Latest on Older Peoplehttp://www.communitycare.co.uken-gbThu, 18 Mar 2010 14:32:00 GMTPersonal budget rollout could increase pressure on councilshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114088/personal-budget-rollout-could-increase-pressure-on-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114088/personal-budget-rollout-could-increase-pressure-on-councils.htmlCouncils could face pressure on resources by having to commission traditional services alongside innovative ones as they roll out personal budgets, research by think-tank Demos shows.Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:32:00 GMTCharities: Delay to free personal care bill will hurt familieshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114086/charities-delay-to-free-personal-care-bill-will-hurt-families.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114086/charities-delay-to-free-personal-care-bill-will-hurt-families.htmlCare charities said today they were "disappointed" that government plans to provide free care at home for people with high needs had been delayed and potentially wrecked.Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:53:00 GMTBrown's flagship free personal care bill dismantled by Lords http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114079/browns-flagship-free-personal-care-bill-dismantled-by-lords.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114079/browns-flagship-free-personal-care-bill-dismantled-by-lords.htmlGordon Brown's flagship free personal care bill has been torpedoed in the House of Lords and now has little chance of becoming law until after the general election.Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:53:00 GMTTwo-thirds of PCTs cannot account for dementia strategy moneyhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114058/two-thirds-of-pcts-cannot-account-for-dementia-strategy-money.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114058/two-thirds-of-pcts-cannot-account-for-dementia-strategy-money.htmlNearly two-thirds of primary care trusts (PCTs) are unable to show where they have spent money intended to support the national dementia strategy, Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:01:00 GMTCare White Paper likely to be vague on state funding figureshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114076/care-white-paper-likely-to-be-vague-on-state-funding-figures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114076/care-white-paper-likely-to-be-vague-on-state-funding-figures.htmlThe mammoth public spending deficit is likely to prevent ministers from making significant financial commitments in the forthcoming care funding White Paper, experts have warned.Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:55:00 GMTIn Control: Personal budgets delivering improved outcomeshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114055/in-control-personal-budgets-delivering-improved-outcomes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114055/in-control-personal-budgets-delivering-improved-outcomes.htmlPersonal budgets have improved the lives of most users but fewer clients have true control over their care and support than official estimates indicate, In Control said today.Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:59:00 GMTPalliative care body calls for debate on ring-fencing fundshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114053/palliative-care-body-calls-for-debate-on-ring-fencing-funds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114053/palliative-care-body-calls-for-debate-on-ring-fencing-funds.htmlA major debate is needed on the possibility of introducing more ring fencing in public spending as many primary care trusts are unable to account for money...Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:01:00 GMTPersonalisation in Scotlandhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114050/personalisation-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114050/personalisation-in-scotland.htmlScotland's government is pledging to make self-directed support central to social care. Jeremy Dunning investigates what this will mean Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:15:00 GMTRoyal College of Psychiatrists to lead hospital dementia audithttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114046/royal-college-of-psychiatrists-to-lead-hospital-dementia-audit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114046/royal-college-of-psychiatrists-to-lead-hospital-dementia-audit.htmlA comprehensive audit of dementia care in hospitals in England and Wales is to commence this week with a view to developing a quality mark for dementia care.Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:01:00 GMTCare providers slam CQC for handling of registration processhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/12/114042/care-providers-slam-cqc-for-handling-of-registration-process.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/12/114042/care-providers-slam-cqc-for-handling-of-registration-process.html The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is not adequately prepared to handle the process of registering care services in England that will start within weeks,...Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:27:00 GMTMPs: Let public decide on fully tax-funded social carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/12/114039/mps-let-public-decide-on-fully-tax-funded-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/12/114039/mps-let-public-decide-on-fully-tax-funded-social-care.htmlThe public should be asked whether it supports full tax funding for adult social care, rather than have the option closed off by government, an influential cross-party group of MPs said today.Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:29:00 GMTTessa Jowell expresses support for mutuals in social carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114037/tessa-jowell-expresses-support-for-mutuals-in-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114037/tessa-jowell-expresses-support-for-mutuals-in-social-care.htmlBetter known as the Olympics minister, former social worker Tessa Jowell tells Jeremy Dunning of her enthusiasm for the mutual model for social care delivery Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:01:00 GMTPoliticians 'lack will' to reform care funding ruleshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114033/politicians-lack-will-to-reform-care-funding-rules.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114033/politicians-lack-will-to-reform-care-funding-rules.htmlPoliticians have been accused of lacking the will to fix the problems afflicting ordinary residence rules, which can place a huge burden on some local authorities and trap disabled people in unsuitable housing.Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:40:00 GMTBurnham hints white paper will back compulsory care levyhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114026/burnham-hints-white-paper-will-back-compulsory-care-levy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114026/burnham-hints-white-paper-will-back-compulsory-care-levy.htmlHealth secretary Andy Burnham has strongly suggested the forthcoming adult white paper will back a compulsory levy to fund care as he talked up the idea in a debate with his Tory and Lib Dem opposite numbers yesterday. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:23:00 GMTNews round-up: Failings over raped daughters; 'death tax'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114029/news-round-up-failings-over-raped-daughters-death-tax.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114029/news-round-up-failings-over-raped-daughters-death-tax.htmlHeadlines in today’s papers include:- Litany of failures that let father rape his daughters for years; Labour refuses to rule out 'death tax' to fund care for elderly; Teacher had affair with teenager at special needs school, court told; Schoolgirl, 13, found hanged amid claims she was bullied because she was pretty. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:11:00 GMTPhil Hope: PCTs will be held to account on carers fundinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114018/phil-hope-pcts-will-be-held-to-account-on-carers-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114018/phil-hope-pcts-will-be-held-to-account-on-carers-funding.htmlPrimary care trusts will be held to account for their spending on carers following revelations that dedicated resources for short breaks were not being spent as desired, care services minister Phil Hope has pledged.Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:08:00 GMTPersonalisation chief John Bolton to leave Department of Healthhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114002/personalisation-chief-john-bolton-to-leave-department-of-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114002/personalisation-chief-john-bolton-to-leave-department-of-health.htmlThe civil servant who has led on the implementation of the personalisation programme in England is to leave the Department of Health.Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:56:00 GMTNews round up: Jon Venables; Laming; Adult care row; Electionhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114015/news-round-up-jon-venables-laming-adult-care-row-election.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114015/news-round-up-jon-venables-laming-adult-care-row-election.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Parties clash ahead of elderly social care summit; Psychiatric report said Jon Venables was a 'negligible risk'; Public sector pay has risen 15% more than private since Labour came to powerWed, 10 Mar 2010 08:21:00 GMTPolitical leaders urged to stop bickering over social care reformhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114017/political-leaders-urged-to-stop-bickering-over-social-care-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114017/political-leaders-urged-to-stop-bickering-over-social-care-reform.htmlAn Age Concern and Help the Aged poll has revealed that six out of 10 adults think politicians are not doing enough to work together to improve the care and support system.Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:01:00 GMTAdult care debate in Wales fails to attract interest of younghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/114011/adult-care-debate-in-wales-fails-to-attract-interest-of-young.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/114011/adult-care-debate-in-wales-fails-to-attract-interest-of-young.html The debate on the future funding of adult social care in Wales has failed to connect with the younger population who will end up paying for it, according...Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:01:00 GMTStroke Association: Lack of stroke physio puts strain on carershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/113999/stroke-association-lack-of-stroke-physio-puts-strain-on-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/113999/stroke-association-lack-of-stroke-physio-puts-strain-on-carers.htmlA lack of community physiotherapy for stroke patients is putting a strain on carers, the Stoke Association and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy revealed in a report today.Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:32:00 GMTExperts seek non-partisan funding reform of older people's carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/114000/experts-seek-non-partisan-funding-reform-of-older-peoples-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/114000/experts-seek-non-partisan-funding-reform-of-older-peoples-care.html Related stories Political debate...Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:21:00 GMTIntegration: Birmingham to create £315m health and care budgethttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113988/integration-birmingham-to-create-315m-health-and-care-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113988/integration-birmingham-to-create-315m-health-and-care-budget.htmlBirmingham Council and its NHS partners are set to create a pooled budget of £315m, establishing what is believed to be one of the country's biggest health and social care partnership arrangements.Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:09:00 GMTAdult care faces cuts as councils protect children's serviceshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113979/adult-care-faces-cuts-as-councils-protect-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113979/adult-care-faces-cuts-as-councils-protect-childrens-services.htmlMost councils are planning savage cuts to adult social care but intend to protect children's services from financial pain, public finance chiefs have found.Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:50:00 GMTBASW asked to step down from social work college talks http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113959/basw-asked-to-step-down-from-social-work-college-talks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113959/basw-asked-to-step-down-from-social-work-college-talks.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has been asked to step down from the national college development group amid growing criticism of its decision to launch a breakaway social work college. Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:54:00 GMTScottish MSPs issue evidence call on assisted dying legislationhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113974/scottish-msps-issue-evidence-call-on-assisted-dying-legislation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113974/scottish-msps-issue-evidence-call-on-assisted-dying-legislation.html A Scottish Parliament committee is calling for written evidence to help shape its examination of legislation on assisted dying. The End of Life Assistance...Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:41:00 GMTLansley and Burnham to share platform at care summit http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113973/lansley-and-burnham-to-share-platform-at-care-summit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113973/lansley-and-burnham-to-share-platform-at-care-summit.html Age Concern and Help the Aged has scored a coup by persuading health secretary Andy Burnham and Tory shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley to share a platform...Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:20:00 GMTFree personal care bill faces general election deadlinehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113950/free-personal-care-bill-faces-general-election-deadline.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113950/free-personal-care-bill-faces-general-election-deadline.htmlThe government's battle to pass legislation to introduce free personal care at home before the general election looks set to go right down to the wire.Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:05:00 GMTWelsh Tories slam failure to publish dementia planhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113946/welsh-tories-slam-failure-to-publish-dementia-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113946/welsh-tories-slam-failure-to-publish-dementia-plan.htmlThe Welsh Conservatives have slammed the country's government for failing to publish its dementia plan, nearly two years after it was promised.Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:57:00 GMTGPS dementia tagging: is it too demeaning?http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113920/gps-dementia-tagging-is-it-too-demeaning.