlNew support from the Social Care Institute for Excellence Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/01/117955/burstow-social-work-to-be-at-heart-of-care-white-paper.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/01/117955/burstow-social-work-to-be-at-heart-of-care-white-paper.htmlSocial work will be at the heart of the government's forthcoming adult care White Paper, with the profession's role expected to switch from rationing care to community development, Paul Burstow has said. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/31/117952/social-workers-need-better-mental-capacity-act-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/31/117952/social-workers-need-better-mental-capacity-act-training.htmlSocial workers need more effective training and guidance in applying the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to take decisions on behalf of service users and support them to make decisions for themselves. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/30/117948/social-care-funding-gap-has-widened-by-500m-says-age-uk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/30/117948/social-care-funding-gap-has-widened-by-500m-says-age-uk.htmlThe gap between social care funding and need has grown by £500m for older people in England in 2011-12, compounding a situation in which 800,000 pensioners were already going without services. (Image: Rex Features). Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117942/how-one-council-boosted-social-works-quality-and-status.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117942/how-one-council-boosted-social-works-quality-and-status.htmlSocial work performance management has become associated with bureaucracy, a negligible impact on quality and poor morale. However, one council says that it has designed and implemented a system that has delivered precisely the opposite. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117944/social-workers-urged-to-support-distressed-cancer-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117944/social-workers-urged-to-support-distressed-cancer-carers.htmlSocial care professionals have been urged to increase assessment levels for carers of cancer patients after a survey found half were receiving no support and a similar proportion were experiencing mental distress. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/25/117941/council-staff-reluctant-to-signpost-clients-to-equity-release.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/25/117941/council-staff-reluctant-to-signpost-clients-to-equity-release.htmlCouncil staff have proved reluctant to signpost older clients to equity release schemes to fund low-level support at home, research has found. (Image: Rex Features) Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/24/117940/nhs-must-spend-more-on-adult-social-care-say-mps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/24/117940/nhs-must-spend-more-on-adult-social-care-say-mps.htmlThe NHS should spend more on adult social care to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of support for people with long-term conditions, MPs said today. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/19/117938/independent-negotiators-to-restart-baswcollege-talks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/19/117938/independent-negotiators-to-restart-baswcollege-talks.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers (BASW) and the College of Social Work are to reopen talks on a possible merger. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117931/the-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-are-not-dead.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117931/the-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-are-not-dead.htmlA recent Court of Appeal judgement was described as the death of the deprivation of liberty safeguards. However, best interests assessor Lorraine Currie disagrees, and says Lord Justice Munby's ruling provides useful tools for practitioners.Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117933/care-provider-fined-for-leaving-staff-at-risk-of-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117933/care-provider-fined-for-leaving-staff-at-risk-of-violence.htmlA care provider has been fined £14,000 for leaving staff at risk of violence from a client (Image: Rex).Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117932/basw-workloads-undermining-ethical-social-work-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117932/basw-workloads-undermining-ethical-social-work-practice.htmlUnmanageable caseloads are making it impossible for social workers to practice ethically, the British Association of Social Workers warned today as it issued a revised version of its code of ethics. (Image: Rex Features). Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/17/117928/500000-to-lose-out-on-disability-living-allowance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/17/117928/500000-to-lose-out-on-disability-living-allowance.htmlHalf a million disabled people would lose out on benefits through the government's reform to disability living allowance, it revealed today. (Pic: Voisin/Phanie/Rex Features) Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/16/117926/government-waters-down-disability-living-allowance-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/16/117926/government-waters-down-disability-living-allowance-cuts.htmlThe government has watered down its controversial cuts to disabilty living allowance (DLA) by dropping plans to double the period after the onset of disability before which people can qualify for the benefit (Image: Rex). Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/13/117923/900-adult-care-staff-join-nhs-in-biggest-integration-deal-yet.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/13/117923/900-adult-care-staff-join-nhs-in-biggest-integration-deal-yet.htmlNine hundred adult social care staff, including social workers, will be transferred to the NHS to create the biggest integrated health and social care provider in the UK, it was confirmed today. (Image: Rex Features). Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/13/117924/user-received-misguided-care-before-he-killed-grandfather.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/13/117924/user-received-misguided-care-before-he-killed-grandfather.htmlProfessionals missed six opportunities to assess a patient under the Mental Health Act (MHA) and provided him with 'misguided care' in the three months before he killed his grandfather, a review has concluded. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/12/117922/should-you-join-the-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/12/117922/should-you-join-the-college-of-social-work.htmlLast week’s launch of The College of Social Work has posed each of England’s approximately 85,000 social workers with a simple question: to join or not to join? Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/11/117920/debt-ridden-social-workers-turning-to-payday-loans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/11/117920/debt-ridden-social-workers-turning-to-payday-loans.htmlGrowing numbers of social workers are falling financial difficulties, with some resorting to high-interest payday loans, according to a support charity. (Pic: Image Source/Rex Features)Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/10/117915/government-concealed-scale-of-opposition-to-benefit-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/10/117915/government-concealed-scale-of-opposition-to-benefit-reform.htmlCampaigners have accused the government of giving a misleading account of the true extent of opposition to disability benefit reform (Pic: Voisin/Phanie/Rex Features)Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/05/117907/social-workers-must-join-renewed-effort-to-integrate-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/05/117907/social-workers-must-join-renewed-effort-to-integrate-care.htmlSocial care professionals should be at the heart of multi-disciplinary teams in every area to manage the care of people with long-term conditions and make a reality of integrated care, the government has been told. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/05/117905/legalise-assisted-suicide-for-terminally-ill-says-inquiry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/05/117905/legalise-assisted-suicide-for-terminally-ill-says-inquiry.htmlAssisted dying should be legalised for terminally ill people so long as they are not put under pressure to end their lives and palliative care is much improved, a major inquiry has concluded (Image: Alamy). Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/04/117904/disabled-social-worker-wins-mbe-after-nomination-by-client.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/04/117904/disabled-social-worker-wins-mbe-after-nomination-by-client.htmlAmong the 984 people honoured in the New Year list was sensory impairment social worker Henry Mayne, whose MBE is the result of a nomination from a client he worked with a few years ago. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/04/117903/carers-disproportionately-hit-by-government-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/04/117903/carers-disproportionately-hit-by-government-cuts.htmlCarers will be disproportionately hit by government benefit cuts over the coming years, research published today shows. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117900/munro-leads-new-year-roll-of-honour-in-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117900/munro-leads-new-year-roll-of-honour-in-social-care.htmlProfessor Eileen Munro has been awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours List following her review into child protection, which last year called for sweeping reforms to assessments and performance management. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117901/approved-mental-health-professionals-polled-over-stress.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117901/approved-mental-health-professionals-polled-over-stress.htmlA survey to measure burnout among approved mental health professionals (AMHPs) has been launched by researchers at King's College London.Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117902/social-care-staff-urged-to-blow-the-whistle-on-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117902/social-care-staff-urged-to-blow-the-whistle-on-abuse.htmlSocial care staff and employers are being urged to blow the whistle on abuse and poor practice through a helpline formerly open to NHS staff only. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/23/117891/community-cares-predictions-for-social-care-in-2012.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/23/117891/community-cares-predictions-for-social-care-in-2012.htmlCare funding deadlock, industrial strife and a change of leadership at a key agency. We gaze into our crystal ball to predict what 2012 might hold for social care (Pic: Everett Collection/Rex Features )Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/21/117890/top-five-victories-against-social-care-cuts-of-2011.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/21/117890/top-five-victories-against-social-care-cuts-of-2011.htmlWhile cuts have dominated social care in 2011 some proposed funding reductions and organisational closures have been successfully reversed. Here are our top five victories against the cuts. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/20/117893/christmas-doesnt-have-to-be-the-loneliest-time-of-the-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/20/117893/christmas-doesnt-have-to-be-the-loneliest-time-of-the-year.htmlAt a time when most of us are frantically looking for last-minute presents or trying to find a turkey, it can be easy to forget there are people for whom Christmas can be a very lonely, upsetting time. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117889/carers-uk-names-age-uk-director-as-new-chief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117889/carers-uk-names-age-uk-director-as-new-chief.htmlCarers UK has named Heléna Herklots as its new chief executive. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117887/hospital-dementia-care-blighted-by-inadequate-staff-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117887/hospital-dementia-care-blighted-by-inadequate-staff-training.htmlInadequate staff training and an impersonal approach to care is blighting the experiences of dementia patients in hospitals, a major national study has concluded. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117885/key-long-term-conditions-policy-branded-a-failure-by-nao.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117885/key-long-term-conditions-policy-branded-a-failure-by-nao.htmlOutcomes for people with long-term neurological conditions have stalled or deteriorated, six years on from a key policy to improve support for the group and despite significantly increased funding for care. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117883/book-review-working-with-adults-at-risk-of-harm.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117883/book-review-working-with-adults-at-risk-of-harm.htmlThis is an interesting book that considers the common characteristics between different states of vulnerability, which may occur within a range of contexts, particularly health, social and community care, writes Bridget Penhale.Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117881/domestic-violence-definition-to-include-victims-aged-under-18.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117881/domestic-violence-definition-to-include-victims-aged-under-18.htmlCampaigners have hailed government proposals to widen the definition of domestic violence to include victims aged under 18 and those who have experienced ongoing controlling behaviour from partners. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117839/financial-abuse-of-dementia-sufferers-is-rife-warns-charity.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117839/financial-abuse-of-dementia-sufferers-is-rife-warns-charity.htmlSocial care professionals have been urged to look out for indicators of financial abuse among people with dementia after Alzheimer's Society warned that the problem was rife among the client group. (Image: REX features) Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/13/117879/adult-social-care-and-health-to-be-integrated-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/13/117879/adult-social-care-and-health-to-be-integrated-in-scotland.htmlAdult social care and health will be integrated in Scotland to help tackle delayed discharged from hospital and cost-shunting between councils and the NHS, under plans outlined yesterday by the country's government (Image: REX features). Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/13/117878/book-review-crossing-the-acts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/13/117878/book-review-crossing-the-acts.htmlThe risks faced by adults with mental disorder are greater in degree and type than those of other adults and as such require a different approach to the management of and response to risk and harm, writes Iain McDonald. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/13/117877/book-review-reminiscence-and-life-story-work-a-practice-guide.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/13/117877/book-review-reminiscence-and-life-story-work-a-practice-guide.htmlThis book would prove to be an invaluable tool to anyone involved in reminiscence work, from paid carers or family members to trained professionals, writes Ian Taylor. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/12/117874/dh-orders-probe-into-cqc-following-board-members-criticisms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/12/117874/dh-orders-probe-into-cqc-following-board-members-criticisms.htmlThe Department of Health has ordered a probe into the Care Quality Commission following significant criticisms of its leadership from board member Kay Sheldon. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/12/117873/burstow-users-to-shape-new-online-care-ratings-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/12/117873/burstow-users-to-shape-new-online-care-ratings-system.htmlUsers and carers' opinions on care services will be published alongside ratings of their quality on an online "good care guide" designed to replace the star ratings scrapped last year, Paul Burstow has said. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117870/1.5bn-cut-for-councils-with-social-care-responsibilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117870/1.5bn-cut-for-councils-with-social-care-responsibilities.htmlCouncils responsible for social care in England will have £1.5bn taken out of their budgets next year, the government has said. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117871/staff-cuts-and-overcrowding-blight-care-for-detained-patients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117871/staff-cuts-and-overcrowding-blight-care-for-detained-patients.htmlStaff cuts and overcrowded wards are blighting the care of detained mental health patients, the Care Quality Commission has warned. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/08/117866/cqc-finds-leadership-gap-in-learning-disability-hospitals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/08/117866/cqc-finds-leadership-gap-in-learning-disability-hospitals.htmlLeadership and governance need to be stronger in learning disabilities hospitals and care homes, the Care Quality Commission has said. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/07/117864/council-job-cuts-near-150000-for-the-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/07/117864/council-job-cuts-near-150000-for-the-year.htmlCouncils across England have shed 145,000 jobs over the past year and the number is set to rise, according to a report published today by the Audit Commission. Unison head of local government Heather Wakefield (pictured), said: "Councils have already made far more job cuts than they said would be necessary. This report shows that the worst is yet to come.” Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/07/117863/ageing-workforce-poses-problems-for-palliative-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/07/117863/ageing-workforce-poses-problems-for-palliative-social-work.htmlPalliative care social work faces recruitment problems in England after a survey revealed almost half of specialist practitioners were aged over 50. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/06/117859/hsbc-faces-40m-bill-for-mis-selling-care-products-to-elderly.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/06/117859/hsbc-faces-40m-bill-for-mis-selling-care-products-to-elderly.htmlHSBC faces a £40m bill for mis-selling investment products to fund long-term care to elderly customers and their families. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/06/117858/council-prevented-social-worker-from-visiting-dying-mother.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/06/117858/council-prevented-social-worker-from-visiting-dying-mother.htmlA children's social care worker who was unlawfully prevented from seeing her mother in a care home before she died has been awarded £5,000 after Leeds Council was found guilty of maladministration. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/06/117852/mps-warn-ministers-of-new-care-home-crisis-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/06/117852/mps-warn-ministers-of-new-care-home-crisis-risk.htmlThe Department of Health must "get to grips with the very real risks to the social care market" to avoid another Southern Cross-style failure, an influential group of MPs warned today. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117856/government-wants-mass-roll-out-of-telecare-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117856/government-wants-mass-roll-out-of-telecare-services.htmlThe government is bidding to roll out telecare or telehealth devices to three million people with long-term conditions after a large-scale evaluation found they could significantly cut death rates and costs for the NHS. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117854/practice-issues-in-adult-safeguarding-at-a-time-of-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117854/practice-issues-in-adult-safeguarding-at-a-time-of-cuts.htmlAdult safeguarding consultant Patrick Worthington (pictured) examines the key practice issues facing social care professionals in keeping adults at risk safe at a time of austerity and changeMon, 05 Dec 2011 14:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117853/second-council-ordered-to-review-care-fees-for-providers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117853/second-council-ordered-to-review-care-fees-for-providers.htmlCouncils have been warned that they face having care cuts reversed in the courts after a second authority was ordered to review a decision to freeze fees.Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/02/117847/almost-50-of-carers-made-ill-by-money-worries.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/02/117847/almost-50-of-carers-made-ill-by-money-worries.htmlA survey of more than 4,000 carers by Carers UK for Carers Rights Day today has found that almost 47% were being made ill by money worries. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/02/117848/wider-remit-risks-diverting-cqc-from-regulating-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/02/117848/wider-remit-risks-diverting-cqc-from-regulating-care.htmlThe Care Quality Commission risks being distracted from its core role of regulating health and adult social care services by government plans to extend its responsibilities, the National Audit Office warned today. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117845/social-workers-must-address-service-users-poor-hygiene.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117845/social-workers-must-address-service-users-poor-hygiene.htmlPeter Bates argues that more attention needs to be paid to poor personal hygiene and its contribution to social exclusionThu, 01 Dec 2011 11:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117842/government-grants-cqc-request-for-cash-to-fund-inspections.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117842/government-grants-cqc-request-for-cash-to-fund-inspections.htmlThe Department of Health has granted the Care Quality Commission's request for greater funding to finance annual inspections of adult care services and others it regulates. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117837/adult-care-was-being-trimmed-before-coalition-cuts-started.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117837/adult-care-was-being-trimmed-before-coalition-cuts-started.htmlSocial care services were being trimmed in England even before the coalition's major programme of cuts kicked in this year, figures published today indicate. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117836/social-care-faces-deeper-cuts-on-back-of-osborne-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117836/social-care-faces-deeper-cuts-on-back-of-osborne-plan.htmlSocial care will face deeper cuts lasting until 2017 on the back of chancellor George Osborne's Autumn Statement issued yesterday. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117831/ministers-defend-college-of-social-works-tie-up-with-unison.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117831/ministers-defend-college-of-social-works-tie-up-with-unison.htmlGovernment ministers have defended the College of Social Work’s tie-up with Unison following criticism from the education select committee earlier this month. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117832/osborne-extends-public-sector-pay-squeeze-until-2015.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117832/osborne-extends-public-sector-pay-squeeze-until-2015.htmlPublic sector pay will be squeezed until 2015 and cuts to services will continue until 2017, chancellor George Osborne announced today in his Autumn Statement (Image: Steve Back). Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117830/cqc-board-member-calls-for-chief-cynthia-bower-to-resign.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117830/cqc-board-member-calls-for-chief-cynthia-bower-to-resign.htmlA Care Quality Commission board member has called for the resignation of chief executive Cynthia Bower (pictured) over a lack of leadership capability at the regulator. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117829/ten-charged-with-abuse-at-winterbourne-view.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117829/ten-charged-with-abuse-at-winterbourne-view.htmlTen people have been charged with abusing or neglecting patients at Winterbourne View Hospital for people with learning disabilities. (Image from BBC Panorama). Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/25/117827/government-u-turn-on-scrapping-mobility-allowance-expected.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/25/117827/government-u-turn-on-scrapping-mobility-allowance-expected.htmlThe government looks set to back down from controversial plans to remove up to £50 a week in mobility benefits from disabled people in care homes. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117821/checks-on-sickness-benefit-awards-to-ensure-fairness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117821/checks-on-sickness-benefit-awards-to-ensure-fairness.htmlThe government is to introduce checks on decisions to award sickness benefits to ensure fairness and consistency, following the publication of the second independent review of the work capability assessment today. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117824/spend-on-carers-down-2.4m.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117824/spend-on-carers-down-2.4m.htmlPrimary care trust spending on carers has fallen by £2.4m over the past year despite additional government investment, an investigation by two carers organisations has found.Thu, 24 Nov 2011 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117818/burstow-toughens-requirements-on-nhs-to-fund-carers-breaks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117818/burstow-toughens-requirements-on-nhs-to-fund-carers-breaks.htmlThe government has toughened requirements on the NHS to fund carers' services after admitting funding allocated for the purpose was not being spent as desired.Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117817/deafblind-people-failed-by-revamped-dla-test.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117817/deafblind-people-failed-by-revamped-dla-test.htmlDeafblind people risk being failed by the government's overhaul of disability living allowance after service users found a trial of the assessment process "stressful" and "inconsistent".Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117822/council-slammed-for-using-untrained-staff-for-care-reviews.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117822/council-slammed-for-using-untrained-staff-for-care-reviews.htmlNorthamptonshire Council has been slammed for failing to carry out required reviews of care packages and using unqualified staff to do so, in a damning report into two cases from the local government ombudsman today.Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117819/untrained-practitioners-delivering-psychological-therapies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117819/untrained-practitioners-delivering-psychological-therapies.htmlTherapists are delivering psychological therapies they are not trained to provide to people with anxiety and depression, according to a national audit published today by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117812/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-not-fit-for-purpose.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117812/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-not-fit-for-purpose.htmlThe deprivation of liberty safeguards must be "drastically revised" or replaced according to the findings of a Mental Health Alliance draft report, which has concluded that they are "not fit for purpose", writes Helen Mooney. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117813/extra-care-housing-better-than-care-homes-finds-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117813/extra-care-housing-better-than-care-homes-finds-report.htmlExtra care housing delivers better outcomes at less cost than residential care for people with the same needs, an independent report is expected to conclude next month. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117820/skills-for-care-develops-careers-e-tool.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117820/skills-for-care-develops-careers-e-tool.htmlSkills for Care has created an interactive career pathways e-tool for people considering starting in social care and those already working in the sector who are keen to see what their career development opportunities might be.Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117814/care-worker-who-gave-child-alcohol-struck-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117814/care-worker-who-gave-child-alcohol-struck-off.htmlA residential child care worker who poured alcohol into a 15-year-old service user's soft drink and applied fake tan to another child's torso has been struck off for breaching professional boundaries. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117797/human-rights-act-must-be-extended-to-private-home-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117797/human-rights-act-must-be-extended-to-private-home-care.htmlHuman rights protections should be extended to publicly-funded users of private home care services, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has urged after finding widespread abuses in the sector. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117808/nhs-and-council-ignored-learning-disabled-mans-human-rights.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117808/nhs-and-council-ignored-learning-disabled-mans-human-rights.htmlA council and NHS trust have been slammed for "ignoring the basic human rights" of a man with Down's syndrome. “Mr J's rights, best interests, and family relationships were not taken into account when the trust and the council made plans for his care,” said health service ombudsman Ann Abraham (pictured) Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/22/117723/helping-care-home-managers-navigate-the-dols.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/22/117723/helping-care-home-managers-navigate-the-dols.htmlWhat must care home managers bear in mind when residents might be deprived of their liberty? Manager Kathryn McGuirk discusses her experience of the deprivation of liberty safeguards.Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/22/117804/cqc-to-probe-standards-of-home-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/22/117804/cqc-to-probe-standards-of-home-care.htmlStandards of home care in England will be investigated by the Care Quality Commission to shine a light on services that operate "behind closed doors", says chief executive Cynthia Bower (pictured). Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117779/are-riot-related-social-housing-evictions-just-empty-threats.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117779/are-riot-related-social-housing-evictions-just-empty-threats.htmlSocial housing providers talked tough after the summer street disturbances. Samantha Thorp asks whether they were empty threats Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117742/why-a-specialist-aspergers-team-is-the-way-forward-for-one-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117742/why-a-specialist-aspergers-team-is-the-way-forward-for-one-council.htmlThe challenge of supporting adults with high-functioning autism, including the need for in-depth assessment, has convinced one council to set up a specialist team to cater for them, writes Natalie Valios Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117798/care-home-arts-activities-at-risk-from-council-cuts-warns-provider-chief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117798/care-home-arts-activities-at-risk-from-council-cuts-warns-provider-chief.html Arts activities are at risk of being cut back as local authorities cut care home funding, the National Care Forum chief executive has warned. Despite...Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/19/117772/charity-mind-sounds-alarm-over-crisis-mental-health-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/19/117772/charity-mind-sounds-alarm-over-crisis-mental-health-services.htmlThere need to be more mental health services for people on the edge of crisis care, according to the charity Mind's year-long investigation into the state of acute and crisis care services for people with urgent mental health needs. Sat, 19 Nov 2011 12:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/18/117780/is-supported-living-delivering-on-its-promises-of-choice-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/18/117780/is-supported-living-delivering-on-its-promises-of-choice-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlSupported living is the way forward for people with learning disabilities but the world of rents and benefits is a harsh one that may see them forced to live away from their social networks. Molly Garboden reports Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/18/117787/the-impact-of-competitive-tendering-on-social-services-and-service-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/18/117787/the-impact-of-competitive-tendering-on-social-services-and-service-users.htmlMark Drinkwater reports on how competitive tendering of services can leave staff, and service users, feeling all at sea Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117790/nlgn-government-must-rethink-personal-budgets-target.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117790/nlgn-government-must-rethink-personal-budgets-target.htmlThe government must relax its 2013 target for 100% take-up of personal budgets in adult social care, according to the New Local Government Network.Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117786/research-multiple-exclusion-homelessness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117786/research-multiple-exclusion-homelessness.htmlMichelle Cornes and Jill Manthorpe summarise the findings of the Multiple Exclusion Homelessness Research Programme outlining the key practice implications for social workers Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117783/mental-health-payment-by-results-tariff-stalled.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117783/mental-health-payment-by-results-tariff-stalled.htmlCreating an NHS payment by results tariff for mental health services remains a challenge which mental health trusts and service commissioners have failed to address, according to the NHS Confederation. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117782/how-retro-styling-homes-can-help-elderly-people-with-dementia-feel-more-comfortable.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117782/how-retro-styling-homes-can-help-elderly-people-with-dementia-feel-more-comfortable.htmlRetro-decorating can help people with dementia to stay at home for longer by placing familiar items from their past in their home to reduce anxiety and to trigger memories. Jeremy Dunning reports Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117776/boost-council-commissioning-transparency-says-adass-chief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117776/boost-council-commissioning-transparency-says-adass-chief.htmlLocal authority commissioning should be more transparent and outcomes more minutely measured to help increase the number of providers in the social care market, said Peter Hay, president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117757/people-with-dementia-being-denied-direct-payments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117757/people-with-dementia-being-denied-direct-payments.htmlPeople with dementia are not reaping the benefits of personal budgets because of a lack of information and knowledge among social care professionals, and tightening eligibility criteria, an Alzheimer's Society report warns today (Thursday). Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117773/skills-for-care-launches-guide-for-social-care-employers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117773/skills-for-care-launches-guide-for-social-care-employers.htmlSkills for Care has launched a practical guide to the Principles of Workforce Redesign to help adult social care employers manage the changes the sector is facing. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117771/ukhca-warns-councils-over-care-funding-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117771/ukhca-warns-councils-over-care-funding-cuts.htmlCare agencies are increasingly willing to use the courts to address home care funding issues, the United Kingdom Homecare Association has warned councils. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117743/tracy-ryan-the-countrys-first-dignity-co-ordinator.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117743/tracy-ryan-the-countrys-first-dignity-co-ordinator.htmlThe UK's first dignity in care co-ordinator tells Jeremy Dunning how her role has benefited service users and practitioners alike Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/14/117755/serious-case-review-of-womans-death-reveals-support-gaps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/14/117755/serious-case-review-of-womans-death-reveals-support-gaps.htmlMajor gaps in support for vulnerable adults with undiagnosed learning disabilities have been exposed by the exploitation and murder of Gemma Hayter (pictured), who was beaten to death in August 2010 by people she considered her friends, a serious case review has found. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/14/117746/research-supported-housing-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/14/117746/research-supported-housing-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlReducing the number of people with learning disabilities in residential care requires a creative, personalised approach, writes Dr Trish Hafford-Letchfield Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/13/117744/helping-people-with-learning-disabilities-take-control-of-their-lives.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/13/117744/helping-people-with-learning-disabilities-take-control-of-their-lives.htmlA project to help learning disabled people take charge of their support is helping Cornwall shed its legacy of abuse, reports Maria Ahmed Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117753/care-homes-jubilant-as-council-agrees-to-review-fees.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117753/care-homes-jubilant-as-council-agrees-to-review-fees.htmlCare home leaders are celebrating after a council ordered a review of its fees for providers under threat of a judicial review challenge.Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117752/unlawful-threshold-rise-sends-message-to-councils-on-care-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117752/unlawful-threshold-rise-sends-message-to-councils-on-care-cuts.htmlThe Isle of Wight Council's increase in eligibility thresholds for adult care this year was unlawful, it was ruled today, in a judgement today that "sends a very clear message" to other councils considering cuts. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117747/social-works-most-influential-thinkers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117747/social-works-most-influential-thinkers.htmlWho are the people whose ideas have done the most to shape the nature of social work? Community Care profiles some of the profession's most influential brain boxes Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117741/judge-orders-council-to-rethink-care-provider-fee-freeze.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117741/judge-orders-council-to-rethink-care-provider-fee-freeze.htmlA judge has ordered a council to rethink its decision to freeze fees to residential care providers. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117739/burstow-bid-to-use-dols-to-curb-antipsychotics-use-draconian.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117739/burstow-bid-to-use-dols-to-curb-antipsychotics-use-draconian.htmlConcerns have been raised over "draconian" proposals from care services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) to use the deprivation of liberty safeguards to crack down on inappropriate prescriptions of antipsychotic drugs to sedate people with dementia. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117736/statutory-watchdog-needed-to-resolve-care-funding-crisis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117736/statutory-watchdog-needed-to-resolve-care-funding-crisis.htmlSocial care's funding crisis can only be tackled through the creation of a statutory watchdog tasked with holding ministers to account for underfunding.Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/09/117737/councils-boost-reablement-services-with-cash-from-nhs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/09/117737/councils-boost-reablement-services-with-cash-from-nhs.htmlReablement services are being expanded significantly across England on the back of £648m transferred from the NHS to local authorities this year. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/08/117735/mps-hear-scie-chief-call-basw-unethical-in-college-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/08/117735/mps-hear-scie-chief-call-basw-unethical-in-college-row.htmlThe row over the creation of the College of Social Work deepened today as the British Association of Social Workers was accused of "unethical" and "unprincipled" behaviour by Allan Bowman (pictured), the chair of the Social Care Institute for Excellence. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/07/117732/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-guide-for-care-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/07/117732/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-guide-for-care-homes.htmlCare homes sometimes find it difficult to identify when they are depriving a resident of their liberty. Here deprivation of liberty safeguards expert John Leighton sets out what they need to look out for.Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/07/117731/social-workers-failed-to-monitor-elderly-man-murdered-by-son.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/07/117731/social-workers-failed-to-monitor-elderly-man-murdered-by-son.htmlSocial workers failed to monitor the circumstances of a direct payments user who was murdered by his son, a serious case review has found. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/07/117730/provider-to-import-us-style-small-scale-elderly-care-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/07/117730/provider-to-import-us-style-small-scale-elderly-care-homes.htmlOne of the UK's biggest care providers is planning to introduce a US model for replacing "factory-style" care homes for older people with smaller units. US geriatrician Dr Bill Thomas (pictured) visited the UK last week to promote the idea. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117724/employers-fail-to-refer-abusive-care-workers-to-watchdog.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117724/employers-fail-to-refer-abusive-care-workers-to-watchdog.htmlHealth and social care employers are failing to report cases of staff found to have harmed or abused service users, the Independent Safeguarding Authority has warned, after figures revealed the extent of abuse within services. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117718/laraine-bruce-a-care-checker-on-the-side-of-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117718/laraine-bruce-a-care-checker-on-the-side-of-users.htmlAn organisation has recruited an army of "care checkers" to visit settings so that service users are heard. Mithran Samuel reports Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117714/community-care-moves-to-an-online-future.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117714/community-care-moves-to-an-online-future.htmlCommunity Care takes the difficult decision to close the print magazine and focus all its energy and resources on supporting social care professionals online. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117720/centrepoint-staff-to-stage-strikes-this-month-over-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117720/centrepoint-staff-to-stage-strikes-this-month-over-cuts.htmlUnite members at Centrepoint are to go on strike three times this month in response to the homelessness charity's plans to cut staff salaries. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117713/30000-cases-of-abuse-of-vulnerable-adults-last-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117713/30000-cases-of-abuse-of-vulnerable-adults-last-year.htmlCouncils identifed over 30,000 cases of abuse of vulnerable adults last year, according to official figures from the NHS Information Centre Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117715/social-workers-confused-over-college-and-gscc-roles.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117715/social-workers-confused-over-college-and-gscc-roles.htmlDespite the imminent formation of the College of Social Work many social workers and social work students do not know the difference between a regulator and a professional body. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117709/service-cuts-increase-isolation-among-elderly-finds-survey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117709/service-cuts-increase-isolation-among-elderly-finds-survey.htmlOlder people believe their well-being is under attack through a combination of cuts to community services, poor care at home services and failings in hospital care, putting an overstretched NHS under even greater pressure, research from the WRVS released today shows. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/03/117703/lord-low-government-should-not-remove-dla-mobility-benefit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/03/117703/lord-low-government-should-not-remove-dla-mobility-benefit.htmlRemoving mobility benefits for disabled people living in residential care would be "a serious step backwards for disability rights", according to Lord Low's review of the issue. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/03/117701/campaign-to-boost-status-of-care-service-managers-launched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/03/117701/campaign-to-boost-status-of-care-service-managers-launched.htmlA campaign has been launched to raise the "disappointing" status of registered care managers to ensure they are regarded as "recognised professionals" on a par with doctors, nurses and social workers. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/02/117702/how-a-board-game-is-helping-social-care-staff-implement-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/02/117702/how-a-board-game-is-helping-social-care-staff-implement-personalisation.htmlA board game that helps staff, providers and service users understand personalisation has succeeded in changing the culture in some organisations, reports Louise HuntWed, 02 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/01/117694/inquiry-launched-into-outcomes-for-people-with-schizophrenia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/01/117694/inquiry-launched-into-outcomes-for-people-with-schizophrenia.htmlAn inquiry into why outcomes for people with schizophrenia remain so poor has been launched today, 100 years after the illness was identified. Rethink Mental Illness chief executive Paul Jenkins (pictured) said that people with the condition are too often "forgotten and end up with a low quality of life".Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117692/charities-should-take-mental-health-care-co-ordinator-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117692/charities-should-take-mental-health-care-co-ordinator-role.htmlThe co-ordination of mental healthcare for users should be outsourced from social workers and NHS colleagues to the third sector to improve the independence and creativity of support.Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117685/making-personalisation-work-in-residential-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117685/making-personalisation-work-in-residential-care.htmlPersonalisation can work for people in residential care, but it needs a new culture that can bring challenges for both service users and staff. Natalie Valios reports Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117686/care-complaints-in-elderly-care-treble-in-wales.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117686/care-complaints-in-elderly-care-treble-in-wales.htmlThe number of referrals to the Care Council for Wales (CCW) involving student social workers has fallen over the past two years, according to latest figures. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117681/hike-in-number-of-rough-sleepers-with-mental-health-issues.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117681/hike-in-number-of-rough-sleepers-with-mental-health-issues.htmlIncreasing numbers of people with mental health problems are sleeping rough due to cuts to mental health services, homelessness outreach workers have warned. (Picture: Rex, model released)Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117683/merged-user-led-disability-charity-to-have-more-clout.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117683/merged-user-led-disability-charity-to-have-more-clout.htmlA new super-charity led by disabled people will have more influence on policy and greater fundraising clout than its three predecessor organisations put together.Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117673/book-review-of-learning-difficulties-and-sexual-vulnerability.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117673/book-review-of-learning-difficulties-and-sexual-vulnerability.htmlI found this book thought-provoking and a welcome challenge to established ideas about vulnerability, writes Beth Billington. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117675/legal-update-latest-adult-social-care-cases-including-learning-disabilities-and-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117675/legal-update-latest-adult-social-care-cases-including-learning-disabilities-and-personalisation.htmlEd Mitchell looks at some important recent adult services cases that have not been widely publicised. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117672/what-is-best-for-a-couple-with-dementia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117672/what-is-best-for-a-couple-with-dementia.htmlFamilies and partners can often be a source of support, but there are times when the individual needs of couples can be in conflict with each other, paricularly in cases of dementiaWed, 26 Oct 2011 16:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117670/lansley-500-nursing-homes-face-dignity-and-nutrition-probes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117670/lansley-500-nursing-homes-face-dignity-and-nutrition-probes.htmlNutrition and patient dignity standards at 500 nursing homes are to be checked over the next six months, health secretary Andrew Lansley (pictured) said today.Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117674/book-review-hearing-the-person-with-dementia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117674/book-review-hearing-the-person-with-dementia.htmlRecent policy initiatives such as the dementia strategy for England have encouraged an increasing awareness of the needs of people with dementia, writes Dr Elaine Argyle. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117667/supporting-people-cuts-put-people-at-risk-and-shunt-costs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/26/117667/supporting-people-cuts-put-people-at-risk-and-shunt-costs.htmlSupporting People cuts will put vulnerable people at risk and shunt costs on to other parts of the care and support system, councils have warned. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117654/should-scrs-be-mandatory-when-vulnerable-adults-are-killed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117654/should-scrs-be-mandatory-when-vulnerable-adults-are-killed.htmlCalls to mandate serious case reviews when adults at risk are murdered fail to recognise there are other ways of learning lessons, finds Natalie Valios Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117658/dilnot-proposals-will-not-deliver-insurance-market-for-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117658/dilnot-proposals-will-not-deliver-insurance-market-for-care.htmlThe insurance industry is unlikely to back the Dilnot Commission's proposals to reform adult care funding, according to a think-tank chief.Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117652/mentoring-project-helps-anxiety-sufferers-towards-recovery.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117652/mentoring-project-helps-anxiety-sufferers-towards-recovery.htmlA peer mentoring project is providing positive outcomes for people with anxiety, reports Louise HuntMon, 24 Oct 2011 11:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/21/117641/families-denied-information-on-ex-southern-cross-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/21/117641/families-denied-information-on-ex-southern-cross-homes.htmlFamilies will struggle to judge the quality of former Southern Cross care homes because they cannot access information on past performance, it has emerged. Care Quality Commission chief executive Cynthia Bower (left) has promised to look into the issue.Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/21/117644/lansley-nhs-cash-has-stabilised-care-eligibility-thresholds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/21/117644/lansley-nhs-cash-has-stabilised-care-eligibility-thresholds.htmlCouncils have stabilised eligibility thresholds and put in place services to cut hospital admissions with money transferred from the NHS this year, health secretary Andrew Lansley said today.Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/20/117636/councils-dont-know-how-to-identify-carers-says-charity-chief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/20/117636/councils-dont-know-how-to-identify-carers-says-charity-chief.htmlMany councils are failing to support carers effectively because they do not know how to find them, outgoing Carers UK chief executive Imelda Redmond has warmed.Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/20/117630/adass-chief-urges-ministers-to-close-care-funding-gap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/20/117630/adass-chief-urges-ministers-to-close-care-funding-gap.htmlMinisters were urged today to close the resource gap for adult social care today in order to secure financial security and dignity for current and future service users. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117377/the-role-of-the-social-care-broker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117377/the-role-of-the-social-care-broker.htmlPersonalisation and personal budgets have brought new skills and jobs in social care, including brokerage. But it is unclear what this role involves and who should be doing it. Steve Dowson argues it is best done independently of the local authority rather than by council care managers Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117629/make-clients-apple-of-your-eye-public-services-urged.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117629/make-clients-apple-of-your-eye-public-services-urged.htmlPublic services should think more like technology giant Apple and make client needs the top priority, Sir Michael Bichard, told the National Children and Adult Services Conference in London.Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117628/care-home-staff-feel-untrusted-by-adult-safeguarding-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117628/care-home-staff-feel-untrusted-by-adult-safeguarding-system.htmlCare home staff feel "under pressure" and "not trusted" because of the number of adult safeguarding alerts providers feel they have to make, sometimes for trivial issues.Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117625/personal-budgets-emphasis-risks-excluding-complex-needs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117625/personal-budgets-emphasis-risks-excluding-complex-needs.htmlThe emphasis on providing personal budgets for all risks failing to deliver personalised care for people with the most complex needs, a report from Demos warns today.Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117618/councils-urged-to-sign-up-to-new-personalisation-indicators.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117618/councils-urged-to-sign-up-to-new-personalisation-indicators.htmlCouncils and providers have been urged to sign up to a new suite of indicators on personalisation and publish details of their progress against them. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117619/cut-social-workers-planning-role-to-empower-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117619/cut-social-workers-planning-role-to-empower-users.htmlSocial workers' role in support planning should be radically reduced to enable service users to take control of deciding how to spend their personal budgets, an influential paper said this week. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117620/cut-bureaucracy-for-service-users-councils-told.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117620/cut-bureaucracy-for-service-users-councils-told.htmlRestrictions on how service users spend personal budgets should be lifted, say sector leaders. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117623/councils-on-track-for-2013-target-of-personal-budgets-for-all.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117623/councils-on-track-for-2013-target-of-personal-budgets-for-all.htmlCouncils are on track to meet the government's target of having all service users on personal budgets by 2013, a survey has found. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117624/supply-of-extra-care-housing-drying-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117624/supply-of-extra-care-housing-drying-up.htmlThe supply of extra care housing is drying up because of a lack of government funding and the poor state of the housing market, experts have concluded.Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/18/117580/monitoring-duplication-blights-care-home-managers-lives.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/18/117580/monitoring-duplication-blights-care-home-managers-lives.htmlCare home managers are finding their time increasingly taken up by multiple information requests as councils, primary care trusts and the Care Quality Commission each look to monitor standards. Jeremy Dunning reports Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/17/117599/liberating-social-work-from-the-shackles-of-care-management.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/17/117599/liberating-social-work-from-the-shackles-of-care-management.htmlThere's light at the end of the tunnel for social workers and service users fed up with the bureaucracy surrounding the design of personal budgets. Mithran Samuel reports Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/17/117615/direct-payments-not-reaching-mental-health-service-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/17/117615/direct-payments-not-reaching-mental-health-service-users.htmlPeople with mental health problems are being denied the benefits of direct payments because of a lack of staff knowledge and inadequate information from councils, a Rethink Mental Illness report has warned. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/16/117613/cqc-failing-to-protect-adults-abused-or-neglected-in-hospital.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/16/117613/cqc-failing-to-protect-adults-abused-or-neglected-in-hospital.htmlThe Care Quality Commission is failing to protect adults experiencing abuse or neglect in hospitals, Action on Elder Abuse has claimed in a damning report.Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/15/117663/pcts-facing-more-appeals-against-continuing-care-decisions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/15/117663/pcts-facing-more-appeals-against-continuing-care-decisions.htmlThe NHS faced more appeals against decisions to deny people continuing healthcare funding last year and a greater proportion were successful, Community Care research shows. (Picture: Rex, posed by model)Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117610/overcoming-social-work-barriers-to-person-centred-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117610/overcoming-social-work-barriers-to-person-centred-care.htmlSome social care staff struggle to deliver person-centred care. But a report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation offers advice on how many of the perceived barriers can be overcome with the right attitude and commitment Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117608/vital-role-of-appropriate-adult-to-help-vulnerable-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117608/vital-role-of-appropriate-adult-to-help-vulnerable-people.htmlSocial workers have much to offer and to gain from becoming an appropriate adult to help vulnerable people in criminal investigations. Gordon Carson looks at the role Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117607/how-to-contribute-to-adult-safeguarding-meetings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117607/how-to-contribute-to-adult-safeguarding-meetings.htmlChris Russell offers advice on how to make the best of every opportunity a safeguarding meeting provides. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117601/research-working-with-fathers-with-a-history-of-domestic-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117601/research-working-with-fathers-with-a-history-of-domestic-violence.htmlSocial work academic Dr Kieron Hatton examines research on social work with fathers who have carried out domestic violence Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117600/head-to-head-do-we-need-independent-brokers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117600/head-to-head-do-we-need-independent-brokers.htmlWould a network of independent brokers help service users make the most of their personal budgets? Steve Dowson says yes. Simon Duffy disagrees Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117595/patients-stripped-of-dignity-in-hospitals-warns-cqc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117595/patients-stripped-of-dignity-in-hospitals-warns-cqc.htmlPatients are being "stripped of their dignity" on many hospital wards because of poor staff attitudes, inadequate leadership and stretched resources, the Care Quality Commission warned today. (Picture posed by model, Rex) Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117597/compulsory-community-mental-health-care-hailed-a-success.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117597/compulsory-community-mental-health-care-hailed-a-success.htmlCompulsory community mental health treatment in Scotland has benefited most service users, allaying fears that it would be used simply to enforce compliance with treatment. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/11/117591/psychiatrists-want-nhs-reforms-to-be-scrapped.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/11/117591/psychiatrists-want-nhs-reforms-to-be-scrapped.htmlJust 12% of psychiatrists believe the government's NHS reforms will lead to better patient care, as legislation to enact them enters the House of Lords today. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/11/117565/benefits-of-home-care-reablement-in-the-long-term.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/11/117565/benefits-of-home-care-reablement-in-the-long-term.htmlReablement is popular with service users and although not the cheapest option, may have longer term benefits. Jill Manthorpe reviews the evidence Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117584/government-will-not-prop-up-failing-care-providers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117584/government-will-not-prop-up-failing-care-providers.htmlThe government will not prop up care providers whose businesses have failed, in the wake of the Southern Cross case. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117586/criminalising-forced-marriage-could-push-it-further-underground.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117586/criminalising-forced-marriage-could-push-it-further-underground.htmlMaking forced marriage a criminal offence risks "pushing the issue further underground", an expert has warned as David Cameron (left) announced a consultation on the idea today. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117573/book-review-community-development-a-critical-approach.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117573/book-review-community-development-a-critical-approach.htmlThe coalition government is vigorously engaged in reducing the role of the state in the delivery of services in education, including schools and universities, the health service and services traditionally delivered by local authorities, writes Keith Popple.Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117582/20m-boost-for-campaign-to-tackle-mental-health-stigma.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117582/20m-boost-for-campaign-to-tackle-mental-health-stigma.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has announced a £20m boost for the Time to Change campaign to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117577/lansleys-continuing-care-plan-could-save-300m-a-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117577/lansleys-continuing-care-plan-could-save-300m-a-year.htmlHealth secretary Andrew Lansley's (pictured) plans to extend personal health budgets (PHBs) to people receiving continuing healthcare could save £300m a year nationally.Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117578/southern-cross-to-close-home-at-centre-of-abuse-inquiry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117578/southern-cross-to-close-home-at-centre-of-abuse-inquiry.htmlSouthern Cross is to close a nursing home at the centre of an abuse inquiry weeks before its transfer to a new provider, it announced today. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117576/benefit-reforms-threaten-vulnerable-peoples-independence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/07/117576/benefit-reforms-threaten-vulnerable-peoples-independence.htmlPlanned housing benefit reforms may force vulnerable people to leave supported housing settings for residential care or to return to their families, says a coalition of charities. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117574/book-review-using-the-law-in-social-work-5th-edition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117574/book-review-using-the-law-in-social-work-5th-edition.htmlFor new social work students, the fifth edition of Using the Law in Social Work gives a good basic introductory overview of the main legal issues. It is not designed or suitable for detailed legal reference, but has good suggestions for further reading, writes Linda Naylor Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117571/drug-addiction-recovery-rates-on-the-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117571/drug-addiction-recovery-rates-on-the-up.htmlThe number of people recovering from drug addiction in England rose by 18% last year, according to the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA).Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117567/how-a-uk-council-is-helping-a-remote-atlantic-island-deliver-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117567/how-a-uk-council-is-helping-a-remote-atlantic-island-deliver-social-care.htmlThe island associated with Napoleon's exile has forged a relationship with a Scottish council to improve its social care. Natalie Valios reports Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117561/drugs-service-gives-misusers-confidence-to-deal-with-habit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117561/drugs-service-gives-misusers-confidence-to-deal-with-habit.html A walk-in drugs service is giving people the self-confidence to confront and tackle their drug habits, reports Natalie Valios Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/05/117550/council-to-halt-placements-in-third-of-care-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/05/117550/council-to-halt-placements-in-third-of-care-homes.htmlOne in three of Newcastle-upon-Tyne's care homes will not receive any more council-funded places after a year-long row over funding.Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/05/117559/housing-support-staff-require-more-personalisation-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/05/117559/housing-support-staff-require-more-personalisation-training.htmlSupported housing staff need significant extra training in personalisation to help the people they support make the most of personal budgets.Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/05/117558/arrests-over-suspected-ill-treatment-at-southern-cross-home.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/05/117558/arrests-over-suspected-ill-treatment-at-southern-cross-home.htmlTwo current or former staff at a Southern Cross nursing home have been arrested and bailed on suspicion of ill-treating or neglecting residents.Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/05/117552/personal-budgets-boost-for-continuing-care-clients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/05/117552/personal-budgets-boost-for-continuing-care-clients.htmlPeople with continuing healthcare needs will have the right to request a personal health budget by April 2014, health secretary Andrew Lansley (pictured) has told the Conservative Party conference. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/04/117553/imelda-redmond-steps-down-from-helm-of-carers-uk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/04/117553/imelda-redmond-steps-down-from-helm-of-carers-uk.htmlCarers UK chief executive Imelda Redmond is to step down after 12 years at the organisation. She is moving to become director of policy and public affairs at Marie Curie Cancer Care. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/03/117545/prison-bullying-linked-to-suicides-in-custody.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/03/117545/prison-bullying-linked-to-suicides-in-custody.htmlMore effective reporting and recording of bullying among prisoners must be implemented to reduce the number of suicides within custody, according to a report issued today. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/03/117544/patchy-care-home-advocacy-provision-prompts-review-in-wales.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/03/117544/patchy-care-home-advocacy-provision-prompts-review-in-wales.htmlA review has been launched into advocacy arrangements for older people living in care homes in Wales, following growing evidence of inconsistent provision across the country. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117543/care-providers-demand-return-to-star-ratings-style-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117543/care-providers-demand-return-to-star-ratings-style-system.htmlSocial care leaders have called for a similar system to the quality ratings scheme scrapped last year to be introduced to assess adult providers after plans to introduce an excellence award were scrappedFri, 30 Sep 2011 18:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117494/how-to-improve-nutritional-standards-in-care-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117494/how-to-improve-nutritional-standards-in-care-homes.htmlA care home in Wimbledon has become an academy of nutrition as it responds constantly to residents' food fancies while maintaining quality, reports Jeremy DunningFri, 30 Sep 2011 18:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117492/research-protecting-adults-at-risk-across-council-boundaries.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117492/research-protecting-adults-at-risk-across-council-boundaries.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence has worked with London councils, the police and the NHS to produce guidelines on safeguarding adults Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117535/research-assessing-risk-in-domestic-violence-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117535/research-assessing-risk-in-domestic-violence-cases.htmlCommunity Care Inform looks at the implications of research into specialist domestic violence risk assessment for safeguarding and family court work. By Thangam DebbonaireFri, 30 Sep 2011 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117541/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-costs-well-above-estimates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117541/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-costs-well-above-estimates.htmlDeprivation of Liberty Safeguards (Dols) cases are costing at least twice the government's estimates, raising doubts about the adequacy of funding for local authorities to carry them out.Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117514/social-care-providers-excellence-award-to-be-ditched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117514/social-care-providers-excellence-award-to-be-ditched.htmlThe government is to drop the planned excellence award for social care providers after it was universally rejected by the sector. Care Quality Commission chair Jo Williams (pictured) has said that she saw no prospect of the scheme going ahead.Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117526/personalisation-are-personal-budgets-improving-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117526/personalisation-are-personal-budgets-improving-outcomes.htmlResearch published this year found personal budgets were improving outcomes for users. Consultant Colin Slasberg (pictured left) claims the positive effects are not the work of personal budgets but of funding levels. In a response, research author Chris Hatton (right) says his findings are robust Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117531/care-chiefs-to-discuss-how-to-cut-fees-without-damaging-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117531/care-chiefs-to-discuss-how-to-cut-fees-without-damaging-care.htmlTalks are to start with councils to relieve the pressure on care home providers which are required to maintain service quality despite real-terms fee cuts.Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117530/safeguarding-adult-boards-struggling-to-secure-resources.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117530/safeguarding-adult-boards-struggling-to-secure-resources.htmlSafeguarding adult boards are struggling to secure sufficient resources and the participation of key agencies in their work, a Department of Health-commissioned study finds today. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117528/good-social-work-not-targets-needed-in-self-neglect-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117528/good-social-work-not-targets-needed-in-self-neglect-cases.htmlPerformance targets and resource pressures could be undermining the "good social work" that is key to improving the lives of people who neglect themselves, finds research published today.Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117525/welfare-rights-cuts-to-contributory-esa.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117525/welfare-rights-cuts-to-contributory-esa.htmlStand by for some worried clients in the next few weeks, writes Gary Vaux. The Department for Work and Pensions is writing to 100,000 people telling them that from April 2012, they might lose their right to benefit.Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117524/supporting-service-users-to-become-employers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117524/supporting-service-users-to-become-employers.htmlCommunity Care and Unison's 2011 personalisation survey found social workers needed advice on supporting service users to employ a personal assistant. Independent social worker Kelly Hicks offers some guidanceWed, 28 Sep 2011 15:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117520/practice-panel-isolated-woman-with-learning-disabilities-risks-her-health-by-overeating.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117520/practice-panel-isolated-woman-with-learning-disabilities-risks-her-health-by-overeating.htmlExperts offer advice on supporting a learning disabled woman whose health is at risk because she will not leave her mother Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117511/carers-back-call-for-extended-visiting-times-in-hospitals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117511/carers-back-call-for-extended-visiting-times-in-hospitals.htmlRelatives should be more involved in supplying care for their loved ones in hospital as long as it does not replace NHS support, a carers group has said.Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117509/antidepressant-usage-rises-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117509/antidepressant-usage-rises-in-scotland.htmlThe number of people prescribed anti-depressants in Scotland has continued to rise in the past year, despite a government pledge to reduce usage.Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117461/research-findings-on-improving-dementia-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117461/research-findings-on-improving-dementia-care.htmlDr Mary Pat Sullivan and colleagues examine key research findings on dementia Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/117465/safeguarding-adult-hub-promises-easier-access-to-information-for-practitioners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/117465/safeguarding-adult-hub-promises-easier-access-to-information-for-practitioners.htmlA website is about to be launched that could radically improve professionals' access to information when handling adult protection cases. Mithran Samuel reports Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/117495/what-future-for-adult-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/117495/what-future-for-adult-social-work.htmlThe future of adult social work is in question due to cuts, the legacy of care management and the focus on child protection. This week, the College of Social Work starts a project to bolster adult social work's standing. How will it achieve this?Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117504/limited-uptake-of-personal-budgets-in-scottish-pilot-areas.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117504/limited-uptake-of-personal-budgets-in-scottish-pilot-areas.htmlJust 150 new personal budget arrangements were set up in three Scottish self-directed support pilot sites over the past two years despite “significant investment from the Scottish government”, a study has found. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117500/poor-grasp-of-mental-capacity-act-impeding-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117500/poor-grasp-of-mental-capacity-act-impeding-outcomes.htmlPeople with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) have too little say over their lives because professionals lack understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, says Mencap. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/115421/graduate-training-scheme-for-adult-social-care-management.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/115421/graduate-training-scheme-for-adult-social-care-management.htmlArmed with a degree but no practical experience, the next generation of adult care leaders is being trained for a rapid rise through the ranks, reports Kirsty Mc GregorThu, 22 Sep 2011 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/117487/how-social-care-can-prevent-fire-deaths.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/117487/how-social-care-can-prevent-fire-deaths.htmlFire chief Rita Dexter explains how social care staff can minimise risks to older service usersThu, 22 Sep 2011 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/117488/councils-must-beware-legal-limits-of-contracting-out.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/117488/councils-must-beware-legal-limits-of-contracting-out.htmlThe law has a habit of lagging behind innovative ways of providing services for disabled people, writes Ed Mitchell Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117485/scots-councils-face-6-cut-amid-boost-to-older-peoples-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117485/scots-councils-face-6-cut-amid-boost-to-older-peoples-care.htmlCouncils in Scotland face a 6% real-terms cut in central funding over the next three years though additional money is being made available to improve care for older people in 2012-13, the Scottish government announced today.Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117481/college-of-social-work-to-launch-without-basw.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117481/college-of-social-work-to-launch-without-basw.htmlThe College of Social Work will formally launch on 3 January next year, without the support of the British Association of Social Workers. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117482/social-workers-fail-to-signpost-service-users-to-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117482/social-workers-fail-to-signpost-service-users-to-support.htmlSocial workers risk failing to signpost service users to valuable sources of support from peers and community organisations because of a lack of awareness.Wed, 21 Sep 2011 07:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117472/reassessments-of-users-subject-to-care-cuts-were-tokenistic.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117472/reassessments-of-users-subject-to-care-cuts-were-tokenistic.htmlService users subject to cuts say reassessments of their needs were a "rubberstamping exercise", says a report on a council that has raised eligibility thresholds. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/18/117468/homelessness-staff-rough-sleepers-being-lured-into-slavery.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/18/117468/homelessness-staff-rough-sleepers-being-lured-into-slavery.htmlHomeless workers have reported a growing problem of gangs luring rough sleepers into enforced labour by preying on their desperation. Sun, 18 Sep 2011 09:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117456/nursing-homes-are-least-compliant-with-cqc-standards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117456/nursing-homes-are-least-compliant-with-cqc-standards.htmlNursing homes are less compliant with Care Quality Commission standards overall than other social care services, according to early findings from inspections under the new regulatory system introduced last year. Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117450/using-volunteers-to-support-people-on-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117450/using-volunteers-to-support-people-on-personal-budgets.htmlLive-in volunteers are helping people with disabilities pursue independent lives, reports Daniel Lombard Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117464/scotland-toughens-up-care-home-inspection-regime.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117464/scotland-toughens-up-care-home-inspection-regime.htmlScottish care homes will get at least one unannounced inspection a year, under plans to toughen up scrutiny of services announced today by health secretary Nicola Sturgeon. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117448/burstow-calls-on-sector-to-shape-social-care-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117448/burstow-calls-on-sector-to-shape-social-care-reforms.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has called on the social care sector to help shape its forthcoming White Paper in a three-month consultation launched today. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117442/personalisation-councils-urged-to-boost-user-choice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117442/personalisation-councils-urged-to-boost-user-choice.htmlThe roll-out of personal budgets will only deliver personal value for money if councils take steps to increase choice for users in the social care market, the National Audit Office said today. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117444/employer-of-social-worker-kidnapped-in-kenya-tells-of-shock.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117444/employer-of-social-worker-kidnapped-in-kenya-tells-of-shock.htmlKidnapped social worker Judith Tebbutt's employers have spoken of their shock after she was taken hostage while holidaying in Kenya. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117443/burstow-announces-10m-boost-for-dementia-memory-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117443/burstow-announces-10m-boost-for-dementia-memory-services.htmlThe government has announced a £10m boost for dementia memory services to improve earlier diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117441/professionals-at-odds-over-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117441/professionals-at-odds-over-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards.htmlSocial workers need much clearer guidance about the deprivation of liberty safeguards (Dols) after a study found widespread disagreement between professionals about what constituted a deprivation.Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117439/mps-blame-lack-of-cqc-inspections-on-distorted-priorities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117439/mps-blame-lack-of-cqc-inspections-on-distorted-priorities.htmlThe Care Quality Commission’s “distorted priorities” were responsible for a recent fall in inspections of adult social care services, MPs have said.Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117440/70000-more-families-with-disabled-children-hit-by-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117440/70000-more-families-with-disabled-children-hit-by-cuts.htmlSeventy thousand more families with disabled children than first thought will see their benefits slashed under Welfare Reform Bill plans, government figures have revealed. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117436/scie-launches-mental-health-tool-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117436/scie-launches-mental-health-tool-for-social-workers.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence (Scie) has released a training package to help social workers better understand the needs of parents with mental health problems. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117427/slavery-victims-receiving-social-care-after-police-raid.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117427/slavery-victims-receiving-social-care-after-police-raid.htmlTwenty-four alleged victims of slavery have been provided with social care support today after being rescued from a Bedfordshire traveller site. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117423/extra-care-housing-delivers-better-outcomes-than-home-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117423/extra-care-housing-delivers-better-outcomes-than-home-care.htmlSocial care professionals have been told to give users more information and advice on extra care housing after research found that it led to better outcomes and reduced costs compared with home care alone. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117424/vulnerable-lose-out-on-advocacy-as-cuts-and-demand-take-toll.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117424/vulnerable-lose-out-on-advocacy-as-cuts-and-demand-take-toll.htmlAccess to advocacy for vulnerable groups is to fall significantly due to a combination of rising demand and substantial funding cuts, sector umbrella group Action for Advocacy has found.Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117430/council-gives-social-workers-more-time-to-reassess-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117430/council-gives-social-workers-more-time-to-reassess-users.htmlSocial workers have been given longer to assess service users at risk from cuts in West Sussex to ensure their needs are thoroughly reviewed. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117432/cqc-to-slim-down-inspections-of-care-providers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117432/cqc-to-slim-down-inspections-of-care-providers.htmlCare providers will face slimmed down inspections under reforms to the Care Quality Commission's regulation regime. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117428/councils-cant-blame-cuts-for-decline-in-disability-provision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117428/councils-cant-blame-cuts-for-decline-in-disability-provision.htmlCouncils cannot blame government cuts for their failure to protect social care services, according to research that found some authorities were maintaining provision despite deep cuts. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117418/social-workers-need-more-awareness-of-exhausted-older-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117418/social-workers-need-more-awareness-of-exhausted-older-carers.htmlSocial care professionals have been urged to become more aware of the needs of older carers after a survey found two-thirds had long-term health problems.Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117422/social-care-urged-to-intervene-early-to-prevent-homelessness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117422/social-care-urged-to-intervene-early-to-prevent-homelessness.htmlSocial care agencies have a major role to play in preventing homelessness after research published today found that nearly half of people who have been homeless have a combined history of substance misuse, institutional care and street activities like begging.Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117410/care-home-workers-take-part-in-the-worldskills-competition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117410/care-home-workers-take-part-in-the-worldskills-competition.htmlTwo care assistants are representing the UK at this year's WorldSkills competition. Kirsty McGregor finds out about their ambitions and the training involved Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117420/call-to-make-scrs-mandatory-for-murders-of-adults-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117420/call-to-make-scrs-mandatory-for-murders-of-adults-at-risk.htmlSerious case reviews should be mandatory when vulnerable adults are murdered to help address the failure of public agencies to tackle disability hate crime. The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s inquiry into the issue highlighted the SCR of murdered learning disabled man Steven Hoskin (pictured) in 2006 as one that had enabled agencies to learn lessons.Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117421/concern-over-lack-of-transparency-in-personal-budget-setting.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117421/concern-over-lack-of-transparency-in-personal-budget-setting.htmlSector leaders have raised concerns over the transparency of personal budgets after research found councils could not provide information on how their resource allocation systems converted assessments into budgets. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117417/how-do-you-help-homeless-people-who-refuse-your-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117417/how-do-you-help-homeless-people-who-refuse-your-support.htmlA group of women who sleep rough in London refuse help, seeing homelessness as their choice. They do not take drugs or abuse alcohol but may have undiagnosed mental health issues. We asked three College of Social Work representatives what they would do in response to two such cases Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117416/court-allows-challenge-to-councils-rise-in-care-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117416/court-allows-challenge-to-councils-rise-in-care-threshold.htmlThe High Court has allowed a legal challenge against Isle of Wight Council's decision to raise eligibility thresholds for adult care, limiting access to those substantial needs. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/07/117400/community-care-launches-website-for-adult-care-practitioners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/07/117400/community-care-launches-website-for-adult-care-practitioners.htmlResidential and domiciliary care staff are an important part of the social care universe but it is too easy for their needs to be ignored. Community Care has set out to address this problem with the launch of the latest addition to www.communitycare.co.uk - You Care. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/07/117402/council-pays-out-9000-for-failing-carer-and-disabled-man.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/07/117402/council-pays-out-9000-for-failing-carer-and-disabled-man.htmlA council has agreed to pay a carer £9,000 for assessment failings that made it more difficult for her to request support in caring for her severely disabled son. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117394/cuts-damaging-viability-of-rural-home-care-visits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117394/cuts-damaging-viability-of-rural-home-care-visits.htmlRural home care services are becoming unviable become of the combined impact of cuts and journey times between visits, according to the United Kingdom Home Care Association. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117393/home-care-staff-face-worsening-pay-and-reduced-safety.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117393/home-care-staff-face-worsening-pay-and-reduced-safety.htmlHome care staff are facing reduced pay and conditions and are being put at risk because of council cuts to providers, a United Kingdom Homecare Association survey has found. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117398/learning-disability-hospital-inspections-soar.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117398/learning-disability-hospital-inspections-soar.htmlInspections of independent learning disability healthcare services have rocketed since the exposure of alleged abuse at Winterbourne View hospital (pictured) at the end of May.Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/05/117397/supreme-court-to-rule-on-council-care-worker-pay-bias.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/05/117397/supreme-court-to-rule-on-council-care-worker-pay-bias.htmlThe Supreme Court will decide next month whether Sheffield Council discriminated against female care workers by excluding them from a bonus system available to staff in roles largely occupied by men. Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/05/117392/service-users-at-risk-as-home-care-cuts-shorten-visits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/05/117392/service-users-at-risk-as-home-care-cuts-shorten-visits.htmlService users' safety and dignity are being put at risk due to council home care cuts, sector leaders have warned after a survey revealed service shortcomings. Mon, 05 Sep 2011 15:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117390/tackling-abuse-against-carers-what-social-workers-should-do.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117390/tackling-abuse-against-carers-what-social-workers-should-do.htmlAlthough abuse of carers by the people they care for is rare, social workers need to be able to spot the risk factors. A recent good practice paper from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (Adass) said practitioners operated a "rule of optimism", whereby they overestimated families' ability to care, which can lead to them missing this form of abuse. Denial, guilt and fear on carers' part can also account for abuse going unnoticed. Below, Natalie Valios looks at four indicators of possible abuse highlighted by Adass and what social workers should do when confronted with them Fri, 02 Sep 2011 22:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117388/another-council-faces-legal-action-over-care-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117388/another-council-faces-legal-action-over-care-threshold.htmlIsle of Wight Council faces a legal challenge over its decision to raise eligibility thresholds for adult care, limiting access to those with substantial needs. The case will be heard next Thursday at the High Court (pictured) in London.Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/116931/southern-cross-crisis-prompts-call-for-regulator.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/116931/southern-cross-crisis-prompts-call-for-regulator.htmlThe Southern Cross Healthcare case has highlighted the need for an economic regulator to monitor the finances of larger private care providers, experts have said.Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117379/improving-social-workers-end-of-life-care-skills.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117379/improving-social-workers-end-of-life-care-skills.htmlSocial workers taking part in specialist end-of-life care training are gaining new skills and more confidence, writes Maria Ahmed Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117376/how-councils-can-implement-personalisation-without-bureaucracy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117376/how-councils-can-implement-personalisation-without-bureaucracy.htmlPersonalisation has made lives more difficult for the people it is supposed to help while adding red tape to the process, writes social care consultant Andrew TysonThu, 01 Sep 2011 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117371/benefit-cut-will-see-disabled-people-lose-out-on-essentials.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117371/benefit-cut-will-see-disabled-people-lose-out-on-essentials.htmlMost disabled people would have to cut back on food and transport if they lost out on disability living allowance under plans to cut the benefit, a survey has found. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117369/half-of-councils-failed-to-carry-out-12-week-consultations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117369/half-of-councils-failed-to-carry-out-12-week-consultations.htmlMore than half of councils failed to comply with the government's recommended 12-week period for consultation in setting their adult social care budgets for 2011-12. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117366/one-in-10-council-adult-social-care-budgets-may-be-illegal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117366/one-in-10-council-adult-social-care-budgets-may-be-illegal.htmlOne in 10 councils may have breached equality laws by failing to consult properly on cuts to adult care this year, an investigation by Community Care has revealed. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117368/legal-claims-on-council-social-care-policies-up-by-45.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117368/legal-claims-on-council-social-care-policies-up-by-45.htmlThe number of legal challenges to council social care policies rose by 45% last year and more are being successful, an investigation by Community Care has revealed. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/30/117362/social-care-providers-sound-alarm-over-council-fee-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/30/117362/social-care-providers-sound-alarm-over-council-fee-cuts.htmlCare quality will suffer in Leeds' residential and nursing homes on the back of recommendations to cut fees to the independent sector, providers have warned. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/26/117357/bleak-prospects-for-reforming-winterbourne-style-provision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/26/117357/bleak-prospects-for-reforming-winterbourne-style-provision.htmlThe prospects for reducing the use of outmoded learning disability hospitals such as Winterbourne View are bleak because of a lack of incentives to change from providers, commissioners and the regulator.Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/26/117352/unsustainable-social-care-services-face-overhaul.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/26/117352/unsustainable-social-care-services-face-overhaul.htmlSocial care services in Northern Ireland face an overhaul after the country's health minister today declared them "unsustainable in their current form". Edwin Poots said he wanted service users to live more independently.Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/25/117353/council-halts-placements-at-care-home-investigated-by-police.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/25/117353/council-halts-placements-at-care-home-investigated-by-police.htmlEssex Council has stopped placing people at a care home at the centre of a police investigation after the unexplained deaths of two elderly women this month. The pair, aged 89 and 80, had been living at the Partridge Care Centre (pictured) in Harlow. Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/24/117348/disability-web-forum-to-be-reinstated-after-talks-with-atos.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/24/117348/disability-web-forum-to-be-reinstated-after-talks-with-atos.htmlThe Carer Watch discussion forum is to be reinstated after the campaign group reached an agreement with Atos Healthcare regarding allegedly libellous posts about the disability assessment company. Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117346/hiv-specialist-social-workers-and-their-importance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117346/hiv-specialist-social-workers-and-their-importance.htmlHIV specialist social workers are vital in supporting the client group but, as their posts are cut, generic practitioners will have to learn how to emulate them. Natalie Valios reports Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117341/winterbourne-view-sparks-extra-scrutiny-of-care-settings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117341/winterbourne-view-sparks-extra-scrutiny-of-care-settings.htmlLearning disability and other hospital providers are facing extra scrutiny in light of the alleged abuse exposed at Winterbourne View (pictured).Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117338/agencies-ignoring-400-suicides-a-year-by-terminally-ill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117338/agencies-ignoring-400-suicides-a-year-by-terminally-ill.htmlMore than 400 people with terminal or chronic illnesses commit suicide each year, but the issue is being neglected by government and health services, says think-tank Demos.Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/22/117337/distress-for-disabled-after-legal-threat-shuts-web-forum.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/22/117337/distress-for-disabled-after-legal-threat-shuts-web-forum.htmlDisabled people and carers have been caused "fear and distress" after an internet forum they use was taken down after disability assessment firm Atos Healthcare threatened to sue for libel.Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/22/117336/councils-withdrawing-social-workers-from-mental-health-teams.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/22/117336/councils-withdrawing-social-workers-from-mental-health-teams.htmlMental health services risk becoming fragmented and put under increased pressure by councils withdrawing social workers from integrated teams, NHS leaders have warned. Steve Shrubb (pictured), director of the NHS Confederation's Mental Health Network, is one who has voiced his concern that more councils will follow.Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117328/women-present-new-homelessness-and-mental-health-problem.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117328/women-present-new-homelessness-and-mental-health-problem.htmlHomelessness agencies in London are facing a problem of middle-aged and older women with undiagnosed mental health problems sleeping rough but refusing offers of help. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117326/council-strips-social-workers-union-of-recognition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117326/council-strips-social-workers-union-of-recognition.htmlPlymouth Council has stripped local Unison officials of their negotiating powers after the two organisations failed to reach a collective agreement on new terms and conditions, which will affect social workers. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117323/third-castlebeck-service-to-close-after-safeguarding-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117323/third-castlebeck-service-to-close-after-safeguarding-failings.htmlA third Castlebeck learning disability service will close after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) identified serious failings in areas, including safeguarding and staff recruitment. Castlebeck chief executive Lee Reed (pictured) said the provider was working to ensure that there was "minimum disruption" to the care of residents at the Solihull setting.Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117322/most-social-workers-have-seen-abuse-in-residential-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117322/most-social-workers-have-seen-abuse-in-residential-care.htmlEight in 10 social workers have witnessed abuse in adult residential care homes, a British Association of Social Workers (BASW) survey has discovered. Many described it as "extreme abuse", which BASW said suggested the scenes filmed by Panorama at Winterbourne View (pictured).Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117318/councils-slash-home-care-jobs-under-impact-of-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117318/councils-slash-home-care-jobs-under-impact-of-personalisation.htmlCouncils slashed in-house home care jobs by 9% last year on the back of the increase in personal budgets and the long-term trend to commission services from the independent sector, research shows.Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/16/117310/gp-style-practices-for-adult-care-a-turn-off-for-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/16/117310/gp-style-practices-for-adult-care-a-turn-off-for-councils.htmlFewer than one in 10 councils in England expressed an interest in outsourcing adults' services to controversial GP-style social work practices, Community Care can reveal. Birmingham Council (pictured), whose application to become one of the pilots was successful, was among the few that bucked the trend. Picture: Rex FeaturesTue, 16 Aug 2011 10:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117306/book-review-the-short-guide-to-gender.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117306/book-review-the-short-guide-to-gender.htmlConsidering its small size and the title, this little gem of a book offers a surprisingly comprehensive introduction to the key ­theoretical concepts, developments and critical debates in gender studies, writes Lynn Baxter. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117305/book-review-longcare-survivors-the-biography-of-a-care-scandal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117305/book-review-longcare-survivors-the-biography-of-a-care-scandal.htmlLongcare Survivors starts gently with a look at the history of care until the present day and includes referencing and further reading, writes Ian Taylor. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117307/book-review-visions-trips-and-crowded-rooms-who-and-what-you-see-before-you-die.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117307/book-review-visions-trips-and-crowded-rooms-who-and-what-you-see-before-you-die.htmlYou have to be in the right mood to read this book, writes Bernard Moss.Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117304/potential-conflict-emerges-over-use-of-housing-benefit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117304/potential-conflict-emerges-over-use-of-housing-benefit.htmlRecent test cases have thrown up a potential problem for councils that use housing benefit to support people in the community, writes Gary VauxFri, 12 Aug 2011 16:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117300/nhs-cuts-put-pressure-on-social-workers-over-assessments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117300/nhs-cuts-put-pressure-on-social-workers-over-assessments.htmlCouncil social care professionals are facing increased workload pressures and disputes with NHS colleagues as primary care trusts seek to cut funding for NHS continuing care.Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117299/disability-benefits-that-can-be-life-changing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117299/disability-benefits-that-can-be-life-changing.htmlThe value to recipients of disability living allowance and attendance allowance is assessed in a new study, reviewed by Jo Rees Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117291/service-users-doubtful-over-nhs-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117291/service-users-doubtful-over-nhs-personal-budgets.htmlPersonal health budgets are at risk of failure in mental health after service users joined professionals in voicing doubts about the flagship policy to boost choice in NHS.Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/11/117292/house-of-lords-to-be-social-worker-awards-venue.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/11/117292/house-of-lords-to-be-social-worker-awards-venue.htmlSocial workers will be honoured at the Houses of Parliament on 16 December when the House of Lords hosts the Social Worker of the Year Awards.Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/11/117286/detained-mental-health-patients-treated-without-authorisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/11/117286/detained-mental-health-patients-treated-without-authorisation.htmlDetained mental health patients in Scotland are being treated without proper authorisation or consent, exposing a lack of training for staff in psychiatric wards. Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117282/rioters-stop-social-workers-doing-their-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117282/rioters-stop-social-workers-doing-their-jobs.htmlThe London riots have prevented mental health social workers carrying out planned assessments because police have been unavailable to help them as they are called away to deal with the disturbances.Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117280/councils-face-mounting-pressures-as-pcts-cut-continuing-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117280/councils-face-mounting-pressures-as-pcts-cut-continuing-care.htmlAdult social services are facing increased pressures and families higher care bills due to NHS cuts to continuing healthcare, warn social care leaders.Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117279/the-seven-things-that-providers-must-report-to-cqc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117279/the-seven-things-that-providers-must-report-to-cqc.htmlSome incidents are unavoidable in care settings, but which ones must be reported to the Care Quality Commission? Vern Pitt reports Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117281/second-castlebeck-facility-to-close.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117281/second-castlebeck-facility-to-close.htmlA second learning disability service run by Castlebeck is to shut after safeguarding concerns, in the wake of the Winterbourne View abuse scandal and significant criticisms of the company's management and safety standards. The provider's chief executive, Lee Reed (pictured) insisted the closure was for "operational reasons" only.Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117278/helping-stroke-survivors-through-fishing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117278/helping-stroke-survivors-through-fishing.htmlAn angling project is casting a new lifeline to people disabled by strokes, reports Natalie Valios Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/09/117274/many-mental-health-patients-unaware-of-their-care-co-ordinator.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/09/117274/many-mental-health-patients-unaware-of-their-care-co-ordinator.htmlAn increasing number of mental health patients do not know who their care co-ordinator is, according to the Care Quality Commission's latest survey of people using community mental health services. CQC chief executive Cynthia Bower (pictured) raised concerns that many service users felt some of their needs were not being met.Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/08/117272/10-point-guide-to-housing-benefit-changes-and-what-they-mean-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/08/117272/10-point-guide-to-housing-benefit-changes-and-what-they-mean-for-social-care.htmlThere are few issues that unite the Archbishop of Canterbury, Boris Johnson, the Council of Mortgage Lenders and the National Housing Federation. But the impact of housing benefit changes on tenants and landlords has managed to unify this disparate bunch, with dramatic warnings of "social cleansing" coming from the Mayor of London and the CML pondering whether providing funding for housing associations is a good idea in future. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/06/117264/ministers-under-pressure-to-ditch-adult-care-excellence-award.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/06/117264/ministers-under-pressure-to-ditch-adult-care-excellence-award.htmlMinisters and the Care Quality Commission are coming under pressure to ditch the planned "excellence award" scheme for adult care providers after the idea was universally condemned by sector bodies in a consultation.Sat, 06 Aug 2011 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/112730/jrf-project-identifies-eight-pillars-of-a-good-care-home.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/112730/jrf-project-identifies-eight-pillars-of-a-good-care-home.htmlA Joseph Rowntree Foundation project has identified eight "pillars" of best practice in care homes to ensure good quality of life for residents.Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/115058/aspirations-of-older-people-living-in-residential-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/115058/aspirations-of-older-people-living-in-residential-care.htmlThe Joseph Rowntree Foundation offers a stern critique of current services and a blueprint for how older people can enjoy a better life, as Melanie Henwood found Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116911/councils-slammed-for-curbing-use-of-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116911/councils-slammed-for-curbing-use-of-personal-budgets.htmlCouncils have been slammed for denying clients choice and control after Community Care's personalisation survey found restrictions being placed on the use of personal budgets for items including holidays and computer equipment.Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/114837/barchester-healthcares-apprenticeships-scheme-for-care-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/114837/barchester-healthcares-apprenticeships-scheme-for-care-workers.htmlBarchester Healthcare's commitment to apprenticeships is paying off with lower than average staff turnover and, now, a national award. Sally Gillen reports Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/114921/how-pulse-independent-living-provides-integrated-health-and-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/114921/how-pulse-independent-living-provides-integrated-health-and-social-care.htmlStaff agency Pulse offers an independent living service for which workers are trained to meet individual service users' specific health and social care needs. Natalie Valios reports Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116873/how-bureaucracy-is-derailing-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116873/how-bureaucracy-is-derailing-personalisation.htmlAs our survey finds social workers are facing ever more red tape, Jeremy Dunning asks why bureaucracy is derailing personalisation and what can be done to rescue the policy Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/114689/ms-society-closes-respite-centres-in-response-to-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/114689/ms-society-closes-respite-centres-in-response-to-personalisation.html The MS Society has decided to stop providing residential respite services in response to the personalisation agenda. The charity's board of trustees...Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116913/hard-to-reach-groups-still-face-personal-budgets-barriers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116913/hard-to-reach-groups-still-face-personal-budgets-barriers.htmlSeveral client groups, including older people and those with mental health problems, continue to face barriers in gaining personal budgets, say social care professionals. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/117012/cqc-did-not-check-learning-disability-hospitals-for-months.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/117012/cqc-did-not-check-learning-disability-hospitals-for-months.htmlThe Care Quality Commission (CQC) did not inspect independent learning disability hospitals, such as Winterbourne View, where the BBC's Panorama revealed significant abuse recently, for four months last winter.Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116925/panorama-burstow-orders-probe-into-cqc-and-council-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116925/panorama-burstow-orders-probe-into-cqc-and-council-failings.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has ordered investigations into regulatory and safeguarding failings by the Care Quality Commission and local authorities in relation to the abuse of learning disabled people uncovered by Panorama yesterday. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/117039/home-care-breaches-human-rights-finds-equality-watchdog.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/117039/home-care-breaches-human-rights-finds-equality-watchdog.htmlHome care services in the UK are breaching older people’s human rights, the Equality and Human Rights Commission warned today. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116740/cqc-delivers-poor-value-for-money-says-provider-leader.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116740/cqc-delivers-poor-value-for-money-says-provider-leader.htmlThe Care Quality Commission has been accused of offering poor value after it raised providers' fees while slashing the number of inspections it carries out.Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116923/panorama-cqc-inspection-regime-slammed-following-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116923/panorama-cqc-inspection-regime-slammed-following-abuse.htmlThe Care Quality Commission's risk-based approach to regulating care services has been called into question, following revelations of abuse of people with learning disabilities in a specialist hospital. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/115302/research-scie-best-practice-on-minimising-the-use-of-restraint-in-care-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/115302/research-scie-best-practice-on-minimising-the-use-of-restraint-in-care-homes.htmlFollowing a study into the use of restraint in care homes the Social Care Institute for Excellence (Scie) launched its Managing Risk, Minimising Restraint guidelines outlining approaches to minimise its use Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/04/117266/social-care-staff-freed-from-registering-cars-as-minicabs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/04/117266/social-care-staff-freed-from-registering-cars-as-minicabs.htmlOlder and disabled people will be able to "get out of their houses for the first time in years" under moves to free social care staff from registering their private cars as minicabs.Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/04/117254/prisoners-provide-social-care-governors-admit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/04/117254/prisoners-provide-social-care-governors-admit.htmlMore than one-third of prison governors believe the quality of social care in their prison is below average or poor, research by Community Care has revealed. In a Prison Governors Association (PGA) survey, 40% of respondents also said prisoners provided social care in their prison. Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/03/117260/safeguarding-against-another-winterbourne-a-providers-view.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/03/117260/safeguarding-against-another-winterbourne-a-providers-view.htmlIn a response to the Winterbourne View case, autism and mental health hospital manager Mark Goldsborough discusses some of the challenges of safeguarding vulnerable adults in hospital settings and how they can be overcome. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117221/working-with-families-affected-by-imprisonment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117221/working-with-families-affected-by-imprisonment.htmlWhen a parent is sent to prison one of the first casualties is their relationship with their family, says the project manager of Circle Scotland's Families Affected By Imprisonment (Fabi) programme, Marina Shaw. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117249/isle-of-wight-prisons-where-social-work-is-making-inroads.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117249/isle-of-wight-prisons-where-social-work-is-making-inroads.htmlThe giant grey walls topped with barbed wire surrounding HMP Isle of Wight's three sites, Parkhurst, Albany and Camp Hill, do not exactly say "caring environment". Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117257/social-worker-who-threw-case-file-at-manager-can-reregister.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117257/social-worker-who-threw-case-file-at-manager-can-reregister.htmlA stressed social worker who was struck off after throwing a case file at his manager is to be allowed to rejoin the register. (Picture: Isopix/Rex Features)Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117256/cqc-inspections-up-one-third-in-past-three-months.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117256/cqc-inspections-up-one-third-in-past-three-months.htmlInspections by the Care Quality Commission have risen by a third in the past three months, marking a partial reversal of the sharp drop in site visits in the past year, official figures show. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/01/117255/mental-health-leaders-slam-move-to-scrap-depression-targets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/01/117255/mental-health-leaders-slam-move-to-scrap-depression-targets.htmlPeople with depression could face "damaging consequences" from "reckless" plans to remove three performance indicators designed to encourage GPs to identify and treat people with the condition. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/01/117252/castlebeck-chief-promises-to-overhaul-management.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/01/117252/castlebeck-chief-promises-to-overhaul-management.htmlCastlebeck is to overhaul its management in the wake of the abuse scandal at Winterbourne View (pictured), chief executive Lee Reed has pledged in an exclusive interview with Community Care.Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117233/thousands-of-care-homes-have-no-registered-manager.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117233/thousands-of-care-homes-have-no-registered-manager.htmlMore than 3,000 care homes in England do not have a registered manager, reflecting a crisis of quality in the sector, Action on Elder Abuse warns today.Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117248/commissioners-withdraw-residents-from-castlebeck-facilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117248/commissioners-withdraw-residents-from-castlebeck-facilities.htmlCommissioners have withdrawn people with learning disabilities from Castlebeck facilities following safety concerns after the uncovering of alleged abuse at the provider's Winterbourne View hospital.Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117245/why-social-care-in-prisons-falls-short.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117245/why-social-care-in-prisons-falls-short.htmlAlthough some prisons appreciate the benefits of social care, many lack care levels that are taken for granted outside, leading to severe hardship for prisoners, reports Vern Pitt Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117241/ex-priory-boss-southern-cross-home-operators-face-battle.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117241/ex-priory-boss-southern-cross-home-operators-face-battle.htmlOperators taking over Southern Cross homes face a long battle to earn the trust of residents and relatives, ex-Priory Group boss Dr Chai Patel (left) has admitted as he prepares to take over one-third of the homes. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117237/carers-uk-chief-asked-to-lead-social-care-quality-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117237/carers-uk-chief-asked-to-lead-social-care-quality-probe.htmlCarers UK chief executive Imelda Redmond (pictured) has been asked by ministers to examine how the quality of social care can be raised, in the light of concerns sparked by cases including Winterbourne View.Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117234/cqc-half-of-castlebeck-services-not-meeting-standards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117234/cqc-half-of-castlebeck-services-not-meeting-standards.htmlNearly half of Castlebeck services are failing to meet essential standards of quality and safety, a report by the Care Quality Commission, sparked by the Winterbourne View case (pictured), has revealed. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117230/government-promises-training-for-personal-assistants.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117230/government-promises-training-for-personal-assistants.htmlPersonal assistants will have access to minimum levels of training, and service users given guaranteed support in employing them as part of a framework for PAs published today. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/27/117229/care-advice-body-counsel-and-care-saved-by-charity-merger.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/27/117229/care-advice-body-counsel-and-care-saved-by-charity-merger.htmlCare advice organisation Counsel and Care has been saved from closing its services through a merger with another older people's charity, it announced today. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/26/117227/reducing-reoffending-among-the-mentally-ill-with-drug-and-alcohol-problems.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/26/117227/reducing-reoffending-among-the-mentally-ill-with-drug-and-alcohol-problems.htmlA project in Manchester is cutting reoffending among mentally ill offenders by helping them engage with mental health and substance misuse services, reports Mithran Samuel Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/26/117224/mps-slam-major-failings-in-disability-benefit-assessments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/26/117224/mps-slam-major-failings-in-disability-benefit-assessments.html"Unacceptable" failings by the government's disability benefit assessment company have led to people being without benefits for months, MPs have said. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117216/pay-cut-council-may-outsource-adult-care-provision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117216/pay-cut-council-may-outsource-adult-care-provision.htmlSouthampton Council is considering proposals to outsource its adult social care services, weeks after introducing a pay cut for most staff. Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117214/dont-blame-it-systems-for-bureaucracy-in-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117214/dont-blame-it-systems-for-bureaucracy-in-personalisation.htmlIT company Face's managing director, Dr Paul Clifford responds to the accusation that personalisation assessment process has led to more bureaucracy Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117215/social-workers-must-be-more-wary-of-family-carer-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117215/social-workers-must-be-more-wary-of-family-carer-abuse.htmlSocial workers must not place undue confidence in families' ability to care for service users if they are to identify abuse perpetrated by and against informal carers, directors have warned. Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/21/117212/cuts-will-damage-social-care-service-levels-finance-expert.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/21/117212/cuts-will-damage-social-care-service-levels-finance-expert.htmlSocial care departments will struggle to maintain "decent levels of services" without extra government funding, a finance expert has warned. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/21/117195/southern-cross-worker-lands-top-caring-award.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/21/117195/southern-cross-worker-lands-top-caring-award.htmlA Southern Cross employee has become the second winner of the WorldSkills UK Caring Competition.Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/21/117204/hiv-patients-lose-out-from-cuts-to-specialist-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/21/117204/hiv-patients-lose-out-from-cuts-to-specialist-social-workers.htmlPeople with HIV are losing out on vital social care support due to cuts to specialist social worker roles and rising eligibility thresholds. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117202/burstow-tells-southern-cross-landlords-to-reassure-residents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117202/burstow-tells-southern-cross-landlords-to-reassure-residents.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow today urged Southern Cross landlords to quickly set out their plans for the future of the failed company's 752 care homes Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117196/bid-to-let-families-buy-unregulated-care-with-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117196/bid-to-let-families-buy-unregulated-care-with-personal-budgets.htmlFamilies would be freer to purchase unregulated domiciliary care services on behalf of loved-ones who hold personal budgets under government plans issued today to cut red tape. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117198/patients-left-in-learning-disability-hospitals-for-years.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117198/patients-left-in-learning-disability-hospitals-for-years.htmlNearly one in five people in learning disability hospitals such as Winterbourne View have been there for more than five years, Community Care has found. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117197/pcts-accused-of-failing-to-monitor-their-clients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117197/pcts-accused-of-failing-to-monitor-their-clients.htmlPrimary care trusts are visiting learning disability hospital patients only twice a year on average, despite concerns about the client group’s vulnerability, Community Care can reveal. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117201/charities-launch-review-of-disability-benefit-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117201/charities-launch-review-of-disability-benefit-cut.htmlCharities have launched a review of government proposals to remove up to £50 a week in mobility benefits from disabled people in care homes. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/18/117190/biggest-southern-cross-landlord-to-set-up-firm-to-run-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/18/117190/biggest-southern-cross-landlord-to-set-up-firm-to-run-homes.htmlNHP, the biggest landlord of failing care home provider Southern Cross, confirmed today it will pump £14m into a new company to run 249 of its properties.Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/18/117188/castlebeck-misled-cqc-over-winterbourne-view-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/18/117188/castlebeck-misled-cqc-over-winterbourne-view-abuse.htmlCastlebeck could face fines for “misleading” the Care Quality Commission about the alleged abuse of people with learning disabilities at Winterbourne View hospital, an inspection report has concluded. Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117185/cqc-to-double-inspections-of-adult-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117185/cqc-to-double-inspections-of-adult-care-services.htmlAdult social care services would be inspected at least once a year under Care Quality Commission plans to call time on "light-touch" regulation. Currently, services are inspected at least once every two years. Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117184/more-assessments-for-social-workers-if-dilnot-plans-are-taken-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117184/more-assessments-for-social-workers-if-dilnot-plans-are-taken-up.htmlDilnot's proposals for adult care could see social workers undertaking an increasing number of assessments, reports Mithran Samuel Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117182/southern-cross-homes-left-in-rack-and-ruin.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117182/southern-cross-homes-left-in-rack-and-ruin.htmlMany Southern Cross homes have been left in a state of "rack and ruin", it has been claimed.Fri, 15 Jul 2011 11:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117165/college-of-social-work-dont-let-cuts-derail-dilnot-social-care-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117165/college-of-social-work-dont-let-cuts-derail-dilnot-social-care-plans.htmlHealth secretary Andrew Lansley has warned that the Dilnot commission's £1.7bn proposals to reform adult social care funding could prove too costly to implement in full. But we urge the government to act on Dilnot .Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117178/social-workers-failings-left-dementia-sufferer-in-squalor.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117178/social-workers-failings-left-dementia-sufferer-in-squalor.htmlSocial workers have been criticised for allowing an elderly woman with dementia to be left in filthy conditions.Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117177/complaints-against-adults-services-soar.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117177/complaints-against-adults-services-soar.htmlComplaints about councils' adult social care provision have soared by 73% in the past year, the Local Government Ombudsman's annual report shows. Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117176/government-cant-agree-on-dilnot-social-care-reform-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117176/government-cant-agree-on-dilnot-social-care-reform-funding.htmlThe coalition government cannot agree on how to find the extra funding needed for adult social care reform, the care services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) has admitted.Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117170/burstow-slams-pcts-for-failing-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117170/burstow-slams-pcts-for-failing-carers.htmlCare minister Paul Burstow has slammed primary care trusts for failing carers after a survey revealed more than 90% had failed to produce plans on spending their share of an additional £400m of government cash for carers' breaks.Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117173/more-care-homes-on-the-brink-of-closure-as-fees-fall.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117173/more-care-homes-on-the-brink-of-closure-as-fees-fall.htmlMany more care home providers across the UK will follow Southern Cross into administration this year because of cuts to care home fees, a study by sector analysts Laing and Buisson predicts. Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117168/is-reunification-of-childrens-and-adults-social-services-departments-right-for-families.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117168/is-reunification-of-childrens-and-adults-social-services-departments-right-for-families.htmlSome local authorities are bringing adults' and children's social care back under the watch of a single director. It is not what Eileen Munro envisaged, reports Molly Garboden Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117164/research-improving-social-care-services-for-vulnerable-adults.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117164/research-improving-social-care-services-for-vulnerable-adults.htmlTo help avoid future abuse scandals such as that of Winterbourne View, the Social Care Institute for Excellence has produced resources to help staff, managers and commissioners improve the services available for vulnerable adults Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/12/117158/four-suspended-at-castlebeck-home-following-abuse-claims.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/12/117158/four-suspended-at-castlebeck-home-following-abuse-claims.htmlFour staff have been suspended at a Castlebeck-run care home over abuse and misconduct allegations, six weeks after alleged abuse was uncovered at the company's Winterbourne View hospital, the BBC has reported. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/12/117152/southern-cross-landlords-set-to-create-thousands-of-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/12/117152/southern-cross-landlords-set-to-create-thousands-of-jobs.htmlPlans to cut 3,000 jobs and reduce working conditions at Southern Cross are "dead in the water", following the announcement of the company's plans to close today, an expert has said.Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/11/117148/southern-cross-set-to-shut-down.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/11/117148/southern-cross-set-to-shut-down.htmlSouthern Cross is to stop running care homes after all its landlords said they wanted to leave the group.Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117145/dilnot-makes-funding-reform-call-as-cuts-ravage-care-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117145/dilnot-makes-funding-reform-call-as-cuts-ravage-care-system.htmlAndrew Dilnot's call for a significant injection of cash to reform social care came in a week where the funding shortages ravaging the current system were laid bare. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/07/117136/cuts-to-adult-social-care-to-worsen-next-year-warns-adass.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/07/117136/cuts-to-adult-social-care-to-worsen-next-year-warns-adass.htmlCuts to adult social care are set to get worse in 2012-13 following big reductions in funding this year, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Peter Hay (pictured) warned today. Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117093/five-years-on-from-steven-hoskin-has-safeguarding-improved.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117093/five-years-on-from-steven-hoskin-has-safeguarding-improved.htmlThe murder in 2006 of a learning disabled man proved a defining moment for adult safeguarding. Five years after the body of Steven Hoskin was found below a railway viaduct in Cornwall (6 July), Natalie Valios reports on what happened next Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117134/most-winterbourne-residents-remain-in-hospitals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117134/most-winterbourne-residents-remain-in-hospitals.htmlThe "vast majority" of the residents of Winterbourne View have been placed in other learning disability hospitals, despite overwhelming sector opposition to the use of such facilities.Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117131/supreme-court-upholds-councils-right-to-cut-care-packages.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117131/supreme-court-upholds-councils-right-to-cut-care-packages.htmlCouncils' right to cut people’s care without an explicit reassessment of need was upheld in a Supreme Court judgement today. Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117129/mps-to-hold-post-dilnot-review-of-adult-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117129/mps-to-hold-post-dilnot-review-of-adult-social-care.htmlMPs are to hold an inquiry into adult social care in the wake of this week's Dilnot commission report, it was announced today. Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/05/117126/dilnot-reforms-could-prove-too-costly-warns-lansley.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/05/117126/dilnot-reforms-could-prove-too-costly-warns-lansley.htmlThe Dilnot commission's £1.7bn proposals to reform social care funding could prove too costly to implement in full, health secretary Andrew Lansley warned today. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/05/117127/man-left-in-squalor-and-pain-failed-by-mental-health-team.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/05/117127/man-left-in-squalor-and-pain-failed-by-mental-health-team.htmlA community mental health service has been castigated for leaving a vulnerable patient to live in squalor and pain because it failed to monitor him or respond to signs he was at risk.Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/05/117124/social-workers-have-key-role-in-making-dilnot-reforms-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/05/117124/social-workers-have-key-role-in-making-dilnot-reforms-work.htmlSocial workers have a key role to play in making the Dilnot care funding reforms work, say professional leaders, including BASW's Ruth Cartwright (pictured) and the College of Social Work's Trudy Burns.Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117122/disabled-people-would-keep-free-care-under-dilnots-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117122/disabled-people-would-keep-free-care-under-dilnots-plans.htmlYounger disabled people would be spared from making any financial contribution to their care, under proposals unveiled today by the Dilnot commission.Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117123/government-urged-not-to-stall-on-dilnot-social-care-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117123/government-urged-not-to-stall-on-dilnot-social-care-reforms.htmlThe government was today urged not to delay proposed reforms to adult social care, amid concerns that the Dilnot commission's plans may be "kicked into the long grass". Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117121/care-system-needs-urgent-cash-before-reform-says-dilnot.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117121/care-system-needs-urgent-cash-before-reform-says-dilnot.htmlThe Dilnot commission today called for “additional public funding” to be pumped into the current care system before its proposed reforms come into force from 2014. Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117115/dilnot-extra-1.7bn-needed-to-overhaul-care-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117115/dilnot-extra-1.7bn-needed-to-overhaul-care-funding.htmlMinisters have been urged to find £1.7bn to implement plans unveiled today to overhaul the care funding system. by the commission on funding care and support. Mon, 04 Jul 2011 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117109/how-evidence-policy-and-practice-interact.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117109/how-evidence-policy-and-practice-interact.htmlPolicy-makers and researchers must understand each other better if practice is to be truly influenced by evidence. By Jon Glasby Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117103/end-of-life-social-care-should-be-free-says-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117103/end-of-life-social-care-should-be-free-says-review.htmlService users nearing the end of their lives should receive free social care paid by the NHS, a major government-funded review recommends.Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117102/call-for-super-carers-to-meet-domiciliary-demand.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117102/call-for-super-carers-to-meet-domiciliary-demand.htmlAn army of "super-carers" trained in health and social care will be needed if the government is to meet the rising demand for home care, a study has concluded. Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117105/cuts-to-homelessness-support-causing-wider-community-strife.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117105/cuts-to-homelessness-support-causing-wider-community-strife.htmlHomeless people are losing access to vital support because most services are facing cuts, a survey by umbrella body Homeless Link has found. Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117104/victory-as-government-does-u-turn-on-social-care-duties.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117104/victory-as-government-does-u-turn-on-social-care-duties.htmlThe government has shelved plans to remove social care duties placed upon councils, after an outcry from Community Care readers. Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117094/older-people-in-care-homes-denied-basic-nhs-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117094/older-people-in-care-homes-denied-basic-nhs-services.htmlOlder people in care homes cannot get access to even the most basic NHS care, doctors warn today. Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117091/reforming-cqc-could-be-destabilising-says-burstow.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117091/reforming-cqc-could-be-destabilising-says-burstow.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) has warned that it would be premature to reform the Care Quality Commission, despite sector leaders' criticisms of the regulator's role and remit.Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117092/burstow-public-will-need-convincing-on-dilnot-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117092/burstow-public-will-need-convincing-on-dilnot-reforms.htmlThe government has called on the social care sector to help win over a "lukewarm" public on care funding reform, amid growing jitters over how next week's Dilnot commission report will be received.Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117085/cqc-needs-extra-15m-from-government-for-inspections.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117085/cqc-needs-extra-15m-from-government-for-inspections.htmlThe Care Quality Commission has asked the government for a 10% boost to its budget so that it can make more inspections. CQC chair Jo Williams (pictured) said the money would pay for more inspectors and experts to work alongside them.Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117086/cqc-disciplines-staff-over-winterbourne-view-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117086/cqc-disciplines-staff-over-winterbourne-view-case.htmlA member of staff at the Care Quality Commission has already been disciplined, following the Winterbourne View abuse scandal.Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/28/117081/dilnot-care-funding-reforms-to-face-hostile-public-reaction.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/28/117081/dilnot-care-funding-reforms-to-face-hostile-public-reaction.htmlThe Dilnot commission's proposed reforms of care funding will face a hostile reaction because many people still believe social care should be entirely state-funded. Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/28/117082/government-pledges-20m-boost-for-dementia-research.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/28/117082/government-pledges-20m-boost-for-dementia-research.htmlMore money and expertise is to be ploughed into dementia research over the next five years, the government announced today, fufiling a key coalition pledge. Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117079/winterbourne-view-families-seek-compensation-for-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117079/winterbourne-view-families-seek-compensation-for-abuse.htmlFamilies of learning disabled people allegedly abused at Winterbourne View are to sue Castlebeck, the company that runs the hospital. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117078/social-worker-endures-isolation-to-learn-practice-lessons.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117078/social-worker-endures-isolation-to-learn-practice-lessons.html"I've only lasted half-a-day today. I feel tired and weary and I just needed to get away from the office." Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117075/dilnot-to-urge-50000-cap-on-social-care-costs-for-elderly.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117075/dilnot-to-urge-50000-cap-on-social-care-costs-for-elderly.htmlThe Dilnot commission on social care funding is set to recommend that individuals should have to pay no more than £50,000 with the taxpayer picking up the rest. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117074/age-uk-reveals-devastating-council-cuts-in-elderly-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117074/age-uk-reveals-devastating-council-cuts-in-elderly-care.htmlCouncils are making 'devastating' cuts of 8.4% to older people's social care in England this year, hastening the 'collapse of a crumbling' system, warns Age UK today. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117067/cost-warning-over-health-social-enterprises.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117067/cost-warning-over-health-social-enterprises.htmlHealth social enterprises are unlikely to deliver savings, the National Audit Office has warned. Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117072/assistive-technology-helps-people-with-severe-learning-difficulties-at-night.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117072/assistive-technology-helps-people-with-severe-learning-difficulties-at-night.htmlUnobtrusive night-time monitoring and support is being made possible by assistive technology used by United Response, reports Louise Hunt Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117071/fears-for-vulnerable-people-as-poverty-payments-axed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117071/fears-for-vulnerable-people-as-poverty-payments-axed.htmlVulnerable people will lose vital support from the government's decision to press ahead with plans to scrap a national system of poverty payments, warn charities. Picture: AlamyFri, 24 Jun 2011 15:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/23/117062/obituary-nasa-begum-scies-principal-adviser-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/23/117062/obituary-nasa-begum-scies-principal-adviser-adult-care.htmlThere have already been so many tributes to Nasa Begum whose untimely death left has left all of us shocked and saddened. Finding the right words to describe the role that Nasa played has given rise to a very long and inexhaustible list - activist, pioneer, campaigner, professional, researcher, service user, writer - but to many of us who had the privilege of knowing her personally, she was a great friend, supporter and confidante. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117060/labour-urges-state-funded-social-care-for-all.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117060/labour-urges-state-funded-social-care-for-all.htmlLabour has backed a national minimum entitlement to care for all adults in need, ahead of next month's Dilnot commission report on care funding. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117058/welsh-government-bids-to-cool-social-care-fee-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117058/welsh-government-bids-to-cool-social-care-fee-row.htmlThe Welsh government has stepped in to save a landmark partnership agreement between councils and social care providers following a spate of rows over care fees. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117050/direct-payments-stall-despite-evidence-of-better-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117050/direct-payments-stall-despite-evidence-of-better-outcomes.htmlDirect payment levels in England have stalled in the past year although they are associated with better outcomes than council-managed personal budgets, major research into personalisation has shown. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 09:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117054/experts-tell-cameron-to-end-learning-disability-hospital-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117054/experts-tell-cameron-to-end-learning-disability-hospital-care.htmlLearning disability experts have today urged David Cameron to bring an end to hospital placements for the client group in a blueprint to prevent abuse and improve care following the Winterbourne View case. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/21/117051/mental-health-wards-failing-patients-warns-royal-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/21/117051/mental-health-wards-failing-patients-warns-royal-college.htmlMental health in-patient services are failing due to overcrowding, unsafe environments and a lack of therapy, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has warned. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/21/117040/council-failed-to-protect-woman-in-failing-care-home.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/21/117040/council-failed-to-protect-woman-in-failing-care-home.htmlBristol Council has been slammed for failing to protect an older person with dementia who was left in a zero-rated care home that the authority had identified as having serious safeguarding problems. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117046/abuse-scandal-hospital-winterbourne-view-to-close-this-week.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117046/abuse-scandal-hospital-winterbourne-view-to-close-this-week.htmlThe Winterbourne View learning disability hospital is to close this week, three weeks BBC Panorama screened scenes of abuse there following an undercover investigation. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117038/former-abuse-home-residents-twice-as-happy-in-community.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117038/former-abuse-home-residents-twice-as-happy-in-community.htmlCommunity-based care for people with complex learning disabilities and challenging behaviour saves money and vastly improves their quality of life compared with institutional care, research has found.Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117024/police-failing-disabled-victims-of-hate-crime-warns-mencap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117024/police-failing-disabled-victims-of-hate-crime-warns-mencap.htmlDisabled victims of hate crime are being failed by the police because of a lack of understanding and a failure to take incidents seriously, Mencap said today. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117034/preventing-abuse-of-adults-with-learning-disabilities-in-the-wake-of-the-winterbourne-view-scandal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117034/preventing-abuse-of-adults-with-learning-disabilities-in-the-wake-of-the-winterbourne-view-scandal.htmlExperts have long said learning disabled people should not be placed in hospitals such as Winterbourne View. That they still are reflects failures to support them in the community, finds Vern Pitt Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117030/union-tells-southern-cross-staff-to-refuse-working-changes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117030/union-tells-southern-cross-staff-to-refuse-working-changes.htmlTroubled care home operator Southern Cross is facing an industrial dispute after the GMB union advised its members to refuse to sign up to revised working conditions. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117020/councils-inexcusable-delays-left-man-in-poor-care-home.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117020/councils-inexcusable-delays-left-man-in-poor-care-home.htmlBromley Council has been slammed for "extraordinary and inexcusable" delays in reviewing an older man's care by the local government ombudsman. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117021/southern-cross-strikes-deal-with-landlords.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117021/southern-cross-strikes-deal-with-landlords.htmlAiling care home operator Southern Cross has agreed to work together with its landlords to try to find a future for the group. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117022/councils-failing-to-offer-choice-to-personal-budget-holders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117022/councils-failing-to-offer-choice-to-personal-budget-holders.htmlSome local authorities are still failing to offer significant levels of choice and control to personal budget holders in receipt of managed budgets, according to the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services. (Picture: Rex) Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/15/117014/college-of-social-work-greets-nhs-role-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/15/117014/college-of-social-work-greets-nhs-role-for-social-workers.htmlSocial workers will have a positive impact on the NHS through plans to involve them in health commissioning under the government's revamped NHS reforms, the College of Social Work has said. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117009/most-councils-have-30-of-service-users-on-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117009/most-councils-have-30-of-service-users-on-personal-budgets.htmlMost councils hit a target to have 30% of users and carers on personal budgets by April 2011, but wide variations remain in take-up between authorities, show figures released today. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117007/government-accepts-revamp-of-health-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117007/government-accepts-revamp-of-health-reforms.htmlPrime minister David Cameron today accepted experts' proposals to overhaul the government's health reforms, including by involving social care professionals in the commissioning of healthcare. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117004/social-workers-should-be-involved-in-health-commissioning.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117004/social-workers-should-be-involved-in-health-commissioning.htmlDavid Cameron has been urged to give social workers a role in health commissioning decisions by experts tasked with revamping the government's NHS bill. He will give his response today. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/116995/d-day-for-southern-cross-as-landlords-decide-its-future.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/116995/d-day-for-southern-cross-as-landlords-decide-its-future.htmlPlans to split ailing care home operator Southern Cross into three could be decided at a key meeting today between the company and the landlords who own its homes. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/116999/thousands-of-cancer-patients-face-benefit-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/116999/thousands-of-cancer-patients-face-benefit-cut.htmlThousands of cancer patients will lose nearly £100 a week in out of work benefits under government welfare reform plans, a charity says. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/11/116980/research-how-the-recession-is-affecting-adult-social-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/11/116980/research-how-the-recession-is-affecting-adult-social-services.htmlAcademic Trish Hafford-Letchfield examines research that casts light on the impact of the recession on local authority adult care services Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116996/two-more-arrests-in-winterbourne-view-abuse-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116996/two-more-arrests-in-winterbourne-view-abuse-case.htmlPolice have made two more arrests in connection with the Winterbourne View learning disability abuse scandal, bringing the total to 11. Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116993/how-to-save-a-much-valued-local-service-from-the-council-axe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116993/how-to-save-a-much-valued-local-service-from-the-council-axe.htmlLiverpool Council wanted to close down a project to support women with postnatal depression, a victim of budget cuts. But it reckoned without a determined campaign of resistance. Natalie Valios reports Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116970/high-court-council-wrongly-deprived-autistic-man-of-liberty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116970/high-court-council-wrongly-deprived-autistic-man-of-liberty.htmlA council breached a 21-year-old autistic man's human rights by refusing to allow him to be placed in the care of his father, the High Court has ruled. Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116967/unions-fear-for-southern-cross-care-quality-after-job-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116967/unions-fear-for-southern-cross-care-quality-after-job-cuts.htmlFears are growing that staff terms and conditions could worsen and standards of care could fall after ailing care home operator Southern Cross announced plans to shed 3,000 jobs. Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116981/government-should-scrap-employment-schemes-for-disabled-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116981/government-should-scrap-employment-schemes-for-disabled-people.htmlThe government is to axe sheltered employment settings for disabled people, following a report into the current state of supported employment. Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116966/practice-panel-learning-disabilities-and-possible-sexual-exploitation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116966/practice-panel-learning-disabilities-and-possible-sexual-exploitation.htmlProfessionals offer advice on a case involving a young woman with learning disabilities who may be the subject of sexual exploitation by a worker at the care home where she lives Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116962/southern-cross-plans-to-slash-3000-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116962/southern-cross-plans-to-slash-3000-jobs.htmlTroubled care home operator Southern Cross today announced plans to slash up to 3,000 jobs as part of a staffing restructure designed to improve performance. Chief executive Jamie Buchan promised to consult staff fully over the cuts. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116964/care-home-closures-must-take-several-months.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116964/care-home-closures-must-take-several-months.htmlCare home closures should take at least six months to avoid major stress to residents and families, finds practice guidance published today. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116960/five-more-arrested-in-winterbourne-view-abuse-inquiry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116960/five-more-arrested-in-winterbourne-view-abuse-inquiry.htmlFive more people have been arrested in relation to the Winterbourne View abuse inquiry, bringing the total to nine, Avon and Somerset Police have said. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116959/burstow-considering-independent-probe-into-castlebeck-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116959/burstow-considering-independent-probe-into-castlebeck-abuse.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has refused to rule out an independent inquiry into the Castlebeck abuse case, following Labour accusations of "confusion" from government on the issue. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116958/cameron-unveils-nhs-bill-overhaul-to-allay-criticisms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116958/cameron-unveils-nhs-bill-overhaul-to-allay-criticisms.htmlDavid Cameron has announced an overhaul of the NHS reforms designed to address criticisms that the government's original plans would fragment care, to the detriment of vulnerable groups. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/07/116957/miliband-urges-talks-with-cameron-about-care-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/07/116957/miliband-urges-talks-with-cameron-about-care-reform.htmlEd Miliband today called for talks with David Cameron on care funding reform following next month's Dilnot commission report, to avoid a repeat of last year's pre-election hostility on the issue. Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116951/book-review-supporting-relationships-in-the-care-home-setting.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116951/book-review-supporting-relationships-in-the-care-home-setting.htmlSupporting Relationships and Friendships. A Workbook for Social Care Workers Suzan Collins, Jessica Kingsley PublishingMon, 06 Jun 2011 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116949/book-review-vulnerable-adults-and-community-care-post-qualifying-social-work-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116949/book-review-vulnerable-adults-and-community-care-post-qualifying-social-work-practice.htmlThe principal aim of this second volume within the Learning Matters series is to support practitioners who are undertaking the post-qualifying awards for social work with adults, writes Bridget Penhale. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116948/hospitals-to-face-dementia-care-scrutiny.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116948/hospitals-to-face-dementia-care-scrutiny.htmlThe Scottish government has vowed to improve hospital care for dementia patients by increasing scrutiny, in its first key announcement on older people's care since the country's election. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116947/the-employment-rights-of-personal-assistants.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116947/the-employment-rights-of-personal-assistants.htmlAn impending surge in the number of personal assistants is set to highlight a range of employment issues. Louise Tickle reports Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116944/homeless-face-worsening-health-as-cuts-bite.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116944/homeless-face-worsening-health-as-cuts-bite.htmlThe government says improving the health of homeless people is a priority. But health services for the client group are being cut just as need is going up, reports Helen Mooney. Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116938/gp-commissioning-could-risk-more-abuse-scandals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116938/gp-commissioning-could-risk-more-abuse-scandals.htmlThe government's NHS reforms could make abuse cases like the Winterbourne View scandal (pictured) more likely, experts have warned. Picture: BBC/PanoramaFri, 03 Jun 2011 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116942/good-practice-luv2meetu-friendship-project.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116942/good-practice-luv2meetu-friendship-project.htmlNatalie Valios reports on a project to promote well-being and fight loneliness that is winning admirers.Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116935/castlebeck-abuse-case-could-be-tip-of-the-iceberg.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116935/castlebeck-abuse-case-could-be-tip-of-the-iceberg.htmlThe Castlebeck abuse case could be the "tip of the iceberg" because of poor training for people working with challenging clients, social care trainers have warned. Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116933/labour-slams-government-confusion-over-abuse-scandal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116933/labour-slams-government-confusion-over-abuse-scandal.htmlLabour has slammed government "confusion" over its handling of the abuse scandal involving Winterbourne View hospital for people with learning disabilities.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 19:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116934/landlords-set-to-spurn-care-home-provider-southern-cross.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116934/landlords-set-to-spurn-care-home-provider-southern-cross.htmlLandlords are set to reject Southern Cross's ultimatum of accepting a 30% rent cut, Community Care understands. Instead, rival care home operators are actively planning on taking over the running of the homes.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116930/cqc-to-shut-abuse-scandal-hospital-within-weeks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116930/cqc-to-shut-abuse-scandal-hospital-within-weeks.htmlThe learning disability hospital at the centre of an abuse scandal, Winterbourne View in Bristol, is to be closed by the Care Quality Commission, Community Care has learned.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116926/no-dh-review-into-cqc-and-councils-over-panorama-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116926/no-dh-review-into-cqc-and-councils-over-panorama-case.htmlThere will be no government reviews of Care Quality Commission or safeguarding failings regarding the abuse of learning disabled people uncovered by Panorama this week.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116915/southern-cross-tells-landlords-to-accept-rent-cut-or-leave.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116915/southern-cross-tells-landlords-to-accept-rent-cut-or-leave.htmlTroubled care home operator Southern Cross has issued an ultimatum to its landlords to accept a four-month 30% cut in rental payments, in what commentators described as a "declaration of war". Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116890/users-and-carers-fight-restrictions-on-use-of-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116890/users-and-carers-fight-restrictions-on-use-of-personal-budgets.htmlCash-strapped councils are accused of stifling people's creativity by imposing restrictions on recipients of personal budgets. But some service users have cast off the shackles, writes Vern Pitt Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116922/cameron-clegg-and-miliband-told-to-avoid-political-care-fight.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116922/cameron-clegg-and-miliband-told-to-avoid-political-care-fight.htmlSocial care leaders have warned David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband to avoid political in-fighting and reach a consensus on the funding of long-term care when the Dilnot commission reports next month. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116918/four-arrested-after-panorama-exposes-disability-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116918/four-arrested-after-panorama-exposes-disability-abuse.htmlFour people have been arrested after the BBC revealed shocking abuse at a hospital for people with learning disabilities. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116917/burstow-backs-national-probe-of-learning-disability-hospitals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116917/burstow-backs-national-probe-of-learning-disability-hospitals.htmlSeveral learning disability hospitals are to face unannounced inspections after abuse was uncovered at one unit by BBC's Panorama programme. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116904/direct-payments-made-default-option-for-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116904/direct-payments-made-default-option-for-personal-budgets.htmlPersonalisation implies that personal budgets should be tailored to the needs of the individual. But some councils appear to be restricting users to direct payments, finds Natalie Valios Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116910/councils-direct-payments-preference-driven-by-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116910/councils-direct-payments-preference-driven-by-cuts.htmlCouncils are pushing service users into taking direct payments on cost grounds, say social work leaders.Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116921/personalisation-skills-shortfall-afflicts-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116921/personalisation-skills-shortfall-afflicts-social-workers.htmlSocial workers are still not equipped with the skills to deliver person-centred care, with knowledge about personal assistants considerably lacking.Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/31/116907/ask-the-expert-staying-safe-on-home-visits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/31/116907/ask-the-expert-staying-safe-on-home-visits.htmlNicole Vazquez outlines precautions care workers and their employers can take against harassment during home visitsTue, 31 May 2011 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/31/116906/new-software-tool-to-shave-millions-from-adult-care-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/31/116906/new-software-tool-to-shave-millions-from-adult-care-budgets.htmlCouncils can save millions on their adult care spend by using software that captures real-time information on the cost and usage of services, it is claimed. Tue, 31 May 2011 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/31/116903/learning-disabilities-cuts-risk-driving-down-quality.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/31/116903/learning-disabilities-cuts-risk-driving-down-quality.htmlCouncil cuts to learning disability services are failing to produce efficiencies and risk driving down quality, a report has concluded.Tue, 31 May 2011 11:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/27/116901/social-care-can-benefit-from-health-bill-delay-says-adass.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/27/116901/social-care-can-benefit-from-health-bill-delay-says-adass.htmlSocial care can benefit from the likely delay in the government's health reforms, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services' president, Peter Hay, has said. Fri, 27 May 2011 14:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116893/further-health-bill-delay-risks-confusion-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116893/further-health-bill-delay-risks-confusion-for-social-workers.htmlThe government's health legislation faces being further delayed until the autumn risking confusion for social workers re-registering next year if it puts back the abolition of the General Social Care Council. Thu, 26 May 2011 15:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116887/hospitals-slammed-for-poor-nutritional-care-of-elderly.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116887/hospitals-slammed-for-poor-nutritional-care-of-elderly.html"Unacceptable" failures by hospitals to meet older people's nutritional and dignity needs have been uncovered by the Care Quality Commission.Thu, 26 May 2011 00:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116855/the-rise-of-non-qualified-social-care-staff-under-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116855/the-rise-of-non-qualified-social-care-staff-under-personalisation.htmlAre concerns over use of non-social work staff to assess potential service users the complaint of a profession under threat or genuine worries? Mithran Samuel reports Wed, 25 May 2011 16:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116877/lib-dems-demand-wholesale-review-of-disability-benefit-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116877/lib-dems-demand-wholesale-review-of-disability-benefit-reforms.htmlThe government must undertake a wholesale review of its plans to cut a raft of disability benefits, say Liberal Democrat MPs.Wed, 25 May 2011 14:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116868/social-workers-losing-faith-in-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116868/social-workers-losing-faith-in-personalisation.htmlSocial care professionals' support for personalisation has plummeted, Community Care's latest personalisation survey, commissioned by Unison has revealed. Unison's Helga Pile (pictured) said: "People still believe in personalisation, but it's increasingly difficult to make it happen." Wed, 25 May 2011 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116869/councils-dogged-by-slow-progress-on-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116869/councils-dogged-by-slow-progress-on-personalisation.htmlA significant minority of English councils have made slow progress on personalisation despite the three-year cash injection of £520m to drive it, say social care professionals. Wed, 25 May 2011 10:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116867/bureaucracy-is-damaging-personalisation-social-workers-say.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116867/bureaucracy-is-damaging-personalisation-social-workers-say.htmlThree-quarters of practitioners say there is now more bureaucracy in their roles as a result of personalisation, according to Community Care's 2011 survey, conducted on behalf of Unison.Wed, 25 May 2011 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/24/116874/fiona-pilkington-police-slammed-over-disability-hate-crime.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/24/116874/fiona-pilkington-police-slammed-over-disability-hate-crime.htmlA woman who killed herself and her disabled daughter after years of disability-related harassment was failed by police because officers failed to recognise the family as vulnerable. That was the conclusion of a damning Independent Police Complaints Commission report into Leicestershire Police's handling of the case of Fiona Pilkington, who killed herself and daughter Francecca Hardwick (both pictured) in October 2007. PICTURE: PATue, 24 May 2011 12:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/24/116870/homeless-people-need-better-palliative-care-finds-charity.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/24/116870/homeless-people-need-better-palliative-care-finds-charity.htmlHomeless people are not receiving adequate end-of-life care because staff working with them cannot spot the signs of advanced liver disease, research has found. Tue, 24 May 2011 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/23/116861/many-councils-may-have-social-care-cuts-ruled-illegal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/23/116861/many-councils-may-have-social-care-cuts-ruled-illegal.htmlMany councils could have their adult social care budgets ruled illegal on the back of a High Court judgement yesterday, the president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has warned. Mon, 23 May 2011 09:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116839/historic-agreement-for-single-uk-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116839/historic-agreement-for-single-uk-college-of-social-work.htmlThe College of Social Work and their counterparts at BASW - the College of Social Work have agreed to work together to merge into a single, UK-wide organisation. Fran Fuller, chair of BASW, (pictured) said the agreement was in the "best interests of the profession". Fri, 20 May 2011 12:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116846/social-work-boss-rejects-expensive-health-social-care-merger.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116846/social-work-boss-rejects-expensive-health-social-care-merger.html"Expensive" structural integration of health and social care is not the solution to pressures on the system in Scotland, the Association of Directors of Social Work's incoming president has warned ministers in his inaugural speech. Fri, 20 May 2011 12:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116845/judge-slams-councils-consultation-over-critical-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116845/judge-slams-councils-consultation-over-critical-threshold.htmlA judge has slammed Birmingham Council for failing to consider how its bid to raise adult care eligibility thresholds to critical only would affect those with substantial needs. Fri, 20 May 2011 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/19/116841/cc-live-labour-will-not-play-politics-with-dilnot-findings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/19/116841/cc-live-labour-will-not-play-politics-with-dilnot-findings.htmlLabour will not "play politics" with the debate on the long-term funding of adult social care, shadow care services minister Emily Thornberry said yesterday.Thu, 19 May 2011 13:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/19/116837/southern-cross-plunges-into-red-as-councils-slash-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/19/116837/southern-cross-plunges-into-red-as-councils-slash-funding.htmlTroubled care home giant Southern Cross has plunged deeper into the red on the back of big cuts in admissions from local authority, half-year results published today show. However, chief executive Jamie Buchan (pictured) has said he is confident that the company can resolve its problems. Thu, 19 May 2011 09:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116836/cc-live-social-workers-threaten-to-quit-over-red-tape.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116836/cc-live-social-workers-threaten-to-quit-over-red-tape.htmlSocial workers are considering leaving the profession because of the burden of bureaucracy.Wed, 18 May 2011 16:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116835/cc-live-burstow-gets-tough-with-pcts-over-social-care-cash.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116835/cc-live-burstow-gets-tough-with-pcts-over-social-care-cash.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has delivered an ultimatum to primary care trusts that are hogging money intended for social care.Wed, 18 May 2011 14:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116828/dilnot-commission-told-to-reduce-means-testing-in-care-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116828/dilnot-commission-told-to-reduce-means-testing-in-care-system.htmlThe Dilnot Commission on care funding has heard an unequivocal call to reduce means-testing by increasing the £23,250 savings threshold before people have to start paying for care in England. Commission chair Andrew Dilnot (pictured) described the opposition to the threshold as "overwhelming".Wed, 18 May 2011 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116831/lack-of-funding-and-training-blighting-person-centred-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116831/lack-of-funding-and-training-blighting-person-centred-care.htmlThe social care system is failing to deliver person-centred care because of inadequate funding, training and practice, a major study warns today.Wed, 18 May 2011 00:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116824/social-worker-of-the-year-2011-launched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116824/social-worker-of-the-year-2011-launched.htmlPractitioners throughout the UK will be able to celebrate their achievements by entering the revamped Social Worker of the Year Awards, to be launched at Community Care Live today. Wed, 18 May 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/16/116822/adult-safeguarding-boards-to-be-put-on-statutory-footing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/16/116822/adult-safeguarding-boards-to-be-put-on-statutory-footing.htmlAdult safeguarding boards will be made compulsory for councils and their partners by being put on a statutory footing, care services minister Paul Burstow (left) announced today. Mon, 16 May 2011 13:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/16/116816/key-back-bench-tory-urges-full-health-and-social-care-merger.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/16/116816/key-back-bench-tory-urges-full-health-and-social-care-merger.htmlFormer Tory health secretary Stephen Dorrell (left) called for provisions to fully integrate health and adult social care to be incorporated into the government's health reforms. Mon, 16 May 2011 09:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/13/116809/self-funders-assessment-rights-could-pressure-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/13/116809/self-funders-assessment-rights-could-pressure-social-workers.htmlProposals to strengthen self-funders' rights to an assessment and care plan could put pressure on social workers' caseloads and council budgets, experts have warned.Fri, 13 May 2011 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116799/educating-the-nhs-in-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116799/educating-the-nhs-in-personalisation.htmlImagine a world in which the vision for social care was to give ownership and control of care provision to social workers. By Alex Fox Thu, 12 May 2011 15:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116800/law-reforms-could-save-social-workers-45-minutes-a-week.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116800/law-reforms-could-save-social-workers-45-minutes-a-week.htmlThe overhaul of adult social care proposed this week would cut bureaucracy and save time for social workers, analysis has shown. Thu, 12 May 2011 13:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116794/research-why-take-up-of-support-services-for-birth-parents-of-adopted-children-is-low.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116794/research-why-take-up-of-support-services-for-birth-parents-of-adopted-children-is-low.htmlTake-up of support services by the birth parents of adopted children is low. Archie Maclullich reports on research as to the causes of this and how it can improved Thu, 12 May 2011 13:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116787/value-of-carers-outstrips-nhs-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116787/value-of-carers-outstrips-nhs-budget.htmlCarers save the UK £119bn a year, more than the entire cost of the NHS in England, a study published today by Carers UK has found. Thu, 12 May 2011 01:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116792/social-care-in-north-hit-hardest-by-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116792/social-care-in-north-hit-hardest-by-cuts.htmlA geographical divide has opened up in English adult social care spending with huge cuts in the north but budgets continuing to expand in the south.Thu, 12 May 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116778/service-users-should-get-direct-payments-for-residential-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116778/service-users-should-get-direct-payments-for-residential-care.htmlRestrictions on giving service users direct payments to buy long-term residential care should be abolished to increase choice and control, today's Law Commission report on the reform of adult social care law has proposed.Wed, 11 May 2011 16:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116779/law-review-backs-off-giving-social-workers-powers-of-entry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116779/law-review-backs-off-giving-social-workers-powers-of-entry.htmlThe Law Commission has failed to recommend giving social workers powers to enter people's homes to help investigate adult abuse, in its proposed reforms to adult care law.Wed, 11 May 2011 12:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116780/dont-let-jargon-ruin-law-commissions-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116780/dont-let-jargon-ruin-law-commissions-reforms.htmlLegal analyst Ed Mitchell gives his verdict on the Law Commission's proposals for the biggest shake-up in adult social care law in 60 years. Wed, 11 May 2011 12:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116785/government-backs-munro-plan-for-chief-social-worker-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116785/government-backs-munro-plan-for-chief-social-worker-role.htmlThe government has backed "in principle" the appointment of a chief social worker to provide leadership across the whole profession.Wed, 11 May 2011 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116777/biggest-shake-up-in-adult-care-law-in-60-years-proposed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116777/biggest-shake-up-in-adult-care-law-in-60-years-proposed.htmlThe government has signalled the biggest reform of adult care law in 60 years after a three-year review proposed sweeping changes to adult safeguarding and carers' rights, and the extension of direct payments to residential care. Care services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) described the reforms as the foundation for change.Wed, 11 May 2011 00:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116782/sickness-benefit-test-failing-people-with-fluctuating-conditions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116782/sickness-benefit-test-failing-people-with-fluctuating-conditions.htmlCharities have demanded an overhaul of the test of eligibility for sickness benefit on the basis that it is failing people with fluctuating conditions. Wed, 11 May 2011 00:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/10/116773/college-chief-social-worker-must-cover-adults-and-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/10/116773/college-chief-social-worker-must-cover-adults-and-children.htmlThe proposed chief social worker post for England should cover adults' as well as children's services, the College of Social Work said in its response to Eileen Munro's report on child protection.Tue, 10 May 2011 12:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116761/flagship-scheme-may-fail-disabled-job-seekers-warn-mps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116761/flagship-scheme-may-fail-disabled-job-seekers-warn-mps.htmlDisabled people may be failed by the government's new flagship scheme for getting unemployed people back to work. Mon, 09 May 2011 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116752/recovering-from-mental-health-illnesses-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116752/recovering-from-mental-health-illnesses-in-scotland.htmlHonesty can be difficult when it comes to admitting to mental illness. Mon, 09 May 2011 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/06/116757/princess-anne-warns-cuts-could-harm-multi-disciplinary-working.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/06/116757/princess-anne-warns-cuts-could-harm-multi-disciplinary-working.htmlEXCLUSIVE: The Princess Royal (left) has voiced concerns that cuts in public services could harm multi-disciplinary working, undermining support for service users and carers. (pic: Rex features) Fri, 06 May 2011 16:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/06/116759/elections-set-to-increase-social-care-differences-within-uk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/06/116759/elections-set-to-increase-social-care-differences-within-uk.htmlThe regional election results could exacerbate increasing health and social care policy differences between England, Scotland and Wales, a social care policy expert has warned. Fri, 06 May 2011 15:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116746/social-care-professionals-oppose-outsourcing-finds-survey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116746/social-care-professionals-oppose-outsourcing-finds-survey.htmlEXCLUSIVE: The transfer of social care services from councils to private providers has been bad for the sector, and government plans to go further in this direction risk wreaking future damage, say professionals. Thu, 05 May 2011 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116730/quality-versus-cost-a-brief-history-of-outsourcing-in-adult-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116730/quality-versus-cost-a-brief-history-of-outsourcing-in-adult-social-care.htmlPrivate sector care has largely replaced council services. But, with more outsourcing planned, debate rages over how much it has improved the quality of care, writes Vern Pitt Thu, 05 May 2011 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116729/winning-over-staff-is-key-to-social-enterprise-success.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116729/winning-over-staff-is-key-to-social-enterprise-success.htmlIn North East Lincolnshire, former NHS social care services are now being run as a business. Chief ­executive Lance Gardner tells Mithran Samuel of his plans and how keeping staff onside is one of his main challenges Thu, 05 May 2011 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116728/social-care-professionals-divided-over-privatised-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116728/social-care-professionals-divided-over-privatised-adult-care.htmlAs social workers in seven areas prepare to swap council jobs for running their own businesses, Jeremy Dunning finds the sector deeply divided on the merits of social work practices Thu, 05 May 2011 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/03/114404/good-practice-dimensions-journey-to-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/03/114404/good-practice-dimensions-journey-to-personalisation.htmlIn 2008, care provider Dimensions decided to transform itself in line with the personalisation agenda. It has now recounted its journey in a book. Natalie Valios reports Tue, 03 May 2011 16:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/03/114906/scotland-and-wales-look-to-register-domiciliary-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/03/114906/scotland-and-wales-look-to-register-domiciliary-workers.html National regulators in Scotland and Wales want to start registering domiciliary care workers as soon as possible to raise standards and ensure the safety...Tue, 03 May 2011 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/03/116584/cqc-to-outsource-new-care-ratings-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/03/116584/cqc-to-outsource-new-care-ratings-system.htmlThe Care Quality Commission is to outsource delivery of its new care ratings system to several accreditation bodies to give providers a choice of schemes to measure themselves against, it said today. Tue, 03 May 2011 16:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/03/116741/care-quality-commission-visits-drop-by-70.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/03/116741/care-quality-commission-visits-drop-by-70.htmlAdult care providers have seen a 70% drop in inspections by the Care Quality Commission in the past year, a fall described as "frightening and unacceptable" by Gary FitzGerald (pictured), chief executive of Action on Elder Abuse, and prompting fears for the welfare of service users. Tue, 03 May 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/28/116739/councils-sound-alarm-over-50-care-charge-cap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/28/116739/councils-sound-alarm-over-50-care-charge-cap.htmlWelsh councils fear a new £50 cap on weekly community care charges will increase costs and demand for services, according to a new report. Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/27/116731/scottish-parties-fight-for-carers-votes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/27/116731/scottish-parties-fight-for-carers-votes.htmlScotland's political parties are vying for the votes of carers by presenting manifestos targeted at them. Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/26/116723/pickles-told-to-keep-social-care-duties-by-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/26/116723/pickles-told-to-keep-social-care-duties-by-sector.htmlSocial workers and sector leaders have told ministers to retain councils' duties to assess and provide social care, in response to a consultation - ordered by communities secretary Eric Pickles (pictured) - that proposed abolishing them.Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/26/116721/scots-councils-slam-health-and-social-care-merger-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/26/116721/scots-councils-slam-health-and-social-care-merger-plans.htmlLabour and Scottish National Party plans to merge health and social care would cost £300m and simply "change the badge on a social care worker's shirt", local government leaders have warned on the eve of the Scottish Parliament elections. Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116717/adult-care-staff-cast-as-villains-due-to-cuts-says-adass-head.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116717/adult-care-staff-cast-as-villains-due-to-cuts-says-adass-head.htmlCouncil adult services officers are wrongly being made out to be the "villains of the piece" because of the cuts they are having to implement, a leading director warned today after his authority lost a key legal case. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116716/judge-overturns-council-plan-to-raise-eligibility-to-critical.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116716/judge-overturns-council-plan-to-raise-eligibility-to-critical.htmlBirmingham Council's plan to raise eligibility thresholds to critical has been overturned after a judge ruled it unlawful. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116715/cuts-leave-homelessness-schemes-more-reliant-on-volunteers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116715/cuts-leave-homelessness-schemes-more-reliant-on-volunteers.html Funding cuts are forcing homelessness projects to cut bed numbers and rely more on volunteers and part-time staff, research finds today. The annual...Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/20/116709/free-social-workers-from-bureaucracy-says-inquiry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/20/116709/free-social-workers-from-bureaucracy-says-inquiry.htmlSocial workers should be freed from bureaucratic assessment procedures to spend more time with adult service users to drive personalisation, a six-month inquiry by sector experts published today has found. Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/20/116707/domestic-violence-cuts-put-200000-children-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/20/116707/domestic-violence-cuts-put-200000-children-at-risk.htmlBudget cuts could leave up to 200,000 child victims of domestic violence at risk of long-term mental health problems and some at risk of death, sector leaders have warned.Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/19/116705/abuse-and-poor-nutrition-uncovered-in-care-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/19/116705/abuse-and-poor-nutrition-uncovered-in-care-homes.htmlAbuse, a lack of cleanliness and poor nutrition have been uncovered in care homes by an undercover investigation by consumer group Which?. Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/18/116701/whistleblower-forced-to-quit-is-offered-job-back.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/18/116701/whistleblower-forced-to-quit-is-offered-job-back.htmlA whistleblowing social worker forced to resign for exposing the overcharging of adults with learning disabilities has been offered his job back by the council after a report found he was bullied by managers.Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/18/116702/councils-to-make-1bn-cuts-to-adult-care-this-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/18/116702/councils-to-make-1bn-cuts-to-adult-care-this-year.htmlAdult care departments in England have made cuts worth about £1bn this year to cope with rising demand and tight budget settlements from government.Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/18/116699/dilnot-commission-to-end-postcode-lottery-for-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/18/116699/dilnot-commission-to-end-postcode-lottery-for-adult-care.htmlThe Dilnot care funding commission will recommend an end to the postcode lottery for care by calling for the introduction of a national system of assessment and eligibility, its chair has signalled. Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116691/women-face-abuse-trap-by-migration-rules-change.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116691/women-face-abuse-trap-by-migration-rules-change.htmlSome migrant women may become trapped in abusive relationships because of changes in government immigration rules, lawyers have warned. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 18:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116696/domestic-violence-services-under-threat.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116696/domestic-violence-services-under-threat.htmlSpending cuts and the government's localism agenda are combining to threaten the future of many domestic violence services. Vern Pitt asks how bad things have to get Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116682/domestic-violence-advisers-help-keep-victims-safe-at-home.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116682/domestic-violence-advisers-help-keep-victims-safe-at-home.htmlA West Sussex initiative is keeping victims of domestic violence in their own homes safely rather than directing them to refuges, reports Natalie Valios Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116690/charities-slam-government-plan-to-scrap-poverty-payments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116690/charities-slam-government-plan-to-scrap-poverty-payments.htmlFifteen charities have slammed the government's consultation on scrapping national poverty payments, accusing it of containing "no analysis" of the needs of vulnerable recipients who stand to be driven deeper into poverty. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116689/lack-of-social-workers-sees-use-of-unqualified-staff-rise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116689/lack-of-social-workers-sees-use-of-unqualified-staff-rise.htmlEmployers are blaming the trend of allocating increasingly complex cases to unqualified staff on the national shortage of social workers. Debbie Jones (pictured), vice president of the Association of Directors of Children's Services, said councils were struggling to balance their responsibilities to service users and staff because of a lack of resources. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116687/tackling-social-workers-anti-men-attitudes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116687/tackling-social-workers-anti-men-attitudes.htmlThere is no shortage of research highlighting the importance of fathers in their children's lives. But Gavin Swann admits that, for most of his career as a social worker, he held negative and prejudicial views about the men who featured in his cases. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116683/domestic-violence-why-does-she-stay-a-question-loaded-with-assumptions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116683/domestic-violence-why-does-she-stay-a-question-loaded-with-assumptions.htmlWhy does she stay? That is the wrong question to ask about domestic violence and is based on several false assumptions. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116680/welsh-labour-wants-charities-to-run-private-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116680/welsh-labour-wants-charities-to-run-private-care-services.htmlCharities could seize social care services in Wales from the private sector, under plans put forward by Welsh Labour today. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116677/dilnot-commission-told-to-end-postcode-lottery-for-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116677/dilnot-commission-told-to-end-postcode-lottery-for-care.htmlThe Dilnot commission on adult care funding has been told to end the postcode lottery by proposing a national eligibility threshold for support.Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116674/cuts-strand-disabled-people-without-employment-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116674/cuts-strand-disabled-people-without-employment-support.htmlDisabled people could be stranded in unemployment because jobs support services are being devastated by local authority spending cuts, a study has found.Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116676/lga-urges-talks-with-lansley-to-ensure-gps-help-vulnerable.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116676/lga-urges-talks-with-lansley-to-ensure-gps-help-vulnerable.htmlCouncil leaders have called for face-to-face talks with health secretary Andrew Lansley to answer local authority concerns about his NHS reforms and ensure they do not fail vulnerable groups. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116673/social-work-assistants-asked-to-take-complex-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116673/social-work-assistants-asked-to-take-complex-cases.htmlSocial work assistants are being asked to take on more complex cases because of the cuts hitting councils, interim findings of a survey have suggested. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116670/adult-social-workers-to-be-freed-from-council-control.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116670/adult-social-workers-to-be-freed-from-council-control.htmlSocial workers in six councils have been promised more freedom to work with service users independently of local authorities by piloting social work practices for adult social care. "Our plans will free-up front line social workers to do what they do best: help people maintain their independence," said care services minister Paul Burstow (pictured). Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116671/scr-style-reviews-to-probe-domestic-violence-deaths.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116671/scr-style-reviews-to-probe-domestic-violence-deaths.htmlProfessionals will have to learn the lessons from domestic violence killings under requirements to hold serious case review-style probes that come into force today. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116669/unison-launches-campaign-to-protect-adult-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116669/unison-launches-campaign-to-protect-adult-social-workers.htmlUnison has launched a nationwide campaign to stop councils from cutting adult social worker posts in the face of public spending cuts and the government's personalisation agenda. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116634/practice-panel-a-disabled-ex-serviceman-faces-homelessness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116634/practice-panel-a-disabled-ex-serviceman-faces-homelessness.htmlProfessionals and a service user offer advice on a case involving a disabled ex-serviceman facing eviction and no place to go Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116664/chairman-of-leading-care-home-provider-resigns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116664/chairman-of-leading-care-home-provider-resigns.htmlThe chairman of ailing care provider Southern Cross Healthcare has resigned amid further pressure on its finances. Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116659/personalisation-chief-councils-wrong-to-cull-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116659/personalisation-chief-councils-wrong-to-cull-social-workers.htmlCouncils are wrong to cull social workers in their drive to implement self-directed care, the joint head of a new sector-wide partnership to promote personalisation has warned.Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116656/councils-that-fail-on-personalisation-face-intervention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116656/councils-that-fail-on-personalisation-face-intervention.htmlCouncils that fail to deliver on personalisation could face government or Care Quality Commission intervention if they refuse support from within the social care sector to improve. This warning came from Richard Jones (pictured), the outgoing president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services. Tue, 12 Apr 2011 08:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/11/116645/tenth-of-social-care-workers-paid-less-than-minimum-wage.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/11/116645/tenth-of-social-care-workers-paid-less-than-minimum-wage.htmlNearly one in 10 social care staff is paid below the national minimum wage, a report by the Low Pay Commission has shown. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116651/councils-accused-of-flouting-guidance-on-care-charges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116651/councils-accused-of-flouting-guidance-on-care-charges.htmlCouncils are flouting government statutory guidance on the level of charges they can levy on disabled people for care services, campaigners have claimed. Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116648/health-bill-delay-could-damage-long-term-care-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116648/health-bill-delay-could-damage-long-term-care-reform.htmlDelays to the government's health legislation could undermine the long-term reform of care funding, outgoing Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Richard Jones (pictured) has warned. Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116649/making-adult-social-care-greener.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116649/making-adult-social-care-greener.htmlLittle is known about social care's impact on the environment, but there are examples of sustainable good practice that councils could use to save money, reports Louise Hunt Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/07/116633/health-and-social-care-merger-at-heart-of-scots-election.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/07/116633/health-and-social-care-merger-at-heart-of-scots-election.htmlRadical plans to merge health and adult social care are at the heart of the Scottish election campaign, with all of the major parties putting forward proposals to bring the two services together. Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116631/government-launches-listening-panel-to-save-nhs-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116631/government-launches-listening-panel-to-save-nhs-reforms.htmlFormer Royal College of GPs chair Steve Field will head a new panel to consider objections to the NHS reforms as the government tries to win over critics.Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116629/adass-will-not-lobby-against-cuts-says-new-president.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116629/adass-will-not-lobby-against-cuts-says-new-president.htmlPeter Hay will not be lobbying the coalition government for a change in direction on cuts as he takes up the reins as president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.Wed, 06 Apr 2011 11:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116613/what-does-the-future-hold-for-care-homes-for-elderly-people-in-the-uk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116613/what-does-the-future-hold-for-care-homes-for-elderly-people-in-the-uk.htmlCare homes are struggling to come to terms with fewer local authority contracts and politicians' preference for independent living. How can the sector respond, asks Vern Pitt Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116628/ethnic-minorities-still-over-represented-in-mental-healthcare.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116628/ethnic-minorities-still-over-represented-in-mental-healthcare.htmlPeople from ethnic minorities remain disproportionately represented on mental health wards with no signs of this reducing, the Care Quality Commission revealed today. CQC chair Jo Williams (pictured) responded by calling for more collaboration between health and social care agencies.Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/05/116623/controversial-court-judgement-used-to-justify-care-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/05/116623/controversial-court-judgement-used-to-justify-care-cuts.htmlCouncils are using a controversial legal decision to justify restricting a person's access to food and drink to cut costs, a care lawyer has claimed. Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/05/116619/nhs-reforms-will-harm-joint-working-say-directors.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/05/116619/nhs-reforms-will-harm-joint-working-say-directors.htmlHealth secretary Andrew Lansley's NHS reforms risk damaging joint working between health and social care, failing vulnerable children and an accountability deficit, social services directors have warned.Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/05/116614/quality-of-care-homes-divides-frontline-and-managers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/05/116614/quality-of-care-homes-divides-frontline-and-managers.htmlFrontline professionals have far more negative views of residential care than their managers, exclusive Community Care research has revealed.Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116612/reablement-must-be-personalised-if-it-is-to-improve.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116612/reablement-must-be-personalised-if-it-is-to-improve.htmlReablement services must be made more personalised to improve their effectiveness in promoting independence and clients' experience of them, consultants said today. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116609/miliband-urges-cameron-to-ditch-reckless-nhs-overhaul.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116609/miliband-urges-cameron-to-ditch-reckless-nhs-overhaul.htmlLabour leader Ed Miliband has urged the government to withdraw its "reckless" NHS reforms amid speculation that ministers will offer concessions to allay concerns. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116605/opposition-forces-dh-to-reject-payment-by-results-scheme.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116605/opposition-forces-dh-to-reject-payment-by-results-scheme.htmlThe government has rejected a national payment by results scheme for adult social care after it faced unanimous opposition from sector leaders. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116602/bryncynon-strategy-breathes-life-into-ex-mining-community.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116602/bryncynon-strategy-breathes-life-into-ex-mining-community.htmlA forming mining community decided to arrest its decline by tackling its own health and social problems after residents felt abandoned by the public sector, reports Andrew MickelFri, 01 Apr 2011 15:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116596/one-in-seven-councils-raises-eligibility-bar-for-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116596/one-in-seven-councils-raises-eligibility-bar-for-adult-care.htmlOne in seven councils has increased its threshold for adult social care this year, leaving many older and disabled people facing reduced support, the Local Government Association revealed today.Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116593/council-recruits-uks-first-social-work-dog.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116593/council-recruits-uks-first-social-work-dog.htmlA council has recruited the UK’s first social work dog. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116592/adult-and-children-services-are-most-protected-by-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116592/adult-and-children-services-are-most-protected-by-councils.htmlMost councils say they are protecting children's and adults' services above all other services in the face of the 2011-12 budget cuts, a Local Government Association survey has shown. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116590/simplifying-the-personal-budgets-process-for-older-people-and-adults-with-mental-health-issues.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116590/simplifying-the-personal-budgets-process-for-older-people-and-adults-with-mental-health-issues.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence presents findings from research into supporting older people and adults with mental health problems using personal budgets Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116585/supreme-court-to-rule-on-councils-powers-to-cut-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116585/supreme-court-to-rule-on-councils-powers-to-cut-care.htmlCouncils' power to cut services on cost grounds without an assessment of needs could be overturned by the Supreme Court next week, after the right to an appeal was granted in a landmark case.Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116552/social-workers-may-gain-power-of-entry-in-adult-abuse-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116552/social-workers-may-gain-power-of-entry-in-adult-abuse-cases.htmlEXCLUSIVE A Supreme Court judge has backed giving social workers the power to enter the homes of people when adult abuse is suspected.Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116582/labour-plans-for-national-care-service-take-shape.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116582/labour-plans-for-national-care-service-take-shape.htmlLabour will go into the forthcoming Scottish elections pledging to create a National Care Service by 2015, integrating health and social care and underpinned by national quality standards. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 07:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116553/law-commission-reassures-over-future-of-adult-care-duties.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116553/law-commission-reassures-over-future-of-adult-care-duties.htmlAdults' entitlements to social care have been thrown a lifeline following communities secretary Eric Pickles' controversial decision to put all council care duties under review, Community Care has learned. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116554/quarter-of-social-care-users-hit-by-cuts-so-far.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116554/quarter-of-social-care-users-hit-by-cuts-so-far.htmlAlmost a quarter of adult care users or carers have had their services cut before the full impact of government reductions in council budgets starts being felt from 1 April onwards, leading charities have found. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116576/watchdog-axe-will-deny-justice-to-mental-health-patients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116576/watchdog-axe-will-deny-justice-to-mental-health-patients.htmlDetained mental health patients face being denied fair access to justice under government plans to axe a key watchdog, its head has warned. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116573/anger-as-cqc-confirms-fee-hike-with-three-days-notice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116573/anger-as-cqc-confirms-fee-hike-with-three-days-notice.htmlAdult social care providers have lambasted the Care Quality Commission's decision to confirm a £6m hike in registration fees with just three days' notice.Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116570/5-fall-in-adults-receiving-council-funded-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116570/5-fall-in-adults-receiving-council-funded-social-care.htmlThe number of adults receiving council-funded care fell by 5% last year, it has been revealed, amid concerns about tightening eligibility criteria. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116566/mental-health-clients-distressed-by-appeal-delays.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116566/mental-health-clients-distressed-by-appeal-delays.htmlThere are too many delays when patients appeal to a tribunal against their detention under the Mental Health Act, according to a ground-breaking report. CQC chair Dame Jo Williams (pictured) said it was important patients felt they had been fairly treated by the tribunal.Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116565/mental-health-patients-left-naked-and-suffer-overcrowding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116565/mental-health-patients-left-naked-and-suffer-overcrowding.htmlMental health patients are being held unclothed in seclusion and denied access to toilets in overcrowded wards, inspectors have found. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116560/550-councillors-demand-rethink-on-cuts-to-supporting-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116560/550-councillors-demand-rethink-on-cuts-to-supporting-people.htmlMore than 500 councillors in England have signed a letter urging all town halls to rethink cuts to programmes that provide housing-related support to vulnerable people. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116549/hard-to-reach-groups-at-risk-of-poor-outcomes-under-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116549/hard-to-reach-groups-at-risk-of-poor-outcomes-under-personalisation.htmlThe coalition wants all users on personal budgets by 2013 but with older people and those with mental health problems left behind and resources drying up, the future of personalisation is in doubt. Jeremy Dunning reports Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116550/personal-budgets-pioneer-slams-coalitions-lack-of-targets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116550/personal-budgets-pioneer-slams-coalitions-lack-of-targets.htmlThe government has failed on personalisation due to budget cuts and the removal of targets for councils to make improvements, Simon Duffy (pictured), a pioneer of personal budgets has warned. Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116539/abuse-goes-unchallenged-in-name-of-partnership-working.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116539/abuse-goes-unchallenged-in-name-of-partnership-working.htmlPotential elder abuse can go unchecked by social workers because they fail to stand up to professionals in partner agencies. Angie Ash reports Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/25/116535/welsh-cap-care-charges-as-fees-for-users-go-up-in-england.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/25/116535/welsh-cap-care-charges-as-fees-for-users-go-up-in-england.htmlCommunity care charges will be capped at £50 a week from next month for service users in Wales, as their counterparts in England face mounting fees. Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/24/116536/bridging-the-generation-gap-to-help-people-with-dementia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/24/116536/bridging-the-generation-gap-to-help-people-with-dementia.htmlNatalie Valios reports on how both young and old benefited from a project to improve the well-being of residents with dementia in a nursing home Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/24/116534/voluntary-care-funding-model-slammed-by-clegg-ally.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/24/116534/voluntary-care-funding-model-slammed-by-clegg-ally.htmlNick Clegg's right-hand man has expressed scepticism that a voluntary insurance system can solve the funding crisis blighting long-term care.Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/24/116528/social-workers-unconvinced-by-nhs-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/24/116528/social-workers-unconvinced-by-nhs-personalisation.htmlMental health social workers and other professionals are unconvinced that personal health budgets will deliver improvements for service users, NHS leaders and health civil servants warned today.Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116527/budget-pledge-to-cut-red-tape-facing-social-care-enterprises.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116527/budget-pledge-to-cut-red-tape-facing-social-care-enterprises.htmlThe government has vowed to axe the red tape that is hampering small social care providers and develop the telecare industry, as part of today's Budget announcement. Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116524/budget-boosts-big-society-but-no-let-up-in-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116524/budget-boosts-big-society-but-no-let-up-in-cuts.htmlChancellor George Osborne's Budget today boosted the Big Society, but there were no new duties on alcohol and no let up in the government's programme of cuts.Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116526/fictitious-care-home-fraud-duo-are-jailed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116526/fictitious-care-home-fraud-duo-are-jailed.htmlTwo people who invented a care home and defrauded the NHS out of more than £100,000 have been jailed. Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116521/woe-for-families-as-nhs-staff-bypass-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116521/woe-for-families-as-nhs-staff-bypass-social-workers.htmlSocial workers are being bypassed by NHS staff when patients are discharged from hospital, putting "extreme pressure" on families, a report warns today.Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/22/116518/equality-watchdog-sounds-warning-over-curbs-to-its-powers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/22/116518/equality-watchdog-sounds-warning-over-curbs-to-its-powers.htmlPlans set out today to curb the powers of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission have raised concerns at the fairness watchdog.Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/22/116513/homelessness-service-set-to-decline-as-charities-face-25-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/22/116513/homelessness-service-set-to-decline-as-charities-face-25-cuts.htmlHomelessness organisations face a 25% cut in council funding next year, prompting warnings that progress in tackling the problem will go into reverse. Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/21/116507/troubled-care-giant-southern-cross-bolsters-top-team.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/21/116507/troubled-care-giant-southern-cross-bolsters-top-team.htmlAiling care home giant Southern Cross Healthcare has boosted its management team to try to turn around its financial fortunes and avoid going into administration.Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/21/116506/councils-line-up-to-transfer-care-staff-to-trading-companies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/21/116506/councils-line-up-to-transfer-care-staff-to-trading-companies.htmlMomentum is building behind local authority moves to hive off adult care services and staff to council-owned trading companies in order to save money.Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/19/116499/social-care-outsourcing-drive-bad-for-users-and-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/19/116499/social-care-outsourcing-drive-bad-for-users-and-staff.htmlThe government's drive to outsource social care and other public services risks damaging service quality, weakening accountability and harming working conditions, a report has said. Sat, 19 Mar 2011 00:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/18/116503/loughton-forced-to-defend-foster-care-charter.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/18/116503/loughton-forced-to-defend-foster-care-charter.htmlChildren's minister Tim Loughton was today forced to defend his decision not to make the government's new Foster Carers Charter compulsory for all local authorities. Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/18/116501/care-home-provider-will-not-go-into-administration.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/18/116501/care-home-provider-will-not-go-into-administration.htmlAiling care home provider Southern Cross Healthcare is confident it can avoid going into administration as it holds talks with the landlords of its care homes in a bid to reduce rents. Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/18/116492/ministers-bid-to-protect-residents-of-ailing-care-provider.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/18/116492/ministers-bid-to-protect-residents-of-ailing-care-provider.htmlMinisters have intervened to protect the 31,000 residents of ailing care home provider Southern Cross Healthcare, after chief executive Jamie Buchan (pictured) admitted that it was no longer able to pay rents owed to the landlords who own its homes. Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116472/how-the-court-of-protection-is-a-force-for-good-in-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116472/how-the-court-of-protection-is-a-force-for-good-in-social-care.htmlThe Court of Protection can be used to authorise a vulnerable adult's removal from an abusive home environment if the adult lacks the mental capacity to decide where to live and the court considers removal to be in the adult's best interests, writes Ed Mitchell. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116487/health-reforms-risk-medicalisation-of-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116487/health-reforms-risk-medicalisation-of-social-care.htmlAmong the numerous reforms in social care and health, the prospect of GP-led commissioning consortia is giving colleagues some cause for concern. Radical proposals will see these consortia take over the health commissioning function from primary care trusts, which are to be abolished by April 2013.Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116485/risk-factor-a-learning-disabled-adult-who-cannot-live-with-others.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116485/risk-factor-a-learning-disabled-adult-who-cannot-live-with-others.htmlFinding suitable supported accommodation for people with learning disabilities can be difficult, writes Mark Drinkwater. The task is even more of a challenge when an individual has problems living with other service users when options in community settings are few.Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116450/integrate-health-and-social-care-budgets-to-avoid-conflicts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116450/integrate-health-and-social-care-budgets-to-avoid-conflicts.htmlHealth and adult social care funding in England should be integrated nationally and locally to prevent bed blocking and conflicts over resources, a King's Fund report said today. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116451/detained-mental-health-patients-denied-right-to-advocacy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116451/detained-mental-health-patients-denied-right-to-advocacy.htmlDetained mental health patients are losing out on their right to independent advocacy because of underfunding and inadequate commissioning, campaigners have found. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116453/self-neglect-cases-how-should-social-workers-intervene.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116453/self-neglect-cases-how-should-social-workers-intervene.htmlWith the law so unclear, professional intervention in cases of self-neglect can be fraught with difficulties. Yet, as Vern Pitt reports, the pressure on social workers to 'do something' is great Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116477/how-to-handle-media-pressure-in-cases-of-self-neglect.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116477/how-to-handle-media-pressure-in-cases-of-self-neglect.htmlSelf-neglect cases frequently end up on social workers' desks because other agencies do not know what to do with them, while the public and press expect action.Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116479/social-care-duties-cuts-will-be-fought-tooth-and-nail.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116479/social-care-duties-cuts-will-be-fought-tooth-and-nail.htmlGovernment attempts to curb council duties to support disabled people would be fought "tooth and nail", the architect of many of those duties has warned. Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116437/most-councils-plan-to-raise-charges-or-eligibility-for-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116437/most-councils-plan-to-raise-charges-or-eligibility-for-care.htmlMore than half of councils have raised charges or eligibility thresholds for care in the past year or consulted on doing so, research has revealed. Picture: Alamy Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/15/116471/number-of-liberty-safeguard-applications-varies-widely.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/15/116471/number-of-liberty-safeguard-applications-varies-widely.htmlThe number of deprivation of liberty safeguard applications for people lacking capacity varies widely between local authorities, two reports show.Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/15/116465/nhs-reforms-put-dementia-care-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/15/116465/nhs-reforms-put-dementia-care-at-risk.htmlThe government's NHS overhaul could put dementia care at risk because of gaps in GPs' knowledge about the condition, a report warned today.Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116467/support-for-disabled-people-at-risk-in-council-duties-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116467/support-for-disabled-people-at-risk-in-council-duties-review.htmlCouncil duties to support disabled people and carers could be scrapped on the back of the government's review of all social care duties launched last week.Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116458/councils-covertly-changing-adult-care-eligibility-levels.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116458/councils-covertly-changing-adult-care-eligibility-levels.htmlCouncils are operating tighter eligibility thresholds for adult care than they claim publicly in order to manage cuts, Ian Anderson (left), director of community services for Isle of Wight Council, has claimedMon, 14 Mar 2011 13:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116464/fears-over-non-social-workers-carrying-out-assessments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116464/fears-over-non-social-workers-carrying-out-assessments.htmlConcern is growing over use of non-social workers to reassess service users amid new evidence of the number of councils tightening eligibility criteriaMon, 14 Mar 2011 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116447/dementia-patients-failed-by-hospitals-finds-inquiry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116447/dementia-patients-failed-by-hospitals-finds-inquiry.htmlWelsh hospitals are failing to meet the needs of dementia patients because of unsuitable environments, inadequate staff training and a lack of stimulation for sufferers. Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/12/116440/one-year-on-from-the-dementia-declaration-what-progress-has-been-made.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/12/116440/one-year-on-from-the-dementia-declaration-what-progress-has-been-made.htmlCommunity Care's Dementia Declaration campaign called for the ­condition to be made a political priority. The coalition has done this but the sector is pressing for more progress, finds Mithran Samuel Sat, 12 Mar 2011 15:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116448/abolition-of-social-care-duties-would-be-illegal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116448/abolition-of-social-care-duties-would-be-illegal.htmlAbolishing councils' legal duties to provide social care would breach human rights law, a lawyer has warned after communities secretary Eric Pickles floated the idea. Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116445/social-care-sector-opposed-to-long-term-care-funding-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116445/social-care-sector-opposed-to-long-term-care-funding-plan.htmlSocial care leaders are staunchly opposed to a voluntary insurance solution to long-term care funding despite increasing evidence that this is what the commission on reforming the system will recommend. Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116444/self-neglect-starts-with-your-feet-says-michael-fitzpatrick.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116444/self-neglect-starts-with-your-feet-says-michael-fitzpatrick.htmlIn my experience the patients most likely to neglect themselves are those with chronic mental illness and learning disabilities, writes Michael Fitzpatrick Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116443/book-your-own-breaks-websites-help-carers-users-and-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116443/book-your-own-breaks-websites-help-carers-users-and-staff.htmlA system for carers to book breaks is showing how the internet can help personalise care, reports Natalie Valios Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116441/mps-furious-over-pickles-social-care-duties-consultation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116441/mps-furious-over-pickles-social-care-duties-consultation.htmlMPs have condemned the government for consulting on the removal of statutory social care duties, branding the moves "terrifying" and "unthinkable". Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116434/government-could-abolish-all-council-social-care-duties.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116434/government-could-abolish-all-council-social-care-duties.htmlThe government will take social care "back to year zero" if it removes duties on councils to support service users, as part of the war on "barmy" rules declared by communities secretary Eric Pickles (pictured). Picture: Rex FeaturesThu, 10 Mar 2011 12:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116436/eligibility-hikes-leave-one-council-meeting-low-level-needs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116436/eligibility-hikes-leave-one-council-meeting-low-level-needs.htmlJust one English council has a "low" threshold for social care after Calderdale Council in Yorkshire increased eligibility for support to "moderate" needs. Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116414/funding-cuts-lead-to-tidal-wave-of-job-and-service-losses.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116414/funding-cuts-lead-to-tidal-wave-of-job-and-service-losses.htmlCouncils throughout England are slashing services as a result of their budgets being cut. Jeremy Dunning, Kirsty McGregor and Molly Garboden examine the impact on four authoritiesWed, 09 Mar 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116418/dementia-patients-receive-unlawful-hospital-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116418/dementia-patients-receive-unlawful-hospital-care.htmlHospitals are treating patients with dementia unlawfully by failing to apply safeguards for those who lack capacity to consent, Scotland's mental health watchdog said today. Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/08/116416/council-cuts-leave-most-womens-refuges-facing-closure.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/08/116416/council-cuts-leave-most-womens-refuges-facing-closure.htmlMore than 70,000 domestic violence victims may be at risk because cuts have left most refuges and outreach services facing closure, a Women's Aid survey has revealed. Picture: Rex FeaturesTue, 08 Mar 2011 14:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/08/116413/care-staff-accused-in-quarter-of-adult-abuse-referrals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/08/116413/care-staff-accused-in-quarter-of-adult-abuse-referrals.htmlA quarter of adult abuse referrals in England last year involved allegations against social care staff, official figures published today show. Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116395/is-low-cost-budget-airline-style-social-care-workable.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116395/is-low-cost-budget-airline-style-social-care-workable.htmlAirlines and supermarkets show that cheap services can be provided without compromising too much on quality. Social care could take note, writes Brian Munday Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116405/free-personal-care-ruled-out-by-care-funding-chief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116405/free-personal-care-ruled-out-by-care-funding-chief.htmlState-funded free personal care for all has been ruled out by the commission tasked with reforming the care funding system, on the basis that it is unsustainable. Andrew Dilnot, chair of the Commission on Funding of Care and Support, revealed the decision in an interview with Community Care. Although it will not come as a surprise, it is the first time Dilnot has ruled out free personal care as an option. Mon, 07 Mar 2011 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116400/drop-disability-reforms-say-100-plus-social-care-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116400/drop-disability-reforms-say-100-plus-social-care-experts.htmlMore than 100 prominent social care academics and policy experts have urged the governments to drop its plans for welfare reform because they say the plans will penalise disabled people.Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/06/116387/support-that-produces-good-outcomes-for-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/06/116387/support-that-produces-good-outcomes-for-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmlParents with learning disabilities are too often disregarded by statutory agencies, but, reports Gordon Carson, with the right support, their children can flourish in their care Sun, 06 Mar 2011 23:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116397/council-ditches-plan-to-set-super-critical-care-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116397/council-ditches-plan-to-set-super-critical-care-threshold.htmlBirmingham Council has ditched plans to set the country's highest adult care eligibility threshold following opposition from disability groups. Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116393/resolving-social-care-funding-disputes-between-councils-and-pcts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116393/resolving-social-care-funding-disputes-between-councils-and-pcts.htmlIndependent panels that settle care funding disputes between councils and primary care trusts avoid the need for costly court hearings and benefit joint-working, writes Louise Hunt Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/03/116390/ministers-accused-of-mean-spirited-attack-on-poorer-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/03/116390/ministers-accused-of-mean-spirited-attack-on-poorer-people.htmlThe government has been accused of a "mean-spirited attack" on vulnerable people after deciding to restrict poor families' access to interest-free loans to see them through crises.Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/03/116382/welsh-vision-for-personalisation-still-confusing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/03/116382/welsh-vision-for-personalisation-still-confusing.htmlSocial care leaders are confused over the Welsh government's rejection of what it calls the "market-led model" of "personalisation" in favour of one based on "citizen control".Thu, 03 Mar 2011 09:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116381/experts-warn-of-postcode-lottery-in-learning-disability-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116381/experts-warn-of-postcode-lottery-in-learning-disability-services.htmlLearning disabled service users face a postcode lottery in support because the government is to axe the team delivering the Valuing People Now strategy, experts have warned.Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116377/government-axes-learning-disability-programme-team.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116377/government-axes-learning-disability-programme-team.htmlThe government has axed the team delivering its central learning disability strategy even though it has nearly a year left to run.Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116343/protecting-learning-disabled-victims-of-forced-marriage.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116343/protecting-learning-disabled-victims-of-forced-marriage.htmlThe forced marriage of learning disabled people is a hidden scandal. Mithran Samuel asks how practitioners might spot such cases and safeguard service users Wed, 02 Mar 2011 01:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116347/help-through-humour-for-prisoners-with-mental-health-issues.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116347/help-through-humour-for-prisoners-with-mental-health-issues.htmlA charity has enlisted a stand-up comic to challenge mental health stigma among prisoners. Andrew Mickel reports Wed, 02 Mar 2011 01:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116342/using-faith-to-help-muslims-face-mental-health-problems.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116342/using-faith-to-help-muslims-face-mental-health-problems.htmlMental health among Muslims is deteriorating as the community increasingly feels under siege. But, as Jeremy Dunning reports, services need to understand the importance of faith when treating the patientWed, 02 Mar 2011 00:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116360/services-must-change-to-make-personalisation-real-for-ethnic-minorities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116360/services-must-change-to-make-personalisation-real-for-ethnic-minorities.htmlThere are many barriers preventing people from ethnic minorities enjoying the benefits of personalisation, writes Patrick VernonWed, 02 Mar 2011 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/01/116369/services-must-adapt-for-older-people-from-ethnic-minorities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/01/116369/services-must-adapt-for-older-people-from-ethnic-minorities.htmlService providers have been advised to adapt older people's services to meet the needs of an increasingly ethnically diverse population after a study suggested attitudes to care are rapidly changing.Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/01/116365/half-a-million-to-live-with-undiagnosed-dementia-by-2021.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/01/116365/half-a-million-to-live-with-undiagnosed-dementia-by-2021.htmlMore than half a million people will be living undiagnosed with dementia in the UK by 2021, with a postcode lottery for diagnosis.Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/01/116364/self-funders-who-run-out-of-money-cost-councils-1bn.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/01/116364/self-funders-who-run-out-of-money-cost-councils-1bn.htmlAlmost two-thirds of councils do not know how many self-funding care users exhaust their own resources and become reliant on state support.Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/28/116361/council-faces-legal-challenge-over-adult-social-care-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/28/116361/council-faces-legal-challenge-over-adult-social-care-cuts.htmlBirmingham Council is facing a legal challenge over its plan to set an unprecedentedly high "super-critical" threshold for adult care.Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/25/116350/pct-mergers-threaten-joint-working-warn-social-care-leaders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/25/116350/pct-mergers-threaten-joint-working-warn-social-care-leaders.htmlJoint health and social care arrangements are at risk from government plans to merge primary care trusts, sector leaders have warned in a letter to health secretary Andrew Lansley (pictured).Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116345/ministers-own-advisers-slam-disability-benefit-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116345/ministers-own-advisers-slam-disability-benefit-cuts.htmlThe government's own welfare advisers have slammed its plan to make £2.2bn worth of cuts to disability living allowance.Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116344/adult-mental-health-care-to-lose-out-to-camhs-as-cuts-bite.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116344/adult-mental-health-care-to-lose-out-to-camhs-as-cuts-bite.htmlAdult mental health care may lose out to children's services as the NHS seeks to make cuts and meet government priorities, mental health leaders, including Steve Shrubb (pictured), are warning. Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116328/skills-bodies-set-out-to-boost-social-care-leadership.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116328/skills-bodies-set-out-to-boost-social-care-leadership.htmlSkills bodies across the UK are setting out plans to develop a new generation of social care leaders at a time of pay freezes and job cuts.Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116338/uk-faces-shortage-of-100000-care-home-beds-report-warns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116338/uk-faces-shortage-of-100000-care-home-beds-report-warns.htmlThe UK faces a 100,000 shortage in care home beds by 2020 because of council cuts and the ageing society, Bupa warned today. Thu, 24 Feb 2011 06:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116337/social-workers-angered-by-what-cuts-are-doing-to-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116337/social-workers-angered-by-what-cuts-are-doing-to-care.htmlMental health social workers are "angry" about job and service cuts that are undermining their ability to care and increasing workloads, a social work chief has said.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116334/dla-reform-making-the-benefit-fit-the-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116334/dla-reform-making-the-benefit-fit-the-budget.htmlHow many of your clients receive disability living allowance? How will it affect them – and you – if the DLA budget for people of working-age is slashed by 20% in three to four years time.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116333/nhs-cuts-will-put-pressure-on-social-care-warns-union.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116333/nhs-cuts-will-put-pressure-on-social-care-warns-union.htmlSocial care will come under increasing pressure and mental health patients will suffer on the back of the 50,000 NHS jobs cuts revealed today, campaigners have warned.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116306/self-funding-social-care-users-left-in-the-cold-by-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116306/self-funding-social-care-users-left-in-the-cold-by-councils.htmlSupport for self-funders is so patchy that many do not bother seeking help, resulting in bad choices of care. However, advice services such as the one provided by the Relatives and Residents Association in Essex (pictured) shows good support is possible. (Image: John Behets).Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116330/mental-health-trusts-to-make-15-job-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116330/mental-health-trusts-to-make-15-job-cuts.htmlMental health trusts are planning acute jobs cuts with some planning to shed 15% from their workforces, it was revealed today. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116324/social-care-professionals-fail-to-spot-alcohol-misusers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116324/social-care-professionals-fail-to-spot-alcohol-misusers.htmlSocial care and health professionals are failing to identify people who are dependent on alcohol, meaning the vast majority are not in treatment.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116329/tool-to-identify-costly-social-care-users-promises-big-savings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116329/tool-to-identify-costly-social-care-users-promises-big-savings.htmlCouncils could make huge savings by identifying people at risk of requiring high-cost social care in future, through a new IT tool. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/21/116313/homeshare-good-for-service-users-and-for-council-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/21/116313/homeshare-good-for-service-users-and-for-council-budgets.htmlHomeshare schemes can work for the mutual benefit of older and young people, reports Natalie ValiosMon, 21 Feb 2011 20:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/21/116319/attack-on-pay-sparks-fears-of-social-work-brain-drain.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/21/116319/attack-on-pay-sparks-fears-of-social-work-brain-drain.htmlA government crackdown on pay for senior council officers will lead to a brain drain of top managers from social care, according to experts. The warning came as communities secretary Eric Pickles (pictured) declared war on "mega salaries" paid by councils to managers.Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/21/116317/welsh-social-care-plan-rejects-major-role-for-private-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/21/116317/welsh-social-care-plan-rejects-major-role-for-private-sector.htmlWales's new social care vision will lead to policy divergence with England and an implicit rejection of the private sector in services. Beverlea Frowen, director for social services and health improvement for the Welsh Local Government Association, said Wales had decided that quality of care would come through involving the public sector and voluntary services in a "co-production" approach to ensure "sustainable social services". Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/21/116316/big-society-wont-work-for-social-care-says-welsh-minister.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/21/116316/big-society-wont-work-for-social-care-says-welsh-minister.htmlThe minister responsible for social services in Wales has hit out at David Cameron's Big Society vision, arguing that it is short-sighted not to invest more in social care.Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116314/wales-creates-de-facto-national-social-care-service.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116314/wales-creates-de-facto-national-social-care-service.htmlRadical plans that will effectively result in the creation of a national care service for Wales have been unveiled by the Welsh Assembly Government (Pic; Welsh Assembly)Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116311/ministers-dont-know-how-2bn-benefit-cut-will-affect-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116311/ministers-dont-know-how-2bn-benefit-cut-will-affect-users.htmlThe government's impact assessment of its £2bn cut to disability living allowance has been slammed for failing to assess how many people will lose support, nine months after the policy was announced.Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116305/welsh-councils-to-lose-social-care-powers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116305/welsh-councils-to-lose-social-care-powers.htmlWelsh care providers have hailed plans to curb individual councils' role in social care as a "victory for common sense", after the Welsh government announced a 10-year plan for social services today. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116301/welfare-reform-bill-will-hurt-disabled-warn-campaigners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116301/welfare-reform-bill-will-hurt-disabled-warn-campaigners.htmlGovernment welfare reforms risk driving disabled people and poorer families into deeper poverty, campaigners have warned after the government issued its Welfare Reform Bill today.Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116303/warning-of-back-door-fees-for-social-care-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116303/warning-of-back-door-fees-for-social-care-staff.htmlRegistration fees for social care staff in England could be introduced "through the back door" if the government goes ahead with a plan to install a voluntary regulation system, sector leaders have warned.Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116299/welsh-rule-out-national-social-work-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116299/welsh-rule-out-national-social-work-college.htmlThe Welsh government has ruled out setting up a national social work college for Wales, on the basis that it would not raise the profession's status.Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116302/research-new-clinical-roles-for-care-home-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116302/research-new-clinical-roles-for-care-home-staff.htmlNew clinical roles for care home staff are being touted so the future needs of frail older people can be met. Jill Manthorpe reviews the findings of a three-year study Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116295/disability-benefits-slashed-in-welfare-reform-bill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116295/disability-benefits-slashed-in-welfare-reform-bill.htmlDisabled people will be the big losers in the government's overhaul of the benefits system unveiled today in the Welfare Reform Bill. Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116286/one-fifth-of-social-care-providers-expect-to-close-next-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116286/one-fifth-of-social-care-providers-expect-to-close-next-year.htmlOne in five social care providers expects to go out of business as a result of council cuts to their fees, research by Community Care has revealed.Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116228/how-to-use-the-law-to-fight-social-care-spending-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116228/how-to-use-the-law-to-fight-social-care-spending-cuts.htmlWith more than 150,000 local authority jobs under threat, and councils proposing to cut services due to funding pressures, social care staff and service users are increasingly concerned about their prospects. But there may be ways in which they can use the law to challenge and overturn councils' decisions.Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116273/are-consultations-on-cuts-doomed-to-tokenism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116273/are-consultations-on-cuts-doomed-to-tokenism.htmlCampaigners say care users are not being given a say in cuts to their services, but councils risk legal action if they fail to consult properly on their plans. Vern Pitt reports Wed, 16 Feb 2011 07:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/14/116284/adult-care-providers-face-less-scrutiny-warns-adass.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/14/116284/adult-care-providers-face-less-scrutiny-warns-adass.htmlAdult care directors are seeking "urgent" talks with the Care Quality Commission over concerns that a new ratings system for providers will reduce scrutiny of services, to the detriment of users. Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/14/116282/court-to-rule-on-sterilisation-of-learning-disabled-mother.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/14/116282/court-to-rule-on-sterilisation-of-learning-disabled-mother.htmlLearning disabled women should only face enforced sterilisation on medical grounds, not for birth control, Mencap has said ahead of a high-profile case on the issue tomorrow. Picture: Rex FeaturesMon, 14 Feb 2011 15:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/14/116281/haringey-council-cuts-back-social-worker-training-and-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/14/116281/haringey-council-cuts-back-social-worker-training-and-jobs.htmlHaringey Council has come under fire from the tabloid media for cutting social worker posts and its training budgets for social workers. Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116276/london-councils-social-care-merger-under-fire.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116276/london-councils-social-care-merger-under-fire.htmlThree of London's most prominent councils are to appoint shared directors of children's and adults' services under cost-saving plans likely to be copied elsewhere. But critics say the plans will only produce relatively small savings and may hinder change.Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116277/registration-delays-at-cqc-impact-on-vulnerable-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116277/registration-delays-at-cqc-impact-on-vulnerable-people.htmlVulnerable people are waiting months for care services because of long delays in the Care Quality Commission's processing of registration applications from providers. This is leaving some care homes, such as Lee House in Wimbledon (pictured), with empty rooms. Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116270/adult-care-staff-to-be-hived-off-to-council-trading-companies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116270/adult-care-staff-to-be-hived-off-to-council-trading-companies.htmlAt least 20 councils are planning to hive off their adult social care services to local authority trading companies. (Pic: Rex features)Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116274/using-human-rights-law-to-fight-service-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116274/using-human-rights-law-to-fight-service-cuts.htmlCampaigners are resorting to legislation to guarantee care and support for service users, with the Down's Syndrome Association leading by example, reports Vern Pitt Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116269/practice-panel-resource-allocation-system-sees-woman-pushed-into-depression.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116269/practice-panel-resource-allocation-system-sees-woman-pushed-into-depression.htmlProfessionals offer advice on a case in which a woman with learning disabilities can no longer afford her choice of carers Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116264/uncertainty-over-london-councils-merged-social-services-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116264/uncertainty-over-london-councils-merged-social-services-plan.htmlRadical plans to merge social care and cut management jobs across three London boroughs may not go ahead as planned, a leading councillor from one of the boroughs has said.Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116252/social-care-management-cull-may-raise-costs-say-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116252/social-care-management-cull-may-raise-costs-say-experts.htmlPlans to slash social care management posts at three London councils, including Westminster (pictured) by merging departments risk costing them more in the long-term, experts have warned. Thu, 10 Feb 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116235/portsmouth-makes-the-case-for-joint-working-to-cut-bed-blocking.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116235/portsmouth-makes-the-case-for-joint-working-to-cut-bed-blocking.htmlHealth and social care services have joined forces in Portsmouth to ensure that patients experience minimal delay before being rehabilitated outside hospital. Jeremy Dunning reports Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116249/service-users-at-risk-from-council-merger-warns-unison.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116249/service-users-at-risk-from-council-merger-warns-unison.htmlChildren and vulnerable adults could be put at risk from plans to merge children's and adults' services directorates across three councils, Unison has warned.Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116248/councils-slash-social-care-managers-to-save-35m.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116248/councils-slash-social-care-managers-to-save-35m.htmlThree Tory-led London boroughs will slash management posts across children's and adults' services by creating single departments for both, as part of moves to save £35m. Wed, 09 Feb 2011 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116243/care-providers-make-councils-integrated-offer.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116243/care-providers-make-councils-integrated-offer.htmlA partnership of providers is offering councils an integrated set of services, which they say will deliver better outcomes at lower costs. Mithran Samuel examines their proposalMon, 07 Feb 2011 16:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116237/ministers-risk-raising-false-hope-among-mentally-ill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116237/ministers-risk-raising-false-hope-among-mentally-ill.htmlMinisters risk raising false hopes among thousands of mentally ill people by pledging universal access to talking therapies without the means to enforce this, says an ex-adviser (Professor David Richards, pictured) sacked for speaking out over the issue.Mon, 07 Feb 2011 14:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116234/doubts-over-therapy-pledge-mars-mental-health-strategy-aims.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116234/doubts-over-therapy-pledge-mars-mental-health-strategy-aims.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) launched the government's mental health strategy last week with high ambitions to improve care. However, the sacking of adviser Professor David Richards for speaking out over the strategy has exposed doubts in the government's claims.Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116229/council-cuts-risk-driving-out-good-social-care-providers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116229/council-cuts-risk-driving-out-good-social-care-providers.htmlCouncils risk driving good social care providers out of business and propping up bad ones by making blanket cuts to the fees they pay for services, a consultant has warned.Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116227/research-and-evidence-social-isolation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116227/research-and-evidence-social-isolation.htmlMore awareness of social isolation is needed to offset the risk of serious mental health problems developing, according to a survey. Lee Quinney looks at the findings Fri, 04 Feb 2011 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116215/civil-service-cuts-put-mental-health-strategy-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116215/civil-service-cuts-put-mental-health-strategy-at-risk.htmlThe government has admitted it risks undermining its plans to help one million people recover from mental health problems because of massive cuts in civil service expertise. The plans were announced today by health secretary Andrew Lansley in the government's mental health strategy. Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116213/council-faces-legal-threat-over-care-fees-cut-of-9.5.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116213/council-faces-legal-threat-over-care-fees-cut-of-9.5.htmlCare providers have threatened to take Wirral Council to court over its decision to reduce their fees by 9.5%, warning it will damage care.Wed, 02 Feb 2011 12:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116210/adult-social-care-and-health-to-be-fused-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116210/adult-social-care-and-health-to-be-fused-in-scotland.htmlAdult social care and health will be integrated in Scotland in a bid to improve access to care and cut delayed discharges, under plans announced today by public health minister Shona Robison.Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/01/116205/care-homes-set-to-raise-fees-after-landmark-judgement.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/01/116205/care-homes-set-to-raise-fees-after-landmark-judgement.htmlCouncils will face more pressure to increase fees for care providers after a landmark legal ruling forced an authority to raise its rates. Picture: Rex FeaturesTue, 01 Feb 2011 11:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/31/116194/care-providers-slam-cqc-over-plan-to-raise-registration-fees.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/31/116194/care-providers-slam-cqc-over-plan-to-raise-registration-fees.htmlProviders have slammed Care Quality Commission plans to raise the fees they pay for registration as unfair and poor value. Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116184/improving-the-standard-of-serious-case-reviews.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116184/improving-the-standard-of-serious-case-reviews.htmlGillian Downham is leading a bid to improve the chairing of serious case reviews and other inquiries, and to improve lesson learning from them. Vern Pitt reports Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116193/cuts-are-ravaging-personalisation-say-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116193/cuts-are-ravaging-personalisation-say-social-workers.htmlPersonalisation is being damaged by budget cuts and reduced choice and control, say social workers and service users.Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116180/guidance-for-social-workers-on-managing-risks-in-self-directed-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116180/guidance-for-social-workers-on-managing-risks-in-self-directed-support.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence has produced guidance for social workers on self-directed support and personal budgets to help service users make decisions and manage the risks safely Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116179/award-winning-mental-health-team-provides-hospital-alternative.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116179/award-winning-mental-health-team-provides-hospital-alternative.htmlAn award-winning project in Scotland is shifting the balance of care from hospital to home support for people with severe mental health issues, reports Louise HuntFri, 28 Jan 2011 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/27/116170/social-workers-need-more-training-in-talking-about-death.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/27/116170/social-workers-need-more-training-in-talking-about-death.htmlCouncils could save money from end-of-life care packages by giving social workers more training in talking to people nearing death, a study reveals (Pic: Alamy).Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/26/116175/council-accused-of-misleading-public-over-care-home-closures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/26/116175/council-accused-of-misleading-public-over-care-home-closures.htmlKent Council has been reported to the Audit Commission, accused of misleading the public in a consultation on care home closures.Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/25/116153/protecting-vulnerable-girls-at-clare-lodge-secure-centre.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/25/116153/protecting-vulnerable-girls-at-clare-lodge-secure-centre.htmlA key facility for vulnerable girls is under the threat of closure despite its vital contribution, finds Camilla PembertonTue, 25 Jan 2011 11:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/25/116167/alzheimers-society-slams-dementia-care-in-the-home.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/25/116167/alzheimers-society-slams-dementia-care-in-the-home.htmlHalf of dementia sufferers living in the community are not receiving sufficient care, leading to premature hospital or residential care admissions, an Alzheimer's Society survey has found.Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116164/councils-press-on-with-home-care-charges-increase.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116164/councils-press-on-with-home-care-charges-increase.htmlCouncils are pushing ahead with plans to increase adult care charges by up to hundreds of pounds a week, sparking concern that consultations have proved tokenistic. (pic Alamy) Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116161/remploy-project-helps-people-in-pain-to-gain-work-experience-placements.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116161/remploy-project-helps-people-in-pain-to-gain-work-experience-placements.htmlA project involving Remploy and a general hospital is finding work placements for people whose lives are blighted by pain every day, reports Vern Pitt Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116162/learning-disabled-parents-set-up-to-fail.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116162/learning-disabled-parents-set-up-to-fail.htmlThe parents who are set up to fail n theory, people with support needs are entitled to pursue ordinary lives and enjoy equal rights. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116160/nhs-market-reforms-pose-risk-to-services-warn-professionals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116160/nhs-market-reforms-pose-risk-to-services-warn-professionals.htmlSocial care professionals may be still trying to get their heads around the 367-page Health and Social Care Bill published last week, but their health colleagues appear to have already made up their minds about health secretary Andrew Lansley's plans. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/23/116149/payment-by-results-enters-adult-social-care-field.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/23/116149/payment-by-results-enters-adult-social-care-field.htmlThe method of funding NHS hospitals may be extended to adult care. Gordon Carson examines payment by results' prospects Sun, 23 Jan 2011 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/21/113610/your-guide-to-meeting-minimum-standards-set-by-the-cqc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/21/113610/your-guide-to-meeting-minimum-standards-set-by-the-cqc.htmlExperts decode what the Care Quality Commission's 275-page document on meeting new standards means for residential and domiciliary care providers and adult placements Fri, 21 Jan 2011 12:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116136/councils-fall-short-in-response-to-adult-abuse-allegations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116136/councils-fall-short-in-response-to-adult-abuse-allegations.htmlCouncils are failing to respond adequately to allegations of abuse of vulnerable adults, the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) warned today in its annual report. (Picture: Rex, model released) Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116139/ed-mitchell-on-legal-judgements-affecting-disabled-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116139/ed-mitchell-on-legal-judgements-affecting-disabled-people.htmlIn this update, Ed Mitchell looks at the latest courts decisions about the provision of services to disabled people. Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116134/plans-for-nhs-market-put-vulnerable-at-risk-warn-clinicians.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116134/plans-for-nhs-market-put-vulnerable-at-risk-warn-clinicians.htmlPlans to increase competition in the NHS risk harming the care of vulnerable patients, health professionals warned today as the government published its Health and Social Care Bill.Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116103/making-technology-work-for-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116103/making-technology-work-for-care.htmlInvesting in technology is no luxury for adult care departments, says Julia RossWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116102/robots-the-carers-of-the-future.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116102/robots-the-carers-of-the-future.htmlIn future, robots could be helping older people to stay independent, reducing care needs, finds Mithran SamuelWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116105/how-technology-might-help-councils-deal-with-austerity.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116105/how-technology-might-help-councils-deal-with-austerity.htmlInformation technology could help adult social care departments to combat the severe financial and demographic pressures they face. But it may be some time before savings are fully quantified and realised, finds Gordon Carson, who looks at three contrasting uses of computer power Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116128/using-multi-media-advocacy-to-empower-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116128/using-multi-media-advocacy-to-empower-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlBarriers to learning disabled people shaping their own care and support are being broken down by technology and better relationships with staff, writes Andrew MickelWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/18/116117/alzheimers-drugs-restrictions-to-be-lifted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/18/116117/alzheimers-drugs-restrictions-to-be-lifted.htmlAlzheimer's campaigners claimed victory today after the NHS drugs watchdog proposed to overturn restrictions on treatments for the condition.Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/18/116120/self-funders-shun-social-services-because-of-stigma.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/18/116120/self-funders-shun-social-services-because-of-stigma.htmlSelf-funders are shunning social services because of perceived stigma and those who do seek help have their low expectations repeatedly reinforced, a damning report concluded today.Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/17/116119/providers-promise-to-save-councils-money-and-boost-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/17/116119/providers-promise-to-save-councils-money-and-boost-outcomes.htmlCouncils can avoid slashing adult care services and improving user outcomes by commissioning a new integrated offer combining home care, telecare and home adaptations, claim the providers behind the initiative.Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/17/116116/bed-blocking-concerns-spark-health-social-care-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/17/116116/bed-blocking-concerns-spark-health-social-care-row.htmlThe re-emergence of bed-blocking as an issue, amid growing difficulty devising support packages for those ready to leave hospital, has inevitably started a blame game between health and social care (Image: Rex). Mon, 17 Jan 2011 07:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/14/116108/disability-benefit-cuts-will-force-people-out-of-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/14/116108/disability-benefit-cuts-will-force-people-out-of-work.htmlHalf of working disability living allowance (DLA) claimants will have to stop working if they are deemed ineligible for the benefit as a result of proposed cuts, a survey has found. The results were released at the start of a three-day online campaign - One Month Before Heartbreak - against the cuts.Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116096/vulnerable-groups-face-savage-housing-support-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116096/vulnerable-groups-face-savage-housing-support-cuts.htmlSupporting People services are facing average cuts of 17% next year, hitting vulnerable groups such as mental health patients and homeless people (pictured, credit Rex, model released).Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116107/basw-poised-to-form-rival-social-work-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116107/basw-poised-to-form-rival-social-work-college.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers is likely to announce fresh plans this month to form a rival to the College of Social Work, Community Care understands. Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116093/concerns-at-closure-of-mental-health-policy-body.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116093/concerns-at-closure-of-mental-health-policy-body.htmlThe government's decision to scrap its main mental health agency has sparked concern in the sector that support to improve services will be withdrawn.Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116088/ministers-justification-for-disability-benefit-cut-false.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116088/ministers-justification-for-disability-benefit-cut-false.htmlCharities have rebuffed the government's key justification for cutting up to £50 a week in mobility benefits for disabled care home residents and have called for the policy to be scrapped.Wed, 12 Jan 2011 12:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116079/voluntary-sector-cuts-threaten-big-society-vision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116079/voluntary-sector-cuts-threaten-big-society-vision.htmlVoluntary social care organisations are being devastated by public spending cuts that threaten to undermine the government's Big Society agenda, research by Community Care reveals. (Picture: the Epilepsy Society's Chalfont Centre may see cuts)Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116085/stroke-survivors-face-postcode-lottery-in-community-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116085/stroke-survivors-face-postcode-lottery-in-community-care.html Stroke survivors face a postcode lottery in aftercare with big inconsistencies in access to rehabilitation between areas, the Care Quality Commission said...Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/11/116083/sharp-rise-in-number-detained-under-mental-health-act.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/11/116083/sharp-rise-in-number-detained-under-mental-health-act.htmlThe number of people in England detained under the Mental Health Act rose by nearly one-third last year, figures released today show.Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116075/how-the-cuts-are-affecting-the-voluntary-sector-a-tale-of-two-charities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116075/how-the-cuts-are-affecting-the-voluntary-sector-a-tale-of-two-charities.htmlSmaller social care charities are faring worse than larger ones as council cuts bite. Vern Pitt examines how two charities from different ends of the scale are coping with the downturn Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116073/social-care-and-benefits-cuts-to-slash-incomes-for-disabled.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116073/social-care-and-benefits-cuts-to-slash-incomes-for-disabled.htmlCuts to social care and benefits will see the living standards of the poorest half of disabled people in Norfolk drop by more than a third over the next four years, a study out today reveals (Image: Rex). Mon, 10 Jan 2011 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116062/bed-blocking-not-our-fault-say-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116062/bed-blocking-not-our-fault-say-councils.htmlSocial care leaders have rebuffed claims this week that bed-blocking is on the rise because of councils' failure to provide sufficient social care servicesThu, 06 Jan 2011 15:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116060/why-humour-is-so-important-in-the-social-work-workplace.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116060/why-humour-is-so-important-in-the-social-work-workplace.htmlWhat are the personal qualities of a good social worker? In among the usual suspects - empathy, integrity, objectivity and perseverance - perhaps we ought to add a sense of humour.Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116058/the-social-services-director-who-runs-a-hospital.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/06/116058/the-social-services-director-who-runs-a-hospital.htmlJon Skone is Britain's first social services director also to run a district hospital. How does he combine the two roles? Jeremy Dunning reports Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/05/116053/risk-factor-a-case-involving-palliative-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/05/116053/risk-factor-a-case-involving-palliative-care.htmlA hospice social worker discusses a case in which a man with only a few weeks to live is unaware of his diagnosisWed, 05 Jan 2011 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/05/116050/vat-rise-will-hit-charity-social-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/05/116050/vat-rise-will-hit-charity-social-care-services.htmlToday's rise in VAT to 20% will cut the amount of social care that charities can deliver, Sue Ryder Care has warned.Wed, 05 Jan 2011 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/04/116052/welfare-rights-2011-starts-badly-for-benefit-recipients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/04/116052/welfare-rights-2011-starts-badly-for-benefit-recipients.htmlBy the time you read this, the education maintenance allowance (EMA) scheme will no longer be available for new applicants, the £190 health in pregnancy grant will have disappeared (except for women who were 25 weeks or more pregnant by 1 January), child trust fund payments will have stopped and councils will have started sending out letters to families in private accommodation about reductions in housing benefit from April, writes Gary Vaux. So it was an Unhappy New Year for many of your clients. Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116042/social-services-in-northern-ireland-face-major-job-losses.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116042/social-services-in-northern-ireland-face-major-job-losses.htmlAdult social care and children's services in Northern Ireland face significant job losses amid concern that a small growth in expenditure will be insufficient to meet rising demand.Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116040/veterans-need-specialist-mental-health-services-says-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116040/veterans-need-specialist-mental-health-services-says-report.htmlCare specialists with knowledge of the armed forces should be used to support armed forces veterans with mental health conditions.Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116036/joy-for-care-workers-as-migrant-cap-ruled-illegal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116036/joy-for-care-workers-as-migrant-cap-ruled-illegal.htmlCare workers and bosses are this week celebrating a "huge victory" after the government's temporary immigration cap was ruled illegal and quashed on Friday. The High Court decision means many overseas care workers could have work permits reinstated after having had them removed. (Image from Rex) Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/17/116035/is-fair-access-to-care-services-dying.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/17/116035/is-fair-access-to-care-services-dying.htmlThe Fair Access to Care Services (FACS) guidance has formed the basis for deciding whether people are eligible for adult social care in England for the past seven years, but there are now concerns over whether it remains valid. Andrew Cozens, of the Local Government Association, and Ruth Cartwright, of the British Association of Social Workers, (pictured) agree there is a problem, but they differ on the extent of it.Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/17/116030/social-workers-threaten-to-quit-council-over-pay-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/17/116030/social-workers-threaten-to-quit-council-over-pay-cut.htmlAdult social workers in the London Borough of Redbridge are threatening to quit after the council announced it was cutting up to £4,000 from their annual pay packet. (Picture: Redbridge Council building, Wikipedia Commons)Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/16/116032/dementia-training-lacking-in-most-hospitals-study-shows.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/16/116032/dementia-training-lacking-in-most-hospitals-study-shows.htmlJust 5% of hospitals in England and Wales require staff to undertake any specialist dementia training, research by the Royal College of Psychiatrists shows.Thu, 16 Dec 2010 12:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116028/peer-support-in-mental-health-services-could-save-nhs-cash.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116028/peer-support-in-mental-health-services-could-save-nhs-cash.htmlHelping mental health patients to support each other through peer support services could both improve outcomes and save money, according to clinical psychologist Dr Rachel Perkins. She spoke to Jeremy Dunning Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116026/health-bosses-warn-of-risks-to-services-from-nhs-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116026/health-bosses-warn-of-risks-to-services-from-nhs-reforms.htmlHealth leaders have issued a stark warning about the risks to services of the government's plan to overhaul the NHS at a time of financial retrenchment.Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116025/nhs-overhaul-to-include-more-social-care-joint-working.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116025/nhs-overhaul-to-include-more-social-care-joint-working.htmlThe government will press ahead with its overhaul of the NHS but has responded to concerns that it will disrupt joint working between health and social care by strengthening proposed partnership arrangements.Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116029/primary-care-trusts-to-be-merged-ahead-of-abolition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116029/primary-care-trusts-to-be-merged-ahead-of-abolition.htmlPrimary care trusts will be merged into "clusters" next year ahead of their abolition in 2013, the government announced today.Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116023/christmas-with-dementia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116023/christmas-with-dementia.htmlChristmas is a challenging time for family carers of people with dementia, but there are things that they, social workers and care services can do to ease the trauma of the festive period, says specialist nurse Madeline Armstrong.Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/115992/autism-charities-cut-back-on-key-services-as-councils-retrench.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/115992/autism-charities-cut-back-on-key-services-as-councils-retrench.htmlNearly 40% of autism charities anticipate having to make cuts to services in the next year on the back of funding reductions from government, a report has found. Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/14/116007/mps-rubbish-government-social-care-claims.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/14/116007/mps-rubbish-government-social-care-claims.htmlMPs on the health select committee (chaired by Stephen Dorrell, pictured) have rubbished government claims that councils can maintain current levels of adult social care without raising thresholds. (Picture credit: Rex)Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116003/independent-living-fund-faces-abolition-after-2015.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116003/independent-living-fund-faces-abolition-after-2015.htmlThe Independent Living Fund looks set to be abolished after 2015 after ministers declared the social care agency's current position was "financially unsustainable". Mon, 13 Dec 2010 21:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116006/fears-for-social-care-as-government-cuts-budgets-by-up-to-9.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116006/fears-for-social-care-as-government-cuts-budgets-by-up-to-9.htmlCouncils in England will lose an average of 4.4% in revenue next year due to Whitehall cuts, the government has announced, leading to fears for the future of social work services. Communities secretary Eric Pickles (pictured) told MPs that no authority would see its spending power cut by more than 9%.Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116005/council-alarming-disabled-people-over-charges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116005/council-alarming-disabled-people-over-charges.htmlA council has been accused of alarming disabled people by sending out confusing consultation letters over proposed changes to its adult care charging system. Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116004/council-will-struggle-to-maintain-social-care-after-funding-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116004/council-will-struggle-to-maintain-social-care-after-funding-cut.htmlEdinburgh Council will struggle to maintain its social care provision after being one of the worst hit by the Scottish government's local authorities settlement, the lead member for social care has warned.Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116001/localism-bill-would-allow-staff-to-run-councils-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116001/localism-bill-would-allow-staff-to-run-councils-care-services.htmlSocial work services could be taken over by residents' groups or council employees under the Localism Bill published todayMon, 13 Dec 2010 12:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/09/115986/charities-sound-alarm-over-rise-in-homelessness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/09/115986/charities-sound-alarm-over-rise-in-homelessness.htmlThe government has admitted that a long-term fall in homelessness could be at an end after releasing figures showing that rates had risen in two consecutive quarters for the first time since 2003.Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/09/115982/new-adults-directors-told-be-leaders-not-managers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/09/115982/new-adults-directors-told-be-leaders-not-managers.htmlNew directors of adult services are being urged to be leaders, not managers, in a groundbreaking training programme launching this week. Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115975/benefits-system-to-encourage-drug-addicts-into-treatment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115975/benefits-system-to-encourage-drug-addicts-into-treatment.htmlThe benefits system is to be used to encourage drug- or alcohol-dependent claimants into treatment, but will not penalise them for refusing to access services, under the government's drugs strategy published today.Wed, 08 Dec 2010 15:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115974/council-bid-to-outsource-social-care-to-unified-health-trusts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115974/council-bid-to-outsource-social-care-to-unified-health-trusts.htmlSuffolk Council plans to integrate adults' and children's social care and health services into outsourced "trusts" as it radically reshapes services.Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115970/effect-of-benefit-reforms-on-disabled-people-unknown-says-minister.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115970/effect-of-benefit-reforms-on-disabled-people-unknown-says-minister.htmlMinister for disabled people, Maria Miller, has said she does not know how many disabled people will be affected by government plans to reform disability living allowance (DLA), or how much the changes will cost.Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115972/social-services-chiefs-too-soft-on-ministers-says-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115972/social-services-chiefs-too-soft-on-ministers-says-sector.htmlSocial care sector chiefs are giving ministers too much of an easy time as cuts begin to bite, according to Community Care readers.Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115971/thousands-more-to-face-50-a-week-disability-benefit-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115971/thousands-more-to-face-50-a-week-disability-benefit-cut.htmlAn additional 20,000 disabled people in residential care are set to lose benefits worth up to £50 a week, according to revised government estimates. Picture: Fotex/Rex Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115956/wheelchair-users-may-miss-out-in-benefits-shake-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115956/wheelchair-users-may-miss-out-in-benefits-shake-up.htmlDisability living allowance will be scrapped and replaced by a benefit with tighter eligibility criteria, under government plans announced today. (Picture: Rex)Wed, 08 Dec 2010 09:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115969/ken-clarkes-reforms-to-divert-young-and-mentally-ill-from-jail.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115969/ken-clarkes-reforms-to-divert-young-and-mentally-ill-from-jail.htmlThe government will divert more offenders with mental health or drug problems into treatment and test giving councils responsibility for youth custody in order to reduce jail numbers, under plans announced by justice secretary Ken Clarke today. Tue, 07 Dec 2010 21:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115968/charities-confidence-hits-record-low-as-cuts-loom.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115968/charities-confidence-hits-record-low-as-cuts-loom.htmlImpending public spending cuts have left charity leaders' confidence in their financial future at a record low, according to a survey published today by sector body the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115961/coventry-uses-its-resource-allocation-system-to-aim-for-better-client-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115961/coventry-uses-its-resource-allocation-system-to-aim-for-better-client-outcomes.htmlCoventry Council is using the resource allocation system to ensure support for users is based on the outcomes they want to achieve, not their needs, finds Gordon CarsonTue, 07 Dec 2010 00:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115947/are-day-centres-outdated-in-the-personalisation-era.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115947/are-day-centres-outdated-in-the-personalisation-era.htmlThe closure of council-run day centres attracts much negative press but, as Vern Pitt reports, the personalisation era is allowing other organisations to step in and provide support Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115963/charities-urge-reversal-of-funding-cut-for-homeless-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115963/charities-urge-reversal-of-funding-cut-for-homeless-services.htmlHomelessness charities are urging pan-capital organisation London Councils to reverse its decision to end funding for 28 services for single homeless people. Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115959/national-eligibility-threshold-proposed-for-welsh-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115959/national-eligibility-threshold-proposed-for-welsh-adult-care.htmlProposals to establish a country-wide eligibility threshold in Wales have been heralded as a means of ending the postcode lottery for adult social care.Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115957/learning-disabled-placed-in-care-homes-for-older-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/06/115957/learning-disabled-placed-in-care-homes-for-older-people.htmlLearning disabled adults in Scotland are facing decades of "benign neglect" in older people's care homes where their needs are going unmet, campaigners warned today.Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115948/councils-eye-birminghams-super-critical-care-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115948/councils-eye-birminghams-super-critical-care-threshold.htmlMany more councils could move to a super-critical eligibility threshold for care, following Birmingham Council's proposal to do so, according to sector heads.Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115946/103-year-old-service-user-and-carer-gains-personal-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115946/103-year-old-service-user-and-carer-gains-personal-budget.htmlLocum Lorraine Smith has helped add another dimension to Frank Whipple's life by introducing him to personal budgets - at the age of 103. Amy Taylor reports Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115944/outsourced-social-workers-could-become-care-user-advocates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115944/outsourced-social-workers-could-become-care-user-advocates.htmlPlans to outsource adult social workers from councils to social enterprises could enable practitioners to become user advocates, rather than gatekeepers of careFri, 03 Dec 2010 14:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115941/carers-missing-out-on-840m-in-unclaimed-benefits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115941/carers-missing-out-on-840m-in-unclaimed-benefits.htmlCarers are missing out on over £840m in benefits each year, Carers UK revealed today. On the annual Carers Rights Day, the charity said that about 300,000 people entitled to carer's allowance were missing out on the benefit. "We hear from families who are simply not told about the support that is there for them," said Carers UK chief executive Imelda Redmond (pictured). Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115935/social-care-staff-battle-through-snow-to-reach-clients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115935/social-care-staff-battle-through-snow-to-reach-clients.htmlSocial care staff have been battling snow and ice to provide services to frail and vulnerable people.Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115939/storm-of-protest-greets-birminghams-super-critical-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115939/storm-of-protest-greets-birminghams-super-critical-threshold.htmlBirmingham Council's proposals to move to a "super-critical" eligibility threshold has been slammed as cruel, possibly illegal and an attack on the poor and vulnerable.Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115937/top-campaigner-to-probe-government-work-support-for-disabled.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115937/top-campaigner-to-probe-government-work-support-for-disabled.htmlEmployment support programmes for disabled people are to be put under scrutiny in a government-commissioned review headed by leading disability campaigner Liz Sayce.Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115927/nhs-reforms-could-put-mental-health-savings-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115927/nhs-reforms-could-put-mental-health-savings-at-risk.htmlMental health services in England can enhance care and save hundreds of millions of pounds a year through measures including cutting unnecessary hospital bed use and out-of-area placements, research has found. However, such productivity improvements could be put at risk by the government's reforms to the NHS and a lack of joint working, the report by think-tank the King's Fund and charity the Centre for Mental Health said. Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/01/115931/council-to-outsource-social-workers-and-set-tightest-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/01/115931/council-to-outsource-social-workers-and-set-tightest-threshold.htmlBirmingham Council would outsource all its adult social workers to a social enterprise and set the country's tightest eligibility threshold for care, under cost-cutting plans announced yesterday. (Pic: Rex Features)Wed, 01 Dec 2010 21:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/01/115926/tax-hike-on-super-strength-drinks-will-save-lives.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/01/115926/tax-hike-on-super-strength-drinks-will-save-lives.htmlA homelessness leader has hailed the government's decision to increase taxes on high-strength beer, saying it will save the lives of vulnerable people.Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/01/115928/social-care-staff-urged-to-shape-future-adult-care-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/01/115928/social-care-staff-urged-to-shape-future-adult-care-funding.htmlSocial care staff and others have been asked to have their say on how the care funding system in England should be reformed, as the Commission on Funding Care and Support launched a call for evidence today.Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/01/115923/lga-slams-public-health-white-paper-for-centralising-control.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/01/115923/lga-slams-public-health-white-paper-for-centralising-control.htmlCouncil leaders have slammed yesterday's public health White Paper for centralising control, despite it purporting to empower councils.Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/30/115915/review-of-adult-care-calls-for-all-wales-eligibility-criteria.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/30/115915/review-of-adult-care-calls-for-all-wales-eligibility-criteria.htmlWales should create national eligibility criteria for adult care services to end the postcode lottery for service users, a major review has concluded. (Picture: Welsh Assembly building, Millenium Centre, Pierhead building, Cardiff. Rex) Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/30/115922/councils-promised-freedom-to-spend-public-health-cash.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/30/115922/councils-promised-freedom-to-spend-public-health-cash.htmlLocal authorities are to be given freedom to spend public health budgets transferred from the NHS, under the government's public health White Paper, published today.Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/30/115917/councils-still-under-big-pressures-in-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/30/115917/councils-still-under-big-pressures-in-learning-disabilities.htmlCouncils in England are continuing to face greater pressures in learning disabilities than in other service areas, figures out today show.Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/29/115913/newly-qualified-evaluation-raises-doubts-over-assessed-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/29/115913/newly-qualified-evaluation-raises-doubts-over-assessed-year.htmlLast week's evaluation of the support scheme for newly qualified children's social workers revealed the extent to which employers have struggled to provide extra supervision and support.Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/29/115897/emily-thornberry-labours-shadow-care-services-minister.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/29/115897/emily-thornberry-labours-shadow-care-services-minister.htmlLabour's Emily Thornberry, shadow care services minister for the past two months, tells Jeremy Dunning why the coalition has so far proved to be more radical than anyone had suspected - but 'not in a good way'. (Pic: Chris Sharp).Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/28/115905/former-orchard-hill-residents-flourishing-out-in-the-community.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/28/115905/former-orchard-hill-residents-flourishing-out-in-the-community.htmlThree years after institutional abuse was found at Orchard Hill, England's last long-stay hospital, former residents and staff are flourishing out in the community. Natalie Valios reports Sun, 28 Nov 2010 14:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115893/nursing-home-faces-legal-action-after-cqc-finds-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115893/nursing-home-faces-legal-action-after-cqc-finds-failings.htmlA Bristol nursing home has suspended admissions and is facing legal action after inspectors found vulnerable residents were living in faeces-stained bedrooms and having their needs ignored, and staff were poorly trained and over-stretched. Fri, 26 Nov 2010 14:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115908/london-councils-undermines-claim-of-extra-2bn-for-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115908/london-councils-undermines-claim-of-extra-2bn-for-adult-care.htmlGovernment claims that it is providing an additional £2.1bn a year to fund adult social care from 2011-15 have been further...Fri, 26 Nov 2010 13:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115892/watchdog-to-probe-equality-impact-of-spending-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115892/watchdog-to-probe-equality-impact-of-spending-review.htmlThe equality watchdog has said it will examine the impact of the government's spending review on disabled people, women and minority ethnic communities. Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115889/government-pledges-6m-to-help-gps-identify-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115889/government-pledges-6m-to-help-gps-identify-carers.htmlGPs will get £6m worth of training over the next four years to help them identify carers earlier and tackle their health needs, the government has announced today. Thu, 25 Nov 2010 13:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115890/fears-for-social-work-role-as-councils-take-over-poverty-fund.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115890/fears-for-social-work-role-as-councils-take-over-poverty-fund.htmlThe government is planning to hand councils responsibility for Social Fund poverty grants designed help people live independently. The move has prompted concerns about social workers' role from BASW's Ruth Cartwright (pictured) and other sector heads. Thu, 25 Nov 2010 13:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115873/councils-improve-for-eighth-year-running-in-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115873/councils-improve-for-eighth-year-running-in-adult-care.htmlCouncil performance in adult social care improved for the eighth year running in the final annual performance assessment for England, published today. Care Quality Commission chief executive Cynthia Bower praised the results but said councils need to strive to improve further.Thu, 25 Nov 2010 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115885/sickness-benefit-reforms-will-not-work-warn-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115885/sickness-benefit-reforms-will-not-work-warn-experts.htmlChanges to sickness benefit assessments, announced yesterday, will not make the system fit for purpose and cannot be delivered before the government starts reassessing 1.5m existing claimants, experts have warned. Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115882/stroke-survivors-face-unmet-needs-amid-threats-to-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115882/stroke-survivors-face-unmet-needs-amid-threats-to-services.htmlHalf of stroke survivors have unmet needs for support to address issues such as memory problems, fatigue and emotional concerns, as services are threatened with cuts, the largest UK survey of the client group has found.Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115869/dismissing-pas-could-leave-users-liable-for-large-payouts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115869/dismissing-pas-could-leave-users-liable-for-large-payouts.htmlService users who lose financial support from councils may be liable to substantial redundancy payments if they dismiss their personal assistants, an insurance company has warned. (Picture credit: Rex)Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115875/sickness-benefit-assessments-go-ahead-despite-flaws-in-test.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115875/sickness-benefit-assessments-go-ahead-despite-flaws-in-test.htmlThe government will press on with its timetable to reassess 1.5m incapacity benefit claimants on their fitness to work despite a review published today that exposes serious flaws in the assessment process.Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115874/scots-set-out-10-year-plan-to-personalise-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115874/scots-set-out-10-year-plan-to-personalise-care.htmlThe Scottish government today laid out a 10-year plan to personalise the country's adult social care and support services through self-directed support.Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115871/poor-services-have-had-performance-records-wiped-admits-cqc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115871/poor-services-have-had-performance-records-wiped-admits-cqc.htmlPoorly rated services have had their performance records wiped from the Care Quality Commission's website after re-registering with the regulator after changing small details such as their company name, it has admitted.Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115880/demise-of-primary-care-trusts-stalls-personal-health-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115880/demise-of-primary-care-trusts-stalls-personal-health-budgets.htmlThe implementation of personal health budgets has been stymied by the government's plans to scrap primary care trusts and its focus on reducing the deficit, an evaluation report said today.Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115870/sickness-benefit-test-faces-overhaul-after-critical-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115870/sickness-benefit-test-faces-overhaul-after-critical-review.htmlThe assessment for people claiming sickness benefit will be overhauled after an independent review found that it was characterised by poor decision-making and a lack of transparency. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/22/115864/doubts-over-viability-of-new-adult-care-inspection-regime.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/22/115864/doubts-over-viability-of-new-adult-care-inspection-regime.htmlGovernment plans to overhaul the performance assessment of adult social care in England could be endangered by under-resourcing and a lack of expertise, sector heads have warned.Mon, 22 Nov 2010 20:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115862/how-to-hire-a-personal-assistant.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115862/how-to-hire-a-personal-assistant.htmlHiring a personal assistant can be empowering for many disabled and older people with personal budgets, but it also poses a series of challenges for both parties. Daniel Lombard asks experts for advice on how to get the employer-PA relationship right Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115854/safety-versus-choice-should-hiring-a-personal-assistant-be-more-closely-regulated.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115854/safety-versus-choice-should-hiring-a-personal-assistant-be-more-closely-regulated.htmlSafety is a prime concern for disabled people when hiring a personal assistant, but must the price be extra bureaucracy and the loss of choice, asks Vern Pitt Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115852/empowering-personal-assistants.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115852/empowering-personal-assistants.html Alex Fox If personalisation empowers people who use services, does that mean less power for social care workers? Or can everyone become more empowered together? The risks to vulnerable people of hiring their own unqualified, unsupervised personal assistants (PAs) have been well-rehearsed. But PAs experience risks too. For instance, some are pressurised to declare themselves self-employed, thus freeing the budget holder from tax and other employer responsibilities. Unless the arrangement really has the features of self-employment, such as the PA's right to substitute someone else to do their work, the arrangement is likely to be unlawful. This has resulted in PAs losing out on employee rights, and budget holders served with vast tax bills. So whose interests should win out: the user or the provider of support? I don't buy the zero sum game view of empowerment: the future can be mutually empowering. The best model for that may not be lone workers and isolated employers, but...Fri, 19 Nov 2010 10:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115850/integrated-services-for-people-with-long-term-neurological-conditions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115850/integrated-services-for-people-with-long-term-neurological-conditions.htmlRobin Miller and Helen Dickinson review research on the quality of local integrated services for people with long-term neurological conditions Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115846/councils-plan-to-merge-adult-director-posts-with-other-roles.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115846/councils-plan-to-merge-adult-director-posts-with-other-roles.htmlPlans are afoot to merge adult social services director posts with other responsibilities in one in seven English councils, as authorities attempt to deal with spending cuts, a survey has revealed.Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115844/legal-aid-cuts-will-harm-vulnerable-warn-campaigners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115844/legal-aid-cuts-will-harm-vulnerable-warn-campaigners.htmlCampaigners have warned that vulnerable people will suffer from government plans to remove legal aid from many social welfare cases. Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115843/scots-and-welsh-cuts-aim-to-protect-social-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115843/scots-and-welsh-cuts-aim-to-protect-social-care-services.htmlThe Scottish and Welsh governments have sought to protect social care from swingeing cuts in draft budgets that would see councils in the two countries face smaller reductions than counterparts in England.Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115823/unison-and-community-care-launch-website-to-support-social-care-professionals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115823/unison-and-community-care-launch-website-to-support-social-care-professionals.htmlUNISON and Community Care have launched a new website today to support social care professionals. The Workplace Zone brings together Community Care and UNISON content to better support UNISON's 350,000 social care members; 40,000 of which are social workers. Thu, 18 Nov 2010 09:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/17/115836/government-drops-duty-on-councils-to-back-economic-equality.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/17/115836/government-drops-duty-on-councils-to-back-economic-equality.htmlThe government has ditched a duty on public bodies to take into account socio-economic inequalities when designing policies.Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/17/115834/cuts-will-damage-personal-budget-roll-out-warn-charities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/17/115834/cuts-will-damage-personal-budget-roll-out-warn-charities.htmlThe government's roll-out of personal budgets could be scuppered by cuts, a lack of support for users and the collapse of traditional services.Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115829/short-breaks-for-carers-boosted-by-400m-in-extra-funds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115829/short-breaks-for-carers-boosted-by-400m-in-extra-funds.htmlShort breaks for carers in England have been boosted by an extra £400m over the next four years. Announcing the funding today, care services minister Paul Burstow said he wanted to see carers determine how the funding was used through direct payments. Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115828/government-overhauls-adult-care-ratings-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115828/government-overhauls-adult-care-ratings-system.htmlCouncils will assess each other on adult social care and determine their own standards, while providers will no longer receive quality ratings, as part of an overhaul of the performance assessment system announced today.Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115826/service-user-budget-holders-could-be-priced-out-of-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115826/service-user-budget-holders-could-be-priced-out-of-services.htmlPersonal budget holders could have their choice and control "critically undermined" by being priced out of the services that they want to access, according to a report by think tank Demos.Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115821/ministers-urge-councils-to-outsource-more.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115821/ministers-urge-councils-to-outsource-more.htmlMinisters have told councils to protect the frontline from spending cuts by outsourcing more services, cutting care management costs and shifting resources out of residential care into the community. (Picture: home care provision; credit Rex) Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115820/payment-by-results-could-be-introduced-in-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115820/payment-by-results-could-be-introduced-in-adult-care.htmlPayment by results could be introduced to offer incentives for adult care providers to improve, the government said this week.Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/15/115816/can-independent-adult-practices-learn-from-childrens-pilots.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/15/115816/can-independent-adult-practices-learn-from-childrens-pilots.htmlHealth secretary Andrew Lansley announced two weeks ago that independent, GP-style social work practices will be piloted in adult services.Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/15/115803/how-providers-are-failing-mental-health-in-patients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/15/115803/how-providers-are-failing-mental-health-in-patients.htmlThe Care Quality Commission has highlighted poor practice among some mental health providers. Gordon Carson finds out where improvements can be made Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115812/the-role-of-private-insurance-in-the-future-funding-of-long-term-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115812/the-role-of-private-insurance-in-the-future-funding-of-long-term-care.htmlPrivate insurance is likely to figure in any reform of long-term care funding. Chris Horlick's firm is waiting, he tells Mithran Samuel Fri, 12 Nov 2010 17:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115810/lack-of-evidence-blamed-for-esa-appeals-success.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115810/lack-of-evidence-blamed-for-esa-appeals-success.htmlThe Department for Work and Pensions has blamed the high rate of successful appeals against decisions to deny disabled people employment and support allowance on failure to collect evidence. Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115806/charities-round-on-welfare-reform-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115806/charities-round-on-welfare-reform-plans.htmlDisability and mental health charities, as well as carers' groups, have questioned the feasibility of the government's welfare reform plans, published yesterday.Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115802/400000-at-risk-as-councils-slash-supporting-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115802/400000-at-risk-as-councils-slash-supporting-people.htmlAbout 400,000 vulnerable people could lose vital support under projected cuts by councils to their Supporting People programmes, the National Housing Federation warned.Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115801/why-councils-should-embrace-social-media-online.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115801/why-councils-should-embrace-social-media-online.htmlCare consultant Shirley Ayres tells Julie Griffiths that employers are denying practitioners a powerful way of engaging clients by restricting their access to social media websites Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115794/use-of-heroin-and-crack-is-falling-sharply-study-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115794/use-of-heroin-and-crack-is-falling-sharply-study-finds.htmlThe use of intravenous drugs among young adults in England is declining rapidly according to a report by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA).Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115790/cqc-alarm-over-mental-health-services-at-hospital.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115790/cqc-alarm-over-mental-health-services-at-hospital.htmlMental health services at a community hospital in Wolverhampton are failing to comply with basic standards, the Care Quality Commission has warned. Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115786/research-effective-support-for-learning-disabled-parents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115786/research-effective-support-for-learning-disabled-parents.htmlA study in Wales shows that parents with learning disabilities have mixed experiences of services. Nick Gore looks at how the findings could inform better practice Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115781/how-the-spending-cuts-leave-a-shared-sense-of-insecurity.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115781/how-the-spending-cuts-leave-a-shared-sense-of-insecurity.htmlGive it a few weeks, we thought, and it would all make sense. At least, that's what my colleagues and I hoped as we listened to the comprehensive spending review announcements last month. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115780/practice-panel-the-risk-of-a-disabled-man-returning-home.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115780/practice-panel-the-risk-of-a-disabled-man-returning-home.htmlProfessionals offer advice on a case involving a man who has become disabled after an accident and wants to return home Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115776/home-care-providers-face-human-rights-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115776/home-care-providers-face-human-rights-probe.htmlAn investigation starts today into the protection of human rights of people receiving home care. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 10:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115775/thousands-of-care-home-residents-face-social-isolation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115775/thousands-of-care-home-residents-face-social-isolation.htmlUp to 40,000 older people living in care in England are at risk of social isolation, according to the Relatives & Residents Association (R&RA).Wed, 10 Nov 2010 10:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115769/most-dementia-patients-die-in-care-homes-figures-show.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115769/most-dementia-patients-die-in-care-homes-figures-show.htmlDementia patients are nearly twice as likely to die in a care home than those without the disease, a study published today has found.Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115756/new-immigration-rules-will-lead-to-social-care-skills-crisis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115756/new-immigration-rules-will-lead-to-social-care-skills-crisis.htmlThousands of overseas care workers could be forced out of the country due to a government crackdown on immigration, the English Community Care Association has warned. Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115759/social-care-staff-shortages-set-to-worsen-with-immigration-cap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115759/social-care-staff-shortages-set-to-worsen-with-immigration-cap.htmlA government crackdown on immigration is forcing overseas care workers out of the country, leaving the sector struggling with staff shortages. Mary-Louise Clews reports Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115768/cqc-report-reveals-care-home-size-is-increasing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115768/cqc-report-reveals-care-home-size-is-increasing.htmlThe average size of a care home is growing despite larger homes offering lower quality care, figures from the Care Quality Commission reveal.Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/08/115766/councils-back-end-of-care-rating-despite-provider-doubts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/08/115766/councils-back-end-of-care-rating-despite-provider-doubts.htmlCouncil leaders have backed the government's decision to scrap the annual performance assessment of local authority adult care departments, but providers have warned that poor commissioning could go unchallenged as a result.Mon, 08 Nov 2010 14:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/08/115762/door-opened-for-cheaper-social-care-provision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/08/115762/door-opened-for-cheaper-social-care-provision.htmlSocial care service users could find their services being cut as councils look for the cheapest way of meeting their needs, experts are warning.Mon, 08 Nov 2010 11:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/08/115761/solent-councils-brace-themselves-for-the-impact-of-spending-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/08/115761/solent-councils-brace-themselves-for-the-impact-of-spending-cuts.htmlDespite council reassurances to protect frontline services while making cuts Jeremy Dunning finds that a major scaling back is underway in Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/07/115758/adass-urges-ministers-to-justify-no-need-for-care-cuts-claim.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/07/115758/adass-urges-ministers-to-justify-no-need-for-care-cuts-claim.htmlThe Association of Directors of Adult Social Services is seeking an urgent meeting with government over its claim that councils have no excuse to cut adult care services over the coming years.Sun, 07 Nov 2010 21:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/07/115757/councils-to-get-hands-on-most-of-nhs-1bn-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/07/115757/councils-to-get-hands-on-most-of-nhs-1bn-for-social-care.htmlCouncils will get their hands on the majority of £1bn in annual NHS funding for social care over the next four years, and will be able to use it to help prop up existing care services, health secretary Andrew Lansley has said.Sun, 07 Nov 2010 20:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/07/115746/the-new-directions-teams-work-with-excluded-adults.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/07/115746/the-new-directions-teams-work-with-excluded-adults.htmlNatalie Valios visits a scheme that aims to connect excluded adults to services and society and finds that it could be saving the emergency services moneySun, 07 Nov 2010 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115754/quarter-of-social-care-users-now-have-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115754/quarter-of-social-care-users-now-have-personal-budgets.htmlOne in four recipients of care services is now using a personal budget, new figures reveal.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115744/cqc-will-continue-to-probe-councils-when-there-are-concerns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115744/cqc-will-continue-to-probe-councils-when-there-are-concerns.htmlThe Care Quality Commission will continue to inspect councils when it has concerns about their adult social work practice, care minister Paul Burstow has revealed.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115752/social-work-practices-could-fragment-services-warns-adass.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115752/social-work-practices-could-fragment-services-warns-adass.htmlAdult social work practices could fragment support for older and disabled people, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Richard Jones has warned.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115751/social-care-providers-swamped-by-eu-bureaucracy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115751/social-care-providers-swamped-by-eu-bureaucracy.htmlExcessive adherence to European procurement rules, which are accused of swamping small-scale care providers with bureaucracy, is to be targeted in a new drive.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115743/lansley-backs-independent-practices-to-support-older-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115743/lansley-backs-independent-practices-to-support-older-people.htmlAdult social workers will be invited to form independent practices to support older and disabled people, health secretary Andrew Lansley has said today. Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115748/investing-in-local-communities-could-save-millions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115748/investing-in-local-communities-could-save-millions.htmlInvesting in local communities can save social care hundreds of pounds per service user each year, research from the London School of Economics, soon to be published, will show.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 13:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115745/long-term-care-funding-commission-calls-for-bold-solution.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115745/long-term-care-funding-commission-calls-for-bold-solution.htmlThe man tasked with reforming long-term care funding has called for the sector's help in reaching a "bold" solution that the government would be "deeply embarrassed" to oppose.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115747/research-police-notifications-of-domestic-violence-incidents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115747/research-police-notifications-of-domestic-violence-incidents.htmlThe police notify social services when they attend a domestic violence incident. Jo Finch reviews research on what happens next Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115742/exclusive-lansley-to-tell-nhs-how-to-spend-social-care-cash.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115742/exclusive-lansley-to-tell-nhs-how-to-spend-social-care-cash.htmlThe government will tell primary care trusts how they should spend £1bn in funding on social care to prevent it disappearing into NHS budgets, health secretary Andrew Lansley will tell social care leaders tomorrow.Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115738/burstow-defiant-over-funding-settlement-for-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115738/burstow-defiant-over-funding-settlement-for-adult-care.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has issued a staunch defence of the comprehensive spending review settlement for adult social careThu, 04 Nov 2010 16:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115734/labour-accuses-government-of-setting-up-councils-to-fail.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115734/labour-accuses-government-of-setting-up-councils-to-fail.htmlShadow health secretary John Healey, speaking at the National Children and Adult Services Conference, has accused the government of "setting up local government to fail" when it comes to social care.Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115737/future-course-of-personalisation-plotted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115737/future-course-of-personalisation-plotted.htmlAdult social workers' roles should be more focused on service users in the most need to further the personalisation agenda, social care leaders have said.Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/03/115726/burstow-scraps-annual-cqc-assessment-for-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/03/115726/burstow-scraps-annual-cqc-assessment-for-councils.htmlCouncils will no longer be assessed annually on their adult social care performance by the Care Quality Commission from next year. Care services minister Paul Burstow made the announcement today at the National Children and Adult Services Conference in Manchester. Wed, 03 Nov 2010 22:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/03/115724/council-slammed-by-cqc-for-failing-to-safeguard-adults.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/03/115724/council-slammed-by-cqc-for-failing-to-safeguard-adults.htmlRedcar and Cleveland Council has failed to effectively safeguard vulnerable adults due to inadequate leadership, training, supervision and investigations, the Care Quality Commission has found.Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/02/115719/quarter-of-a-million-older-people-set-to-lose-home-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/02/115719/quarter-of-a-million-older-people-set-to-lose-home-care.htmlA quarter of a million older people in England could lose access to publicly funded home care next year on the back of the comprehensive spending review. (Picture credit: Alamy)Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/02/115715/sector-gives-burstows-care-credits-short-shrift.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/02/115715/sector-gives-burstows-care-credits-short-shrift.htmlGovernment plans to reward social care volunteers with credits to fund their own care have been criticised by sector leaders.Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/02/115716/councils-ordered-to-repay-reablement-charges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/02/115716/councils-ordered-to-repay-reablement-charges.htmlCouncils in England must repay thousands of pounds in illegal reablement charges.Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/01/115711/dla-cut-rouses-anger-of-disability-movement.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/01/115711/dla-cut-rouses-anger-of-disability-movement.htmlThe disability movement has risen up in anger against government plans to cut disability living allowance for care home residents. Those affected include Simon Greenwood, who uses his benefit to fund a car to get out and about.Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/01/115675/personal-budgets-pose-financial-risk-for-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/01/115675/personal-budgets-pose-financial-risk-for-councils.htmlPersonal budgets are unlikely to generate significant cost savings for local authorities and their implementation poses major financial challenges and risks, the Audit Commission warned today.Mon, 01 Nov 2010 12:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115710/users-must-have-say-on-cuts-says-adult-care-director.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115710/users-must-have-say-on-cuts-says-adult-care-director.htmlLocal authorities should ask adult care service users and carers in deciding on proposed budget cuts to ensure they are sustainable, a director has said.Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115709/social-care-sector-failing-older-people-with-sight-loss.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115709/social-care-sector-failing-older-people-with-sight-loss.htmlThe social care sector is failing to meet the needs of older people with sight loss because of a lack of staff training, poor co-ordination between agencies and insufficient emotional support, a study published today has found.Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115708/council-chief-warns-of-compulsory-job-losses-to-combat-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115708/council-chief-warns-of-compulsory-job-losses-to-combat-cuts.htmlBlackburn with Darwen Council will have to make compulsory redundancies to combat a cut of 30% to its budget over the next four years, its chief executive has warned.Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115706/drama-workshops-for-fathers-in-young-offenders-institution.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115706/drama-workshops-for-fathers-in-young-offenders-institution.htmlWhen director Jim Pope started drama workshops at a young offenders institution he did not realise that the experience would be translated into a play at London's Roundhouse Theatre. Louise Tickle reports Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115650/personalisation-walsall-councils-advice-and-information-service.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115650/personalisation-walsall-councils-advice-and-information-service.htmlImproving advice and care for the public is key to personalisation and Walsall Council has made it a priority, finds Natalie Valios Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115704/balancing-safeguarding-and-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115704/balancing-safeguarding-and-personalisation.htmlPersonalisation is about letting older and disabled people take risks others take for granted. But this means councils must find new ways of keeping them safe. Vern Pitt reports Fri, 29 Oct 2010 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115702/council-risks-rift-with-mental-health-trust-over-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115702/council-risks-rift-with-mental-health-trust-over-cuts.htmlNorfolk Council is risking a rift with the county's mental health trust over its plans to cut £53m from adult care over the next three years.Fri, 29 Oct 2010 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115701/good-practice-time-to-share-scheme-for-dementia-patients.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115701/good-practice-time-to-share-scheme-for-dementia-patients.htmlShared Lives schemes are increasingly being used to support people with dementia and they are proving cheaper than alternative forms of help, reports Natalie Valios Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115700/scottish-councils-to-pool-commissioning-and-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115700/scottish-councils-to-pool-commissioning-and-training.htmlEight councils in Scotland have agreed to pool their social care commissioning and training resources as they prepare to save £70m over five years. Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115697/council-admits-53m-cuts-are-risk-to-disabled-and-elderly.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115697/council-admits-53m-cuts-are-risk-to-disabled-and-elderly.htmlNorfolk Council has admitted it risks limiting disabled and older people's independence and quality of life through a planned £53m cut to adult social care over the next three years.Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115689/kings-fund-warns-of-loss-of-momentum-on-end-of-life-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115689/kings-fund-warns-of-loss-of-momentum-on-end-of-life-care.htmlMomentum on improving end-of-life care may be lost because of the government's decision to delay a review of the issue until 2013, the King's Fund warned today in a report outlining good practice in the field.Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/27/115682/cqc-mental-health-services-risk-breaching-patient-rights.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/27/115682/cqc-mental-health-services-risk-breaching-patient-rights.htmlMental health services risk breaching patients' human rights by placing unnecessary restrictions on their care, the Care Quality Commission warned today. Chief executive Cynthia Bower said the regulator had found 'unacceptable practice'.Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115681/care-funding-commission-sets-out-criteria-for-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115681/care-funding-commission-sets-out-criteria-for-reform.htmlThe future long-term care funding system must be easy for the public to understand, the commission charged with reforming it has said as it set out its criteria for change.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115677/what-the-spending-review-welfare-cuts-mean-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115677/what-the-spending-review-welfare-cuts-mean-for-social-care.htmlThe £7bn cuts in benefit spending announced in the comprehensive spending review, along with £11bn in welfare cuts from the Budget, will have significant implications for social care, says Gary Vaux.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115676/cqc-proposes-3.3m-hike-in-fees-for-care-providers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115676/cqc-proposes-3.3m-hike-in-fees-for-care-providers.htmlAdult care providers in England face a £3.3m hike in annual regulatory fees next year under proposals launched for consultation today by the Care Quality Commission.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115671/dementia-care-leaders-sign-pledge-to-improve-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115671/dementia-care-leaders-sign-pledge-to-improve-care.htmlDementia care leaders have produced a charter vowing to improve care across England over the next four years.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 09:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/25/115663/up-to-50000-jobs-at-risk-in-social-care-union-warns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/25/115663/up-to-50000-jobs-at-risk-in-social-care-union-warns.htmlUp to 50,000 social care workers’ jobs could be at risk as council budgets are slashed by 28%, a union leader has warned. (Pic: Geoffrey Robinson/Rex)Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/25/115666/adult-nqsws-given-too-little-time-for-development.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/25/115666/adult-nqsws-given-too-little-time-for-development.htmlMany newly qualified adult social workers are allowed no time for professional development and are allocated cases regardless of their experience, according to a report by Skills for Care. Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/25/115665/spending-review-analysis-follow-the-money-and-it-isnt-there.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/25/115665/spending-review-analysis-follow-the-money-and-it-isnt-there.html"Some in local government have concerns about the financing of social care. I can announce that grant funding for social care will be increased by an additional £1bn by the fourth year of the spending review. And a further £1bn for social care will be provided through the NHS to support joint working with councils." Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115661/unions-fear-privatisation-in-london-councils-services-merger.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115661/unions-fear-privatisation-in-london-councils-services-merger.htmlUnions are concerned that a move by three London councils to merge will see social workers becoming remote from families and that more services will be privatised. Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115662/csr-housing-cuts-risk-deepening-homelessness-and-poverty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115662/csr-housing-cuts-risk-deepening-homelessness-and-poverty.htmlHomelessness and poverty will rise on the back of cuts to housing funding and benefits announced in this week's comprehensive spending review (CSR), sector leaders have warned. Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115647/poorest-will-be-hit-hardest-by-spending-cuts-warns-ifs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115647/poorest-will-be-hit-hardest-by-spending-cuts-warns-ifs.htmlPoorer families and those who benefit most from public services will be hardest hit by chancellor George Osborne's "regressive" spending review, experts have warned. (Picture: Rex)Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115652/key-recent-research-findings-in-mental-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115652/key-recent-research-findings-in-mental-health.htmlProfessor Martin Knapp examines key research findings in mental health Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115649/tory-councils-target-100m-saving-by-merging-all-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115649/tory-councils-target-100m-saving-by-merging-all-services.htmlThree Tory councils have announced plans to merge all their service to save up to £100m a year.Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/21/115645/is-the-drive-for-more-personal-bu