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113920/gps-dementia-tagging-is-it-too-demeaning.htmlIs the GPS tagging of people with dementia an infringement of personal liberty or a safe route to empowerment and independence? Vern Pitt examines both sides of the argument Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:06:00 GMTAdass tells DH: Make personal care part-funded not freehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113936/adass-tells-dh-make-personal-care-part-funded-not-free.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113936/adass-tells-dh-make-personal-care-part-funded-not-free.htmlThe government should part-fund personal care at home for people with high needs rather than make it free to ensure the policy is affordable for councils, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has said.Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:47:00 GMTNews round up: Shannon Matthews; Council cuts; End-of-life carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113929/news-round-up-shannon-matthews-council-cuts-end-of-life-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113929/news-round-up-shannon-matthews-council-cuts-end-of-life-care.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Councils consider plans to shed 170,000 public sector jobs; Shannon Matthews kidnap report unlikely until after election; Terminally ill 'unable to die at home through lack of nursing cover'; Legal challenge over Yarl's Wood womenMon, 01 Mar 2010 09:04:00 GMTNutrition Action Plan Delivery Board to be disbandedhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113927/nutrition-action-plan-delivery-board-to-be-disbanded.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113927/nutrition-action-plan-delivery-board-to-be-disbanded.htmlUser groups have attacked the government's decision to disband the Nutrition Action Plan Delivery Board.Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:00:00 GMTDH puts end-of-life care spending question to SHAshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113916/dh-puts-end-of-life-care-spending-question-to-shas.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113916/dh-puts-end-of-life-care-spending-question-to-shas.htmlThe Department of Health's decision to quiz strategic health authorities on how they spent £286m for end of life care in 2009-10, has been criticised by...Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:34:00 GMTDH set to announce future role of adult social workershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113906/dh-set-to-announce-future-role-of-adult-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113906/dh-set-to-announce-future-role-of-adult-social-workers.htmlThe Department of Health will publish a statement later today on the future roles and tasks of adult social workers within a personalised care system, care minister Phil Hope has announced. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:52:00 GMTFree personal care bill facing certain delayhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113903/free-personal-care-bill-facing-certain-delay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113903/free-personal-care-bill-facing-certain-delay.htmlLabour peer Lord Lipsey has warned that hostility to Gordon Brown's free personal care bill has grown to the extent that it will not become law before the general election. (Picture: Rex Features)Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:41:00 GMTGood Practice: North Yorkshire telecare/assistive technologyhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113902/good-practice-north-yorkshire-telecareassistive-technology.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113902/good-practice-north-yorkshire-telecareassistive-technology.htmlOlder people in North Yorkshire are seeing the benefits of the council's progressive approach to telecare devices. By Natalie ValiosThu, 25 Feb 2010 11:35:00 GMTLibDems' Norman Lamb blames Tories for care talks breakdownhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113881/libdems-norman-lamb-blames-tories-for-care-talks-breakdown.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113881/libdems-norman-lamb-blames-tories-for-care-talks-breakdown.htmlLiberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb has spoken of his regret that cross-party talks on the long-term funding of adult care have broken down. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:03:00 GMTCQC launches review of health care provision in care homeshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113888/cqc-launches-review-of-health-care-provision-in-care-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113888/cqc-launches-review-of-health-care-provision-in-care-homes.htmlThe Care Quality Commission (CQC) has launched a review of health care provision for care home residents.Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:29:00 GMTAdass: carers should be engaged in hospital dischargeshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113884/adass-carers-should-be-engaged-in-hospital-discharges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113884/adass-carers-should-be-engaged-in-hospital-discharges.htmlCarers are not considered or engaged in the discharge of those they care for from hospital, a report (Carers As Partners in Hospital Discharge) by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has found.Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:34:00 GMTNick Clegg attacks Labour's free personal care planshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/23/113863/nick-clegg-attacks-labours-free-personal-care-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/23/113863/nick-clegg-attacks-labours-free-personal-care-plans.html By Jeremy Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg promised to provide more help for carers today as he attacked Labour's "flawed" free personal care policy. In...Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:26:00 GMTTories attacked for no-show at social care reform meetinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113860/tories-attacked-for-no-show-at-social-care-reform-meeting.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113860/tories-attacked-for-no-show-at-social-care-reform-meeting.htmlThe Conservatives have been criticised after their refusal to appear at a crunch meeting on the reform of adult social care today, called by health secretary Andy Burnham (pictured). The meeting led to agreement on a set of principles for reform.Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:20:00 GMTIsle of Wight faces care cuts protest despite inspectors' praise http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113855/isle-of-wight-faces-care-cuts-protest-despite-inspectors-praise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113855/isle-of-wight-faces-care-cuts-protest-despite-inspectors-praise.htmlA council praised by inspectors this week for its success in supporting older people to live at home is facing a storm of protest over planned cuts of more than £5m a year in services for vulnerable people.Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:25:00 GMTNews round up: National Care Service, cash for graduateshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113842/news-round-up-national-care-service-cash-for-graduates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113842/news-round-up-national-care-service-cash-for-graduates.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Andrew Lansley: Government plans would hit 700,000 family carers; Graduates offered cash to retrain as social workers; Barnet's 'easyCouncil' to part privatise planning serviceFri, 19 Feb 2010 09:55:00 GMTCarers UK urges more support for carers to avoid crisishttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113841/carers-uk-urges-more-support-for-carers-to-avoid-crisis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113841/carers-uk-urges-more-support-for-carers-to-avoid-crisis.htmlCarers UK today called on employers and the state to sign up to a 'social contract' to support carers to help stave off a "tipping point" when families will no longer be able to provide sufficient care for older people.Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:21:00 GMTCouncils ill-prepared to meet ageing challengehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/18/113828/councils-ill-prepared-to-meet-ageing-challenge.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/18/113828/councils-ill-prepared-to-meet-ageing-challenge.htmlCouncils are ill-prepared to deal with the financial costs of an ageing population, including savings possible from preventive services, the Audit Commission said today.Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:47:00 GMTSocial care row: Lib Dem urges Tory chief to attend conferencehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113826/social-care-row-lib-dem-urges-tory-chief-to-attend-conference.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113826/social-care-row-lib-dem-urges-tory-chief-to-attend-conference.htmlLiberal Democrat health spokesperson Norman Lamb has urged Tory opposite number Andrew Lansley to attend this Friday's conference on social care funding reform, to help get efforts to forge a cross-party consensus back on track.Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:04:00 GMTNews round up: Assisted dying; 'death tax'; Edlington casehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113822/news-round-up-assisted-dying-death-tax-edlington-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113822/news-round-up-assisted-dying-death-tax-edlington-case.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Torture boys' sentence 'not too lenient'; The confessions of a mercy killer; Seventeen million could have to pay 'death tax', Tories claim; Yarl's Wood children face 'extreme distress'Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:34:00 GMTAdult safeguarding boards have membership and funding problemshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/15/113777/adult-safeguarding-boards-have-membership-and-funding-problems.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/15/113777/adult-safeguarding-boards-have-membership-and-funding-problems.htmlGovernment plans to put safeguarding boards on a statutory footing will need to tackle a series of funding and membership problems that currently limit impact, finds Vern Pitt Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:31:00 GMTNews round up: care funding row, NSPCC centre closureshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/15/113805/news-round-up-care-funding-row-nspcc-centre-closures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/15/113805/news-round-up-care-funding-row-nspcc-centre-closures.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include: Cross-party deal on elderly care in tatters after three parties engage in row live on TV; Charities demand an end to political point-scoring as care crisis looms; NSPCC to shut local centres under restructuring planMon, 15 Feb 2010 10:32:00 GMTAdass lead: Dementia money not being spent as desiredhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113802/adass-lead-dementia-money-not-being-spent-as-desired.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113802/adass-lead-dementia-money-not-being-spent-as-desired.htmlThe £150m identified for primary care trusts to implement the national dementia strategy from 2009-11 has not been spent on its desired purpose, a local government leader has claimed. Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:55:00 GMTNews round-up: Baby P legacy means more work; Suffolk cutshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113796/news-round-up-baby-p-legacy-means-more-work-suffolk-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113796/news-round-up-baby-p-legacy-means-more-work-suffolk-cuts.htmlAlso in today's papers:- Social services 'failed autistic boy' and Mandelson denies Labour abandoning pledges to increase spendingFri, 12 Feb 2010 12:41:00 GMTCQC to hold talks on joining up health and social carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113793/cqc-to-hold-talks-on-joining-up-health-and-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113793/cqc-to-hold-talks-on-joining-up-health-and-social-care.html The Care Quality Commission is set to hold discussions with stakeholders over the coming months on how it intends to encourage greater levels of joined-up...Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:15:00 GMTAre personal budgets more cost-effective?http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113785/are-personal-budgets-more-cost-effective.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113785/are-personal-budgets-more-cost-effective.htmlTo what extent can self-directed support meet the need for councils to save money while improving services, ask Mithran Samuel and Jeremy Dunning Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:05:00 GMTPOPP: a look at the final report on Partnerships for Older People Projectshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/11/113790/popp-a-look-at-the-final-report-on-partnerships-for-older-people-projects.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/11/113790/popp-a-look-at-the-final-report-on-partnerships-for-older-people-projects.htmlThe National Evaluation of Partnerships for Older People Projects suggests nearly all are cost effective, while there was particular success with the provision of practical help, finds social care consultant Melanie Henwood Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:38:00 GMTAndy Burnham approves care trust for Blackburn with Darwenhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113772/andy-burnham-approves-care-trust-for-blackburn-with-darwen.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113772/andy-burnham-approves-care-trust-for-blackburn-with-darwen.htmlHealth secretary Andy Burnham has approved the creation of a "care trust plus" to integrate health and social care commissioning in Blackburn with Darwen.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:12:00 GMTCQC: health and socal care integration can save £2bn a yearhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113768/cqc-health-and-socal-care-integration-can-save-2bn-a-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113768/cqc-health-and-socal-care-integration-can-save-2bn-a-year.html Improved joint working between health and social care to reduce emergency hospital admissions for pensioners could help save £2bn annually from NHS budgets...Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:25:00 GMTCouncils fail to tell service users about personal budgetshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113764/councils-fail-to-tell-service-users-about-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113764/councils-fail-to-tell-service-users-about-personal-budgets.htmlMany councils in England are failing to provide potential service users with adequate information about personal budgets – nearly two years into the personalisation agenda.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:52:00 GMTNews round up: Care plan row; inheritance tax; playgroup probehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113766/news-round-up-care-plan-row-inheritance-tax-playgroup-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113766/news-round-up-care-plan-row-inheritance-tax-playgroup-probe.htmlMore than 70 leaders of social care throughout England are warning that the Government’s plans to provide free home care are flawed, unfunded and will force cuts to current services.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:56:00 GMTCare plan row; inheritance tax; playgroup sex assault probehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113767/care-plan-row-inheritance-tax-playgroup-sex-assault-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113767/care-plan-row-inheritance-tax-playgroup-sex-assault-probe.htmlMore than 70 leaders of social care throughout England are warning that the Government’s plans to provide free home care are flawed, unfunded and will force cuts to current services.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:56:00 GMTCouncillors condemn Gordon Brown's free care planhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113765/councillors-condemn-gordon-browns-free-care-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113765/councillors-condemn-gordon-browns-free-care-plan.htmlLead councillors from over half of England's local authorities today condemned the government's free personal care plans in an open letter to The Times that dubbed the proposals 'unclear and unfunded'.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:49:00 GMTLabour rules out £20,000 death taxhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113763/labour-rules-out-20000-death-tax.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113763/labour-rules-out-20000-death-tax.htmlThe government is thought to be considering introducing an inheritance levy on people's estates as a way of paying for long-term care. It has strongly...Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:53:00 GMTGordon Brown fails to satisfy Adass on free care costshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113755/gordon-brown-fails-to-satisfy-adass-on-free-care-costs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113755/gordon-brown-fails-to-satisfy-adass-on-free-care-costs.htmlPrime minister Gordon Brown today defended government plans for free personal care at home for people with high needs but failed to satisfy critics over costs of reformTue, 09 Feb 2010 14:41:00 GMTScottish government launches personalisation strategyhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113761/scottish-government-launches-personalisation-strategy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113761/scottish-government-launches-personalisation-strategy.html The Scottish government has issued a consultative 10-year strategy to roll out personalisation...Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:06:00 GMTNews round up: assisted dying; care levy; asylum hunger strikehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113758/news-round-up-assisted-dying-care-levy-asylum-hunger-strike.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113758/news-round-up-assisted-dying-care-levy-asylum-hunger-strike.htmlOther headlines in today's papers:- Inheritance levy to fund social care being considered by ministers; Margo MacDonald's Bill 'would encourage suicide tourism to Scotland'; Hunger strike at detention centreTue, 09 Feb 2010 08:44:00 GMT'Radical reform could stave off adult care cost explosion'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113754/radical-reform-could-stave-off-adult-care-cost-explosion.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113754/radical-reform-could-stave-off-adult-care-cost-explosion.htmlRadical reforms to adult social care could contain spending at close to present levels and reduce health and benefits expenditure, despite the impact of...Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:50:00 GMTNews round up: elderly care costs, vetting scheme, budget cutshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113747/news-round-up-elderly-care-costs-vetting-scheme-budget-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113747/news-round-up-elderly-care-costs-vetting-scheme-budget-cuts.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Iain Duncan Smith warns of elderly care costs for public finances; McKellen speaks out against vetting scheme; Union: 3000 jobs will go with cuts from council budgetsMon, 08 Feb 2010 09:55:00 GMTLord Warner calls for inquiry into assisted dying lawhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/04/113730/lord-warner-calls-for-inquiry-into-assisted-dying-law.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/04/113730/lord-warner-calls-for-inquiry-into-assisted-dying-law.htmlFormer health minister Lord Warner has called for the government to set up an independent inquiry into the law on assisted suicide legislation, to clear...Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:30:00 GMTDementia strategy in action in Croydonhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/04/113729/dementia-strategy-in-action-in-croydon.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/04/113729/dementia-strategy-in-action-in-croydon.htmlThe national dementia strategy is one year old but a key study has found progress is slow. Vern Pitt visited Croydon - which has long been held up as a leader in dementia care - to ask professionals and carers about how the strategy's objectives and the challenges posed by the condition are being tackled Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:52:00 GMTGeoff Ettridge on local authority cuts via the back doorhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/04/113728/geoff-ettridge-on-local-authority-cuts-via-the-back-door.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/04/113728/geoff-ettridge-on-local-authority-cuts-via-the-back-door.htmlGeoff Ettridge pinpoints practices used by councils to cut costs by hidden means, practices which can cross the border into dishonesty and run counter to principles of local democracy Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:45:00 GMTCQC: Councils to face tougher test but no rating in 2010-11http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/113713/cqc-councils-to-face-tougher-test-but-no-rating-in-2010-11.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/113713/cqc-councils-to-face-tougher-test-but-no-rating-in-2010-11.htmlEnglish councils would face a tougher assessment of performance but no overall rating in 2010-11, if consultative plans issued by the Care Quality Commission yesterday come to fruition.Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:17:00 GMTAlzheimer's Research Trust: Dementia impact higher than everhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/113712/alzheimers-research-trust-dementia-impact-higher-than-ever.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/113712/alzheimers-research-trust-dementia-impact-higher-than-ever.htmlDementia costs the UK economy £23bn a year and affects 820,000 people, according to research out today which found that the impact of the disease was far higher than previously thought and that research funding was far too low.Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:06:00 GMTLabour peer warns Gordon Brown over fate of free care bill http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/01/113694/labour-peer-warns-gordon-brown-over-fate-of-free-care-bill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/01/113694/labour-peer-warns-gordon-brown-over-fate-of-free-care-bill.htmlFormer health minister Lord Warner has warned prime minister Gordon Brown that he "will have a shock" if he believes key social care legislation will pass smoothly through the House of Lords.Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:07:00 GMTAdass: DH has 'significantly underestimated' free care costhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/30/113683/adass-dh-has-significantly-underestimated-free-care-cost.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/30/113683/adass-dh-has-significantly-underestimated-free-care-cost.htmlAccording to Jenny Owen and the Association of Directors of Adult Services, the cost of providing free personal care could be double what the government estimates.Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:02:00 GMTMSPs to debate bill on opening men-only care home to womenhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113682/msps-to-debate-bill-on-opening-men-only-care-home-to-women.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113682/msps-to-debate-bill-on-opening-men-only-care-home-to-women.html A care home for men with drink-related mental health problems is to expand its services to women for the first time in its 150-year history - through...Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:40:00 GMTCharities tell peers to back Personal Care at Home Billhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113680/charities-tell-peers-to-back-personal-care-at-home-bill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113680/charities-tell-peers-to-back-personal-care-at-home-bill.htmlA coalition of charities has urged peers to back government legislation to provide free personal care at home for people with high needs, when it enters the House of Lords next week.Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:33:00 GMTOlder people: Early intervention schemes lead to better healthhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113673/older-people-early-intervention-schemes-lead-to-better-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113673/older-people-early-intervention-schemes-lead-to-better-health.htmlSave money and improve lives? The NHS and councils' early intervention scheme has, reports Jeremy Dunning Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:12:00 GMTLGA: Councils should control primary healthhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113668/lga-councils-should-control-primary-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113668/lga-councils-should-control-primary-health.html Councils should have greater control over the running of health services, the Local Government Association said today. In a consultative document,...Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:01:00 GMTHertfordshire falls unit helps avoid unnecessary A&E call outshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/28/113667/hertfordshire-falls-unit-helps-avoid-unnecessary-ae-call-outs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/28/113667/hertfordshire-falls-unit-helps-avoid-unnecessary-ae-call-outs.htmlSocial worker involvement with emergency services can avoid trips to A&E, a Hertfordshire pilot has found. Julie Griffiths reports Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:19:00 GMTHelp the Aged and Age Concern attacks ageism ban exemptionshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/28/113664/help-the-aged-and-age-concern-attacks-ageism-ban-exemptions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/28/113664/help-the-aged-and-age-concern-attacks-ageism-ban-exemptions.htmlAge Concern and Help the Aged has criticised government proposals to allow exemptions from the ban on age discrimination for health and social care under...Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:01:00 GMTSocial enterprise urges online markets for social carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/28/113647/social-enterprise-urges-online-markets-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/28/113647/social-enterprise-urges-online-markets-for-social-care.htmlThe government and Care Quality Commission have been urged to help create online marketplaces where care users and providers can trade directly with each other, as part of the personalisation agenda.Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:27:00 GMTJRF pilots equity release scheme for cash poor homeownershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/28/113651/jrf-pilots-equity-release-scheme-for-cash-poor-homeowners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/28/113651/jrf-pilots-equity-release-scheme-for-cash-poor-homeowners.htmlOlder homeowners on benefits have long shunned equity release schemes but a project is helping them tap their housing wealth to boost their independence, writes Jeremy DunningThu, 28 Jan 2010 00:01:00 GMTStephen Burke: Free care bill must be start of radical reformshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/27/113658/stephen-burke-free-care-bill-must-be-start-of-radical-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/27/113658/stephen-burke-free-care-bill-must-be-start-of-radical-reforms.htmlLegislation to introduce free personal care at home for people with acute needs must be the start of a radical reform of the...Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:39:00 GMTNHS chief answers criticisms over lack of priority for dementiahttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113654/nhs-chief-answers-criticisms-over-lack-of-priority-for-dementia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113654/nhs-chief-answers-criticisms-over-lack-of-priority-for-dementia.htmlNHS chief executive David Nicholson has answered criticisms over the government's failure to make dementia a priority for the health service. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:45:00 GMTWales legislates to improve information for carershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113656/wales-legislates-to-improve-information-for-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113656/wales-legislates-to-improve-information-for-carers.htmlThe Welsh government has introduced legislation to improve the lives of carers through improved information. The proposed Carers Strategies (Wales) Measure would place duties on the NHS and local authorities in Wales to work together to provide information for carers and consult them on services that they or the people they care for receive.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:45:00 GMTMandatory adult safeguarding boards on the cardshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113646/mandatory-adult-safeguarding-boards-on-the-cards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113646/mandatory-adult-safeguarding-boards-on-the-cards.htmlThe government last week announced plans to make multi-agency adult safeguarding boards mandatory by putting them on a statutory footing.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:55:00 GMTProfessor to lead national dementia strategy implementationhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113633/professor-to-lead-national-dementia-strategy-implementation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113633/professor-to-lead-national-dementia-strategy-implementation.htmlAn academic and old age psychiatrist has been appointed to lead the implementation of the Department of Health's national dementia strategy for England.Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:25:00 GMTCambridgeshire plans £3.8m cuts in adult carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/22/113631/cambridgeshire-plans-3.8m-cuts-in-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/22/113631/cambridgeshire-plans-3.8m-cuts-in-adult-care.htmlCambridgeshire Council could be set to cut its budget for adult social care by £3.8m. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:56:00 GMTPersonalisation lead: Councils must urge providers to innovatehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/22/113626/personalisation-lead-councils-must-urge-providers-to-innovate.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/22/113626/personalisation-lead-councils-must-urge-providers-to-innovate.html Councils must encourage adult care providers to develop innovative services, rather than see providers as recipients of contracts, as part of a cultural...Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:57:00 GMTYour guide to: meeting minimum standards set by the CQChttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/21/113610/your-guide-to-meeting-minimum-standards-set-by-the-cqc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/21/113610/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 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:38:00 GMTYork Council proposes care cuts and increased chargeshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113608/york-council-proposes-care-cuts-and-increased-charges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113608/york-council-proposes-care-cuts-and-increased-charges.htmlOlder and disabled people in York are facing cuts to respite care services and increased charges as the council tries to claw back a projected overspend of £1.1m in adult social care.Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:22:00 GMTNews round up: grandparents' rights, unemployment, smackinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113598/news-round-up-grandparents-rights-unemployment-smacking.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113598/news-round-up-grandparents-rights-unemployment-smacking.htmlHeadlines in today’s papers include:- Unemployment could hit 2.5m today; Balls orders urgent inquiry into smacking of children; Families face years of pain, says Bank; Grandparents get easier route to see children in family splitsWed, 20 Jan 2010 09:38:00 GMTPhil Hope announces extra protection for vulnerable adultshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113592/phil-hope-announces-extra-protection-for-vulnerable-adults.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113592/phil-hope-announces-extra-protection-for-vulnerable-adults.htmlSafeguarding adults boards are to be put on a statutory footing and will be made mandatory for all English local authorities under proposals announced by care minster Phil Hope today.Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:26:00 GMTAndy Burnham: DH cannot force NHS to invest in prevention http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113588/andy-burnham-dh-cannot-force-nhs-to-invest-in-prevention.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113588/andy-burnham-dh-cannot-force-nhs-to-invest-in-prevention.htmlThe Department of Health will not direct NHS commissioners to invest in preventive services for older people, despite an evaluation of a DH early intervention programme showing it both saved money and improved quality of life.Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:42:00 GMTOlder people: Housing 21 urges action to lift benefit take-uphttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/18/113575/older-people-housing-21-urges-action-to-lift-benefit-take-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/18/113575/older-people-housing-21-urges-action-to-lift-benefit-take-up.htmlThe government has done little to improve take-up of benefits among pensioners in the past six years and should refocus its efforts to reduce poverty, according to a report published today by Housing 21.Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:00:00 GMTTories attack £400,000 research spend on care green paperhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113578/tories-attack-400000-research-spend-on-care-green-paper.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113578/tories-attack-400000-research-spend-on-care-green-paper.htmlShadow health minister Stephen O'Brien has slammed the government for paying over £400,000 in research costs for last year's adult care green paper without publishing the full results.Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:31:00 GMTCare Provider Alliance slams Celebrity Big Brotherhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113577/care-provider-alliance-slams-celebrity-big-brother.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113577/care-provider-alliance-slams-celebrity-big-brother.htmlThe Care Provider Alliance has blasted Channel 4 for the alleged negative portrayal of care homes and older people on Celebrity Big Brother this week.Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:19:00 GMTScottish Parliament slams UK government over care green paperhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113572/scottish-parliament-slams-uk-government-over-care-green-paper.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113572/scottish-parliament-slams-uk-government-over-care-green-paper.htmlThe Scottish Parliament has attacked the UK government for failing to consider the impact of its adult green paper on vulnerable pensioners in Scotland. Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:20:00 GMTNews round-up: loan sharks; Tories want more disabled MPs; family spending fallshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113559/news-round-up-loan-sharks-tories-want-more-disabled-mps-family-spending-falls.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113559/news-round-up-loan-sharks-tories-want-more-disabled-mps-family-spending-falls.htmlThousands of households have taken out loans with interest rates averaging 825% during "the worst Christmas in a generation" for illegal doorstep lending, according to a new report. Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:01:00 GMTKing's Fund chief savages Personal Care at Home Bill http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113558/kings-fund-chief-savages-personal-care-at-home-bill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113558/kings-fund-chief-savages-personal-care-at-home-bill.htmlGovernment plans to provide free personal care at home for users with high needs have "thrown into reverse" its efforts to persuade the public of the need to contribute to their future care costs.Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:01:00 GMTPCTs 'must be required to deliver on dementia strategy'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113557/pcts-must-be-required-to-deliver-on-dementia-strategy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113557/pcts-must-be-required-to-deliver-on-dementia-strategy.htmlPrimary care trusts should be required to deliver on the government's national dementia strategy, sector leaders said today, after a critical National Audit Office report found the strategy was at risk of failure.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:50:00 GMTLord Lipsey: Personal care bill faces rough ride in Lordshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113548/lord-lipsey-personal-care-bill-faces-rough-ride-in-lords.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113548/lord-lipsey-personal-care-bill-faces-rough-ride-in-lords.htmlLabour peer Lord Lipsey has predicted that the Personal Care at Home Bill will face a "rough ride" as it progresses through the House of Lords.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:31:00 GMTNational dementia strategy at risk of failure, says NAOhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113542/national-dementia-strategy-at-risk-of-failure-says-nao.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113542/national-dementia-strategy-at-risk-of-failure-says-nao.htmlThe government's national dementia strategy for England is at risk of failure because of a lack of leadership and mechanisms to deliver on change, a National Audit Office report warned today.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:27:00 GMTTories slam government over free care legislationhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113541/tories-slam-government-over-free-care-legislation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113541/tories-slam-government-over-free-care-legislation.htmlGovernment legislation to provide free personal care at home for people with high needs will only benefit a small minority of service users and "put a spanner"...Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:13:00 GMTJRF: UK governments fail to learn from each other on social carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113543/jrf-uk-governments-fail-to-learn-from-each-other-on-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113543/jrf-uk-governments-fail-to-learn-from-each-other-on-social-care.html Governments across the UK have done little to learn from each others approaches to adult social care since devolution, a Joseph...Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:57:00 GMTNews round up: Louise Casey; Pensioner deaths; Cutshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113536/news-round-up-louise-casey-pensioner-deaths-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113536/news-round-up-louise-casey-pensioner-deaths-cuts.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Public service cuts to target middle classes; It's none of your business: What Age Concern told neighbour who phoned fearing for older couple later found dead in their home; 'Problem' families should be put into care, says crime adviserWed, 13 Jan 2010 09:22:00 GMTPersonal Care at Home Bill passes through Commonshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113535/personal-care-at-home-bill-passes-through-commons.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113535/personal-care-at-home-bill-passes-through-commons.htmlLegislation to introduce free personal care at home for people with high-level needs in England passed through the House of Commons last night.Wed, 13 Jan 2010 09:01:00 GMTSCR into deaths of Northants couple in freezing homehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/12/113532/scr-into-deaths-of-northants-couple-in-freezing-home.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/12/113532/scr-into-deaths-of-northants-couple-in-freezing-home.html Northamptonshire's safeguarding adults board is to conduct a serious case review into the death of an older couple found dead in their freezing home last...Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:32:00 GMTNorthants backs SCR into death of older couple in freezehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/12/113530/northants-backs-scr-into-death-of-older-couple-in-freeze.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/12/113530/northants-backs-scr-into-death-of-older-couple-in-freeze.htmlNorthamptonshire Council has voiced support for a serious case review into the deaths of an older couple who were found dead in their freezing home last Thursday.Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:45:00 GMTNews round up: Parky; Bridgend suicides; Cold deaths probehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/12/113528/news-round-up-parky-bridgend-suicides-cold-deaths-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/12/113528/news-round-up-parky-bridgend-suicides-cold-deaths-probe.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Michael Parkinson says care of elderly downright unacceptable; Pensioners found dead in their own home at peak of UK's Big Freeze spark inquiry; Bridgend: Double hanging in town rocked by young suicidesTue, 12 Jan 2010 09:03:00 GMTEnd-of-life care 'must become election priority'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/11/113524/end-of-life-care-must-become-election-priority.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/11/113524/end-of-life-care-must-become-election-priority.htmlThe National Council for Palliative Care (NCPC) today called on all political parties to make funding end-of-life care a priority in the next parliament or risk a service crisis.Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:15:00 GMTSue Collins: long term care champion moves onhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113514/sue-collins-long-term-care-champion-moves-on.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113514/sue-collins-long-term-care-champion-moves-on.htmlSue Collins left a strong legacy at Joseph Rowntree Foundation with a policy for long-term care funding that is informing government thinking. Now at charity WRVS, she spoke to Jeremy Dunning Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:53:00 GMTSecuring useful social work placementshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113513/securing-useful-social-work-placements.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113513/securing-useful-social-work-placements.htmlMany social work students who are lucky enough to find a placement still end up feeling ill-prepared for the workplace. Amy Taylor examines efforts to involve employers in improving the quality of training Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:31:00 GMTNews round up 8 January 2010http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113508/news-round-up-8-january-2010.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113508/news-round-up-8-january-2010.html ‘Unless we sound the alarm, what little we have will disappear’ Councils across the country are already facing tough decisions as the pressure on budgets takes its toll, even before the arrival of the Personal Care at Home Bill. In Liverpool, children’s services are reported to be the first victims of the proposed £11m budget cuts. Grants for disadvantaged households are due to be scrapped, and a children’s respite home is threatened with closure. Read more on this story in The Times Plans for elderly care put essential services ‘at risk’ Frontline services such as social work, meals on wheels and road maintenance may have to be cut to cover the cost of controversial plans for elderly care at home, local authority leaders have warned. The £670 million required to provide free care for those most in need in their own homes — a key government policy — will add pressure to councils already trying to find multimillion-pound savings. A rise in council tax of between...Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:28:00 GMTBurnham pledges care funding white paper before electionhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113502/burnham-pledges-care-funding-white-paper-before-election.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113502/burnham-pledges-care-funding-white-paper-before-election.htmlThe government still intends to produce a white paper on adult care funding reform before the next general election to ensure it becomes a "top order issue" on polling day, health secretary Andy Burnham said yesterday.Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:16:00 GMTSocial care staff pull out stops to deliver services in snowhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113497/social-care-staff-pull-out-stops-to-deliver-services-in-snow.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113497/social-care-staff-pull-out-stops-to-deliver-services-in-snow.htmlSocial care staff from across the UK have been pulling out the stops to ensure vulnerable service users receive vital support during the current cold weather. Picture credit: Rex FeaturesThu, 07 Jan 2010 11:49:00 GMTNews round up: Gary McKinnon; vetting and barring; cutshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113492/news-round-up-gary-mckinnon-vetting-and-barring-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113492/news-round-up-gary-mckinnon-vetting-and-barring-cuts.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Abusers could slip through, admits vetting scheme boss; Extradition of Gary McKinnon 'breaches Bill of Rights'; The Saga manifesto: Over-50s tell party leaders what they want from the governmentThu, 07 Jan 2010 08:23:00 GMTAdult care services across country hit by heavy snowfallhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113487/adult-care-services-across-country-hit-by-heavy-snowfall.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113487/adult-care-services-across-country-hit-by-heavy-snowfall.htmlSocial care services have been hit today as a result of heavy snow, though councils are taking steps to ensure vulnerable adults receive enough suppport.Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:09:00 GMTSnow: Mountain rescue helps deliver home care in Cumbriahttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113488/snow-mountain-rescue-helps-deliver-home-care-in-cumbria.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113488/snow-mountain-rescue-helps-deliver-home-care-in-cumbria.htmlMountain rescue teams in Cumbria have been shuttling care staff to homes in remote areas and, in some cases, transporting food and medication to ensure home care visits continue despite the snow.Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:06:00 GMTHampshire closes day centres in face of heavy snowhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113483/hampshire-closes-day-centres-in-face-of-heavy-snow.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113483/hampshire-closes-day-centres-in-face-of-heavy-snow.htmlHampshire Council has closed its 22 day centres for older people, people with learning disabilities and those with physical disabilities because of the heavy snow.Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:30:00 GMTNews round up: outcry over feeding tubes, penniless Gurkhashttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113480/news-round-up-outcry-over-feeding-tubes-penniless-gurkhas.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113480/news-round-up-outcry-over-feeding-tubes-penniless-gurkhas.html Care homes forcing elderly to have feeding tubes fitted Thousands of elderly people are being forced to have tubes fitted so they can be artificially fed if they want to be admitted to a care home, a major report warns today. Read more on this story in The Guardian Mother 'injected brain-damaged son with fatal dose of heroin to end misery' A mother injected her brain-damaged son with a fatal dose of heroin while out on bail for a previous attempt at "ending his misery", a court heard. Read more on this story in The Daily Telegraph Penniless Gurkhas turn to UK charity after Joanna Lumley campaign Military charities are being swamped by penniless Gurkhas and their families arriving at Heathrow to settle in Britain after the campaign last year to allow them to live in this country. Read more on this story in The Times Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:49:00 GMTMPs say care fees put unfair burden on dementia sufferershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/05/113473/mps-say-care-fees-put-unfair-burden-on-dementia-sufferers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/05/113473/mps-say-care-fees-put-unfair-burden-on-dementia-sufferers.htmlTwo-thirds of MPs feel charges for personal care services place an unfair burden on people with dementia, an Alzheimer's Society survey revealed this week.Tue, 05 Jan 2010 07:57:00 GMTLabour: Tory spending plans have £34bn black holehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/04/113471/labour-tory-spending-plans-have-34bn-black-hole.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/04/113471/labour-tory-spending-plans-have-34bn-black-hole.htmlLabour today accused the Conservatives of having a £34bn hole in their spending plans as the Tories outlined their election platform for health and social care.Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:29:00 GMTNews round up: Public spending; Brian Moore abuse; Recessionhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/04/113469/news-round-up-public-spending-brian-moore-abuse-recession.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/04/113469/news-round-up-public-spending-brian-moore-abuse-recession.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Brown insists big cuts are not inevitable; Recession will lead to 'lost generation' of young people; Why I told about my abuse, by England rugby star Brian MooreMon, 04 Jan 2010 10:28:00 GMTDecade of social carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/22/113463/decade-of-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/22/113463/decade-of-social-care.htmlSome of the key policy movements that have defined the past 10 years in social work Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:05:00 GMTDoubts over revised adult services eligibility guidancehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/21/113466/doubts-over-revised-adult-services-eligibility-guidance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/21/113466/doubts-over-revised-adult-services-eligibility-guidance.htmlConcerns have been raised about Department of Health plans to revise the system for determining eligibility for adult social care.Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:16:00 GMTBid for Care UK from private equity firmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/17/113446/bid-for-care-uk-from-private-equity-firm.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/17/113446/bid-for-care-uk-from-private-equity-firm.htmlHealth and care group Care UK has confirmed it has received an offer from private equity investor Bridgepoint Capital.Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:01:00 GMTAndrew Lansley criticises free personal care billhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/15/113426/andrew-lansley-criticises-free-personal-care-bill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/15/113426/andrew-lansley-criticises-free-personal-care-bill.htmlShadow health secretary Andrew Lansley has described the free personal care bill as being under-costed and underfunded as it received its second reading last night.Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:54:00 GMTResidential care cuts will damage services, say expertshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/10/113410/residential-care-cuts-will-damage-services-say-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/10/113410/residential-care-cuts-will-damage-services-say-experts.htmlThe pre-budget report announcement that residential care will need to save £250m by 2013 could damage services, social care experts have warned.Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:56:00 GMTGovernment tells PCTs to work more closely with social carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/10/113409/government-tells-pcts-to-work-more-closely-with-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/10/113409/government-tells-pcts-to-work-more-closely-with-social-care.htmlHealth services will become much more involved in social care, under plans announced by the Department of Health today. Picture: Rex FeaturesThu, 10 Dec 2009 12:54:00 GMTAgency social worker jailed for burglary in Wiganhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113401/agency-social-worker-jailed-for-burglary-in-wigan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113401/agency-social-worker-jailed-for-burglary-in-wigan.htmlA social worker who stole furniture and cash from the home of a pensioner while she was in respite care has been jailed for four years.Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:46:00 GMTNews round up: Haringey social services; Whitehall cuts; Oneplacehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113396/news-round-up-haringey-social-services-whitehall-cuts-oneplace.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113396/news-round-up-haringey-social-services-whitehall-cuts-oneplace.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Haringey social services still 'poor', says Ofsted a year after Baby P; Chancellor warns Whitehall of ‘real cuts’; Councils named and shamed by online audit of public services from bins to jails; Prison ministers accused over action on heroin; Darling is forced to delay pension boost.Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:09:00 GMTGovernment launches 10-year mental health strategyhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/07/113374/government-launches-10-year-mental-health-strategy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/07/113374/government-launches-10-year-mental-health-strategy.htmlA 10-year mental health strategy centring on depression has been launched by the government today. Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:33:00 GMTAdass's Owen attacks CQC over treatment of eight councilshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/04/113366/adasss-owen-attacks-cqc-over-treatment-of-eight-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/04/113366/adasss-owen-attacks-cqc-over-treatment-of-eight-councils.htmlThe Association of Directors of Adult Social Services' president has lambasted the Care Quality Commission over its treatment of the eight councils rated 'adequate' in this year's annual performance assessment. Jenny Owen said most of the eight did not know that they were going to be categorised as "priority for improvement" following yesterday's assessment until Owen informed them earlier this week. Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:30:00 GMTCarers Rights Day: Third of carers put in 50 hours a weekhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/04/113363/carers-rights-day-third-of-carers-put-in-50-hours-a-week.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/04/113363/carers-rights-day-third-of-carers-put-in-50-hours-a-week.htmlAlmost one in three carers are caring for a loved-one for over 50 hours a week while 9% had given up work and 7% reduced their hours, a survey has found.Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:01:00 GMTEdinburgh care contracts suspended pending inquiryhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113362/edinburgh-care-contracts-suspended-pending-inquiry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113362/edinburgh-care-contracts-suspended-pending-inquiry.htmlEdinburgh Council's controversial retendering of its adult care services will be shelved pending an independent investigation of the process, the authority has announced.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:30:00 GMTCQC ratings: Reactions from the sectorhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113333/cqc-ratings-reactions-from-the-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113333/cqc-ratings-reactions-from-the-sector.htmlThe Care Quality Commission published its annual performance assessment of local authority adult social care today, along with a report looking at how care providers are doing against CQC's quality ratings system and the national minimum standards. Here are some of the reactions from sector bodies.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:23:00 GMTHackney's leisure facilities for older people draw praisehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113358/hackneys-leisure-facilities-for-older-people-draw-praise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113358/hackneys-leisure-facilities-for-older-people-draw-praise.htmlHackney's concerted effort to improve leisure activities for its ethnically diverse older people's population has been recognised by the Care Quality Commission. By Sally Gillen Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:17:00 GMTEight councils face CQC scrutiny after adequate ratinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113354/eight-councils-face-cqc-scrutiny-after-adequate-rating.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113354/eight-councils-face-cqc-scrutiny-after-adequate-rating.htmlEight councils will face added scrutiny from the Care Quality Commission over the coming year after receiving an adequate rating in this year's annual performance assessment.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:23:00 GMTSouthwark lambasts CQC ratings after downgradehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113347/southwark-lambasts-cqc-ratings-after-downgrade.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113347/southwark-lambasts-cqc-ratings-after-downgrade.htmlSouthwark Council has demanded an urgent parliamentary review of the Care Quality Commission after the regulator downgraded the London borough from 'excellent' to 'adequate' in this year's annual performance assessment.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:18:00 GMTCQC: Councils improve for seventh year running in adult carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113342/cqc-councils-improve-for-seventh-year-running-in-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113342/cqc-councils-improve-for-seventh-year-running-in-adult-care.htmlCouncils improved their overall performance in adult social care for the seventh successive year in 2008-9 despite facing a tougher assessment process, the Care Quality Commission (chief executive Cynthia Bower, pictured) said today.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:50:00 GMTNews round up: Care ratings; hate crime probe; poverty up; child protection rowhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113343/news-round-up-care-ratings-hate-crime-probe-poverty-up-child-protection-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113343/news-round-up-care-ratings-hate-crime-probe-poverty-up-child-protection-row.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Nearly 4,000 adult social services criticised over level of care provided; Boy, two, is snatched by social workers after refusing doctor's advice to feed him junk food; Action on disability hate crimesThu, 03 Dec 2009 08:25:00 GMTCare provider ratings on the up but CQC warns poorer serviceshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113341/care-provider-ratings-on-the-up-but-cqc-warns-poorer-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113341/care-provider-ratings-on-the-up-but-cqc-warns-poorer-services.htmlThe quality of adult care providers across England improved from 2008-9 however the Care Quality Commission has warned under-performing services to improve urgently.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:16:00 GMTAge discrimination review and the Equality Billhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113338/age-discrimination-review-and-the-equality-bill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113338/age-discrimination-review-and-the-equality-bill.htmlFormer Association of Directors of Adult Social Services head John Dixon explains how a review of age discrimination in health and care has informed the Equality BillWed, 02 Dec 2009 14:04:00 GMTNews round up: Shoesmith trial; care workers; social work taskforcehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113332/news-round-up-shoesmith-trial-care-workers-social-work-taskforce.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113332/news-round-up-shoesmith-trial-care-workers-social-work-taskforce.htmlBaby P emails: judge demands explanation from Ofsted Newly disclosed court documents suggest Ofsted inspectors who wrote a damning report on Haringey children's services were ordered to delete emails relating to Baby Peter and the council, a high court judge disclosed today. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:22:00 GMTTaskforce calls for media drive to boost image of social workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113310/taskforce-calls-for-media-drive-to-boost-image-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113310/taskforce-calls-for-media-drive-to-boost-image-of-social-work.htmlThe Social Work Task Force has called on the sector to launch media campaigns to improve public understanding and highlight the importance of the social work role. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:10:00 GMTWelsh social services directors told to boost joint workinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113330/welsh-social-services-directors-told-to-boost-joint-working.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113330/welsh-social-services-directors-told-to-boost-joint-working.htmlWelsh social services directors have been challenged to improve collaboration both between councils and with health partners by Welsh deputy minister for social services Gwenda Thomas.Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:59:00 GMTCare homes 'lack access to specialist doctors'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113329/care-homes-lack-access-to-specialist-doctors.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113329/care-homes-lack-access-to-specialist-doctors.htmlCare homes residents are missing out on access to specialist care from older people's doctors despite guidance backing their use, according to research published today.Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:01:00 GMTMinisters back taskforce plan to overhaul social workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113307/ministers-back-taskforce-plan-to-overhaul-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113307/ministers-back-taskforce-plan-to-overhaul-social-work.htmlSocial workers will gain a stronger collective voice through the first ever national college for the profession, after the government accepted all of the recommendations in a 10-year reform programme proposed by the Social Work Task Force today.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:20:00 GMTADCS and Adass: Social Work Task Force plan must be resourcedhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113309/adcs-and-adass-social-work-task-force-plan-must-be-resourced.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113309/adcs-and-adass-social-work-task-force-plan-must-be-resourced.htmlFunding the Social Work Task Force's reforms will not be possible from current budgets the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (Adass) have warned.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:50:00 GMTSocial work Task Force: Career progression and developmenthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113315/social-work-task-force-career-progression-and-development.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113315/social-work-task-force-career-progression-and-development.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on continuing professional development.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:37:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force: Initial traininghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113318/social-work-task-force-initial-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113318/social-work-task-force-initial-training.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on initial training.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:35:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force: Employer support for practitionershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113317/social-work-task-force-employer-support-for-practitioners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113317/social-work-task-force-employer-support-for-practitioners.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on employer support for social workers, supervision and workload management.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:34:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force: Payhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113311/social-work-task-force-pay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113311/social-work-task-force-pay.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on pay.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:32:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force: Past reviews of the professionhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113312/social-work-task-force-past-reviews-of-the-profession.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113312/social-work-task-force-past-reviews-of-the-profession.htmlThe social work profession has been subject to many wide-ranging reviews over the past 40 years but, after landing on ministers' desks, they do not always have the impact on policy intended by the reports' authors. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:31:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force: How would a licence to practise work?http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113308/social-work-task-force-how-would-a-licence-to-practise-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113308/social-work-task-force-how-would-a-licence-to-practise-work.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's to require social workers to obtain a licence to practise, drawing on experience from the medical profession.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:29:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force: Workforce planninghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113313/social-work-task-force-workforce-planning.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113313/social-work-task-force-workforce-planning.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on workforce planning.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:28:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force: National college of social workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113314/social-work-task-force-national-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113314/social-work-task-force-national-college-of-social-work.htmlBackground on Social Work Task Force's proposal to create a national college of social work.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:26:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force timelinehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113319/social-work-task-force-timeline.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113319/social-work-task-force-timeline.htmlTimeline of key events leading up to the final report of the Social Work Task Force.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:24:00 GMTHow senior managers think the recession will affect social serviceshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/30/113285/how-senior-managers-think-the-recession-will-affect-social-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/30/113285/how-senior-managers-think-the-recession-will-affect-social-services.htmlCouncil leaders and the YJB's chief reveal where pressure is building and how they plan to cope with impending cutsMon, 30 Nov 2009 17:57:00 GMTScope urges national audit of adults with communication needshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/30/113296/scope-urges-national-audit-of-adults-with-communication-needs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/30/113296/scope-urges-national-audit-of-adults-with-communication-needs.htmlDisabilty charity Scope has called for a national audit of adults with communication needs, as part of moves to tackle significant gaps in services. The...Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:48:00 GMTEnablement could help adult care through downturnhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/30/113281/enablement-could-help-adult-care-through-downturn.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/30/113281/enablement-could-help-adult-care-through-downturn.htmlWith cuts looming over adult care budgets, Geoff Ettridge ponders how enablement programmes to help service users retain independence can help councils manage budgets.Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:56:00 GMTScots reiterate commitment to free personal carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/27/113291/scots-reiterate-commitment-to-free-personal-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/27/113291/scots-reiterate-commitment-to-free-personal-care.htmlThe Scottish government today (Friday) insisted it remained committed to free personal care for its elderly population but has indicated it is in talks...Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:53:00 GMTCost of free personal care higher than claimed, say councilshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/27/113278/cost-of-free-personal-care-higher-than-claimed-say-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/27/113278/cost-of-free-personal-care-higher-than-claimed-say-councils.htmlExperts have warned that the government's Personal Care at Home Bill will make care assessments more complicated and stretch council budgets.Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:30:00 GMTProven Practice: Minimising the use of restraint in care homes for elderly peoplehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/26/113269/proven-practice-minimising-the-use-of-restraint-in-care-homes-for-elderly-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/26/113269/proven-practice-minimising-the-use-of-restraint-in-care-homes-for-elderly-people.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence explains how a thorough knowledge of residents' needs, multi-agency partnerships, and good record-keeping can reduce the need for restraint of residents in care homes Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:18:00 GMTFree personal care: elderly people want eligibility answershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/26/113265/free-personal-care-elderly-people-want-eligibility-answers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/26/113265/free-personal-care-elderly-people-want-eligibility-answers.htmlService user groups have raised doubts over the numbers of people who would be covered under the government's free personal care pledge. As reported...Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:10:00 GMTFree home care plan to exclude some with critical needshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/26/113255/free-home-care-plan-to-exclude-some-with-critical-needs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/26/113255/free-home-care-plan-to-exclude-some-with-critical-needs.htmlNot everyone with critical care needs would receive free personal care at home under the government's Personal Care at Home Bill, published today. (Picture from Alamy)Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:26:00 GMTDH denies dementia research at risk from free carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113254/dh-denies-dementia-research-at-risk-from-free-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113254/dh-denies-dementia-research-at-risk-from-free-care.htmlThe Department of Health has denied claims that cancer and dementia research will be at risk because of its commitment to provide free personal care at home for people with high needs.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:48:00 GMTFree personal care bill published todayhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113250/free-personal-care-bill-published-today.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113250/free-personal-care-bill-published-today.htmlLegislation to introduce free personal care at home for people with critical needs will be published at 12.30pm today.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:09:00 GMTNews round up: Care bill; child death probe; domestic violencehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113246/news-round-up-care-bill-child-death-probe-domestic-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113246/news-round-up-care-bill-child-death-probe-domestic-violence.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Cancer research at risk in scramble for care funds; Domestic violence victims need targeted support; Fuel bills blamed for 50% rise in deaths; MPs back calls to scrap short prison terms for young adultsWed, 25 Nov 2009 10:01:00 GMTAdult protection: DH 'still considering legislation'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113244/adult-protection-dh-still-considering-legislation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113244/adult-protection-dh-still-considering-legislation.htmlThe Department of Health has sought to reassure adult protection campaigners that it is taking seriously the case for legislation on safeguarding vulnerable adults.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:02:00 GMTExcess winter deaths soarhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113239/excess-winter-deaths-soar.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113239/excess-winter-deaths-soar.htmlExcess winter deaths reached their highest levels for nearly 10 years and rose by almost 50% on 2007-8 levels, National Statistics figures published today revealed.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:17:00 GMTDH consults on ageism ban in health and social carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113237/dh-consults-on-ageism-ban-in-health-and-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113237/dh-consults-on-ageism-ban-in-health-and-social-care.htmlThe Department of Health has launched a consultation on implementing the ban on age discrimination in health and social care.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:58:00 GMTCare homes v care at home? Council spending patterns reveal the cost equation is not clear cuthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/23/113210/care-homes-v-care-at-home-council-spending-patterns-reveal-the-cost-equation-is-not-clear-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/23/113210/care-homes-v-care-at-home-council-spending-patterns-reveal-the-cost-equation-is-not-clear-cut.htmlCouncils are being encouraged to direct spending into care in people's own homes as opposed to residential care, partly on the premise that it would be cheaper Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:58:00 GMTNews round-up: Ofsted failures and child death threatshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/23/113219/news-round-up-ofsted-failures-and-child-death-threats.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/23/113219/news-round-up-ofsted-failures-and-child-death-threats.htmlOther headlines in today's papers:- Teenagers risk kidney failure in drug craze; Row over plans to provide free marriage guidance counselling on NHS and Assisted suicide proposals ‘unacceptable in a civilised society’ – Roman Catholic bishopsMon, 23 Nov 2009 09:33:00 GMTNews round-up: Ofsted failures and child death threatshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/23/113221/news-round-up-ofsted-failures-and-child-death-threats.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/23/113221/news-round-up-ofsted-failures-and-child-death-threats.htmlOther headlines in today's papers:- Teenagers risk kidney failure in drug craze; Row over plans to provide free marriage guidance counselling on NHS and Assisted suicide proposals ‘unacceptable in a civilised society’ – Roman Catholic bishopsMon, 23 Nov 2009 09:31:00 GMTFears over training cuts for older and learning disabled peoplehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/20/113218/fears-over-training-cuts-for-older-and-learning-disabled-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/20/113218/fears-over-training-cuts-for-older-and-learning-disabled-people.htmlFears have been raised that people with learning disabilities and older people will lose out on education and training after the government announced cuts to funding for courses not leading to qualifications.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:25:00 GMTDPP: assisted suicide policy no threat to disabled peoplehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/20/113212/dpp-assisted-suicide-policy-no-threat-to-disabled-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/20/113212/dpp-assisted-suicide-policy-no-threat-to-disabled-people.htmlDirector of public prosecutions Keir Starmer has defended his interim policy on prosecutions for assisted suicide against charges it would put vulnerable people, including the disabled, at risk.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:00 GMTLib Dems dismiss Gordon Brown's free personal care proposalshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113198/lib-dems-dismiss-gordon-browns-free-personal-care-proposals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113198/lib-dems-dismiss-gordon-browns-free-personal-care-proposals.htmlThe Liberal Democrats have poured scorn on the government's plans to introduce free personal care at home for those most in need, outlined in the Queen's Speech yesterday.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:54:00 GMTTories launch campaign to protect disability benefitshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113195/tories-launch-campaign-to-protect-disability-benefits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113195/tories-launch-campaign-to-protect-disability-benefits.htmlThe Conservative Party today launched a campaign against government plans to use disability benefits for pensioners to fund increases in adult social care funding.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:14:00 GMTNews round-up: Free care; swine flu; youth unemploymenthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113193/news-round-up-free-care-swine-flu-youth-unemployment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113193/news-round-up-free-care-swine-flu-youth-unemployment.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Gordon Brown's bid to defuse youth unemployment timebomb; Swine flu surge among UK children may lead to intensive care bed shortage; Labour peers savage Brown's free care planThu, 19 Nov 2009 08:18:00 GMTFree care; swine flu; youth unemployment; social enterprisehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113194/free-care-swine-flu-youth-unemployment-social-enterprise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113194/free-care-swine-flu-youth-unemployment-social-enterprise.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Gordon Brown's bid to defuse youth unemployment timebomb; Swine flu surge among UK children may lead to intensive care bed shortage; Labour peers savage Brown's free care planThu, 19 Nov 2009 08:18:00 GMTFree personal care pledge prominent in Queen's Speechhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/18/113189/free-personal-care-pledge-prominent-in-queens-speech.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/18/113189/free-personal-care-pledge-prominent-in-queens-speech.htmlThe government today pledged to provide free personal care at home for people with the highest care needs. Picture by Rex FeaturesWed, 18 Nov 2009 12:28:00 GMTCare UK profits up 25%http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/18/113188/care-uk-profits-up-25.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/18/113188/care-uk-profits-up-25.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Queen's speech 2009: child poverty bill; Facebook 'fails to protect children'; Free care at home for 'all who need it': Brown pledges £670million Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMTNews round up: Care UK profits up 25%http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/18/113187/news-round-up-care-uk-profits-up-25.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/18/113187/news-round-up-care-uk-profits-up-25.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Queen's speech 2009: child poverty bill; Facebook 'fails to protect children'; Free care at home for 'all who need it': Brown pledges £670million Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:59:00 GMTPrincess Royal Trust urges cash credits for carershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/17/113179/princess-royal-trust-urges-cash-credits-for-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/17/113179/princess-royal-trust-urges-cash-credits-for-carers.htmlCarers should receive credits based on the amount of care they provide to help sustain them in their role, according to the Princess Royal Trust for Carers.Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:01:00 GMTNHS heads: Cost constraints may stymie bid to limit antipsychoticshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113175/nhs-heads-cost-constraints-may-stymie-bid-to-limit-antipsychotics.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113175/nhs-heads-cost-constraints-may-stymie-bid-to-limit-antipsychotics.html Cost constraints may dash bid to limit antipsychotics Care services minister rules out government funding to expand mental health teams Government-backed...Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:05:00 GMTSector responds to adult social care green paperhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113159/sector-responds-to-adult-social-care-green-paper.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113159/sector-responds-to-adult-social-care-green-paper.htmlSector bodies today issued their response to the government's green paper on the future funding of adult social care as the consultation ended today.Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:59:00 GMTQueen's Speech to include free care at home legislationhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113168/queens-speech-to-include-free-care-at-home-legislation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113168/queens-speech-to-include-free-care-at-home-legislation.htmlThe government will announce legislation to introduce free personal care at home for people in England with critical care needs in this Wednesday's Queen's Speech, it has been reported.Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:08:00 GMTDementia drugs review: 1800 deaths caused by antipsychoticshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/13/113139/dementia-drugs-review-1800-deaths-caused-by-antipsychotics.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/13/113139/dementia-drugs-review-1800-deaths-caused-by-antipsychotics.htmlEighteen hundred people with dementia are dying each year in the UK as a result of being prescribed antipsychotic drugs, according to a Department...Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:56:00 GMTDementia: DH promises targets to cut use of antipsychotics http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113131/dementia-dh-promises-targets-to-cut-use-of-antipsychotics.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113131/dementia-dh-promises-targets-to-cut-use-of-antipsychotics.htmlThe government has promised to set targets to reduce the use of antipsychotic drugs for people with dementia after a long-awaited review found inappropriate prescriptions were widespread.Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:16:00 GMTEdinburgh plan to switch providers angers service usershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/11/113122/edinburgh-plan-to-switch-providers-angers-service-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/11/113122/edinburgh-plan-to-switch-providers-angers-service-users.htmlDisabled people in Edinburgh are to stage a protest today over the council's plans to change their service providers without giving them immediate access...Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:20:00 GMTPerceived age and disability discrimination rises across EUhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/10/113117/perceived-age-and-disability-discrimination-rises-across-eu.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/10/113117/perceived-age-and-disability-discrimination-rises-across-eu.htmlPerceived levels of age and disability discrimination have risen sharply in the past year across Europe, a European Commission survey has revealed.Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:17:00 GMTPersonalisation pioneer: Brokers not the answer for IB usershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/06/113092/personalisation-pioneer-brokers-not-the-answer-for-ib-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/06/113092/personalisation-pioneer-brokers-not-the-answer-for-ib-users.html Brokers1 (web story) A pioneer of personalisation has issued a strong critique of the idea that individual budget users require a new profession of...Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:37:00 GMTPromoting good practice in residential care homeshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/06/113089/promoting-good-practice-in-residential-care-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/06/113089/promoting-good-practice-in-residential-care-homes.htmlThe My Home Life project has established eight pillars of good practice that it is promoting among care homes. Vern Pitt reports on some of the providers that provided examples Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:34:00 GMTPhil Hope to lead push to increase dementia researchhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/06/113084/phil-hope-to-lead-push-to-increase-dementia-research.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/06/113084/phil-hope-to-lead-push-to-increase-dementia-research.htmlCare services minister Phil Hope is to chair a new ministerial group designed to increase the volume, quality and impact of dementia research.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:50:00 GMTInterview: Melinda Letts, chair of the Parkinson's Disease Societyhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113079/interview-melinda-letts-chair-of-the-parkinsons-disease-society.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113079/interview-melinda-letts-chair-of-the-parkinsons-disease-society.htmlThe new chair of the Parkinson's Disease Society, Melinda Letts, tells Vern Pitt why home life is a permanent reminder of her vocation Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:06:00 GMTCollaborative commissioning: sector leaders gauge the rise of the West London Alliancehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/04/113022/collaborative-commissioning-sector-leaders-gauge-the-rise-of-the-west-london-alliance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/04/113022/collaborative-commissioning-sector-leaders-gauge-the-rise-of-the-west-london-alliance.htmlCare service procurement alliances between neighbouring boroughs undoubtedly please local authority finance chiefs, but are they such a good deal for providers and clients, asks Mark Hunter Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:56:00 GMTLeonard Cheshire: Disabled people denied social carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/04/113057/leonard-cheshire-disabled-people-denied-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/04/113057/leonard-cheshire-disabled-people-denied-social-care.htmlDisabled people are being denied the social care services they need due to poverty, charges and tightening eligibility criteria, Leonard Cheshire Disability has said.Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:06:00 GMTMPs reject return to ring fencing for Supporting Peoplehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/03/113055/mps-reject-return-to-ring-fencing-for-supporting-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/03/113055/mps-reject-return-to-ring-fencing-for-supporting-people.htmlMPs today rejected calls to reinstate the ring fence for Supporting People but warned action must be taken to protect funding for vulnerable people receiving housing-related support.Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:39:00 GMTNews round-up:Boys, 10, held over girl's rape http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113012/news-round-upboys-10-held-over-girls-rape.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113012/news-round-upboys-10-held-over-girls-rape.htmlAlso in today's papers:- Baby's abusers are jailed for life, Tai Chi 'can ease the pain of arthritis', Nursery monster Vanessa George torments families from jail by naming victims in cynical bid to cut her sentenceFri, 30 Oct 2009 09:49:00 GMTCopy of News round-up:Boys, 10, held over girl's rape http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113013/copy-of-news-round-upboys-10-held-over-girls-rape.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113013/copy-of-news-round-upboys-10-held-over-girls-rape.htmlAlso in today's papers:- Baby's abusers are jailed for life, Tai Chi 'can ease the pain of arthritis', Nursery monster Vanessa George torments families from jail by naming victims in cynical bid to cut her sentenceFri, 30 Oct 2009 09:49:00 GMTAction on Elder Abuse raps DH call to cut care home usehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/26/112982/action-on-elder-abuse-raps-dh-call-to-cut-care-home-use.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/26/112982/action-on-elder-abuse-raps-dh-call-to-cut-care-home-use.htmlGovernment guidance for councils to improve efficiency in adult social care by cutting residential care use has been branded as "ignoring reality" by Action on Elder Abuse and the English Community Care Association. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:39:00 GMTDanger of using savings as the sole measure of service changeshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112950/danger-of-using-savings-as-the-sole-measure-of-service-changes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112950/danger-of-using-savings-as-the-sole-measure-of-service-changes.htmlIn these times of cost-cutting, it is essential to realise that service changes are not best measured in financial terms, says Geoff Ettridge Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:27:00 GMTAndrew Lansley: Tories will not scrap attendance allowancehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112947/andrew-lansley-tories-will-not-scrap-attendance-allowance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112947/andrew-lansley-tories-will-not-scrap-attendance-allowance.htmlShadow health secretary Andrew Lansley has pledged to oppose government plans to axe attendance allowance and use the money to fund adult social care.Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:53:00 GMTCounsel and Care says home care charging review is priorityhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112943/counsel-and-care-says-home-care-charging-review-is-priority.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112943/counsel-and-care-says-home-care-charging-review-is-priority.htmlHome care charges should be reviewed as a matter of priority as part of an overhaul of domiciliary services to make them more personalised and responsive to users' needs, charity Counsel and Care and professional body Ceretas said in a report today.Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:48:00 GMTAdass president calls for taskforce for social care staffhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112941/adass-president-calls-for-taskforce-for-social-care-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112941/adass-president-calls-for-taskforce-for-social-care-staff.htmlThe Association of Directors of Adult Social Services' president has today called for a cross-government initiative to give the wider social care workforce the same focus that social work has received through the Social Work Task Force.Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:28:00 GMTPhil Hope admits concerns over attendance allowancehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112937/phil-hope-admits-concerns-over-attendance-allowance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112937/phil-hope-admits-concerns-over-attendance-allowance.htmlSignificant concerns have been raised over government plans to transfer money paid out in attendance allowance to the social care system, care services minister Phil Hope admitted yesterday.Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:26:00 GMTSocial care data service launched to boost performance managementhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112939/social-care-data-service-launched-to-boost-performance-management.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112939/social-care-data-service-launched-to-boost-performance-management.htmlAn adult social care information system designed to boost performance management within local authorities is being formally launched today at the National Children and Adult Services Conference.Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:39:00 GMTNews digest: NHS bans ageismhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112938/news-digest-nhs-bans-ageism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112938/news-digest-nhs-bans-ageism.htmlAgeism in the NHS, which turns elderly patients into second-class citizens, is to be outlawed.Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:32:00 GMTADASS considers lobbying government on tax for carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/21/112928/adass-considers-lobbying-government-on-tax-for-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/21/112928/adass-considers-lobbying-government-on-tax-for-care.htmlSocial services directors are considering telling the government that they were wrong to rule out funding adult social care through increased taxation. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:19:00 GMTPhil Hope: £670m free care pledge is achievablehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/21/112924/phil-hope-670m-free-care-pledge-is-achievable.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/21/112924/phil-hope-670m-free-care-pledge-is-achievable.htmlThe government has insisted that its £670m pledge of free care for people with the most critical care needs is workable and will not lead to pain for local authorities.Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:13:00 GMTDH tells adult care directors to get ready for swine flu vaccinehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112906/dh-tells-adult-care-directors-to-get-ready-for-swine-flu-vaccine.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112906/dh-tells-adult-care-directors-to-get-ready-for-swine-flu-vaccine.htmlThe Department of Health has written to adult social care directors urging them to finalise plans to vaccinate frontline social care staff against swine flu, with the inoculation programme due to begin this month.Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:33:00 GMTNews round-up: Prisoners’ children ‘ignored’ by councilshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112902/news-round-up-prisoners-children-ignored-by-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112902/news-round-up-prisoners-children-ignored-by-councils.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Searching google can help delay dementia; Dozens of teachers with criminal convictions remain in classroom; Surge in children taken into care as recession stress takes toll on parents Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:45:00 GMTPrisoners’ children ‘ignored’ by councilshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112905/prisoners-children-ignored-by-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112905/prisoners-children-ignored-by-councils.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Searching google can help delay dementia; Dozens of teachers with criminal convictions remain in classroom; Surge in children taken into care as recession stress takes toll on parents Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:45:00 GMTDowns syndrome and dementiahttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/16/112885/downs-syndrome-and-dementia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/16/112885/downs-syndrome-and-dementia.htmlThe number of people with Down's syndrome developing dementia is rising as life expectancy increases. Vern Pitt visits one of the UK's first homes to meet the needs of this group Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:42:00 GMTRoyal College of Psychiatrists: End mental health age dividehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/13/112845/royal-college-of-psychiatrists-end-mental-health-age-divide.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/13/112845/royal-college-of-psychiatrists-end-mental-health-age-divide.htmlMental health services must abolish the 'arbitrary' division between adults' and older people's provision to end ageism in care, the Royal College of Psychiatrists said today.Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:01:00 GMTHousing 21/Counsel and Care: Policies must be age proofedhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/12/112835/housing-21counsel-and-care-policies-must-be-age-proofed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/12/112835/housing-21counsel-and-care-policies-must-be-age-proofed.htmlThe government should introduce a robust review process for policies to make sure they do not disadvantage older people, Housing 21 and Counsel and Care have said.Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:01:00 GMTShoesmith sent text appeal to Ofsted inspectorhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/09/112822/shoesmith-sent-text-appeal-to-ofsted-inspector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/09/112822/shoesmith-sent-text-appeal-to-ofsted-inspector.htmlOther headlines in today's paper include:- David Cameron's war on the state; Pre-admission MRSA screening may harm patients, says doctor; Thousands of asylum seekers allowed to stay to clear backlog Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:34:00 GMTNews round-up: Shoesmith sent text appeal to Ofsted inspectorhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/09/112818/news-round-up-shoesmith-sent-text-appeal-to-ofsted-inspector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/09/112818/news-round-up-shoesmith-sent-text-appeal-to-ofsted-inspector.htmlOther headlines in today's paper include:- David Cameron's war on the state; Pre-admission MRSA screening may harm patients, says doctor; Thousands of asylum seekers allowed to stay to clear backlog Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:33:00 GMTCharter of rights for people with dementia in Scotland launchedhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112811/charter-of-rights-for-people-with-dementia-in-scotland-launched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112811/charter-of-rights-for-people-with-dementia-in-scotland-launched.htmlA charter of rights to empower people with dementia and their carers in Scotland is being launched by MSPs today.Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMTNews round up: Sharon Shoesmith seeks compensationhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112805/news-round-up-sharon-shoesmith-seeks-compensation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112805/news-round-up-sharon-shoesmith-seeks-compensation.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Daughter sees father jailed for three decades of sexual abuse; Scots could get pay rise while England freeze; Mother of suicide girl Neve Lafferty speaks about her lossThu, 08 Oct 2009 08:43:00 GMTSharon Shoesmith seeks compensation for sacking over Baby Phttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112806/sharon-shoesmith-seeks-compensation-for-sacking-over-baby-p.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112806/sharon-shoesmith-seeks-compensation-for-sacking-over-baby-p.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Daughter sees father jailed for three decades of sexual abuse; Scots could get pay rise while England freeze; Mother of suicide girl Neve Lafferty speaks about her lossThu, 08 Oct 2009 08:42:00 GMTMencap wants guaranteed support for lower-need usershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/07/112763/mencap-wants-guaranteed-support-for-lower-need-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/07/112763/mencap-wants-guaranteed-support-for-lower-need-users.htmlMencap has called for all English councils to provide a minimum level of help to people needing lower levels of care and support.Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:59:00 GMTAgeism rife in social care ahead of planned legal banhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/06/112787/ageism-rife-in-social-care-ahead-of-planned-legal-ban.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/06/112787/ageism-rife-in-social-care-ahead-of-planned-legal-ban.htmlAgeist assumptions about what constitutes a life worth living for older people have lead to a discriminatory care system, a Department of Health commissioned study has found. (Pic: Alamy)Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:48:00 GMTWelfare rights: Keep claimants up to date with changeshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/02/112767/welfare-rights-keep-claimants-up-to-date-with-changes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/02/112767/welfare-rights-keep-claimants-up-to-date-with-changes.htmlMake sure claimants know about the latest benefits because the Department for Work and Pensions can be rather coy about publicising them, to the detriment of many, writes Gary Vaux Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:45:00 GMTBrown's personal care pledge to apply to adults under 65http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/01/112748/browns-personal-care-pledge-to-apply-to-adults-under-65.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/01/112748/browns-personal-care-pledge-to-apply-to-adults-under-65.htmlYounger disabled adults would benefit from the government's pledge to introduce free personal care at home for people with critical care needs, the Department of Health has confirmed.Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:44:00 GMTSatisfaction among older home care users declineshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/01/112738/satisfaction-among-older-home-care-users-declines.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/01/112738/satisfaction-among-older-home-care-users-declines.htmlSatisfaction with home care services among pensioners has declined over the past three years, a government survey has found. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:22:00 GMTJRF project identifies eight 'pillars' of a good care homehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/01/112730/jrf-project-identifies-eight-pillars-of-a-good-care-home.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/01/112730/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.Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:51:00 GMTExperts blast lack of Alzheimer's supporthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/01/112740/experts-blast-lack-of-alzheimers-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/01/112740/experts-blast-lack-of-alzheimers-support.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Media accused of scaremongering on cancer jab death; Aging population heralds rise of the 'supercentenarian' and Older People's Day marks start of hunt for inspirational Britons.Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:48:00 GMTNews round-up: Experts blast lack of Alzheimer's supporthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/01/112739/news-round-up-experts-blast-lack-of-alzheimers-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/01/112739/news-round-up-experts-blast-lack-of-alzheimers-support.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Media accused of scaremongering on cancer jab death; Aging population heralds rise of the 'supercentenarian' and Older People's Day marks start of hunt for inspirational Britons.Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:10:00 GMTFree care: 'Older people must not be pushed into homes'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/29/112726/free-care-older-people-must-not-be-pushed-into-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/29/112726/free-care-older-people-must-not-be-pushed-into-homes.htmlMerged charity Age Concern and Help the Aged has warned that the government's proposed introduction of free personal care at home for older people with high needs should not result in service users being pushed into care homes.Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:29:00 GMTBook review: 1 October 2009http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/25/112697/book-review-1-october-2009.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/25/112697/book-review-1-october-2009.htmlI had some difficulty with this book's title, because there is still a need to see that older people have the same needs and aspirations as everyone else rather than describe them as "different", writes Joy Bounds.Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:44:00 GMTDementia cases to double in next 20 yearshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/21/112647/dementia-cases-to-double-in-next-20-years.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/21/112647/dementia-cases-to-double-in-next-20-years.htmlOther headlines in today's paper include: - Nick Clegg tries to talk his way out of trouble after call for ‘savage’ cuts; Two three-year-old boys investigated for vandalism become youngest criminal suspects in British historyMon, 21 Sep 2009 12:18:00 GMTNews round up: Dementia cases to double in next 20 yearshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/21/112643/news-round-up-dementia-cases-to-double-in-next-20-years.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/21/112643/news-round-up-dementia-cases-to-double-in-next-20-years.htmlOther headlines in today's paper include: - Nick Clegg tries to talk his way out of trouble after call for ‘savage’ cuts; Two three-year-old boys investigated for vandalism become youngest criminal suspects in British historyMon, 21 Sep 2009 12:16:00 GMTAlzheimer Scotland wants extra £15m a year for dementiahttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/21/112644/alzheimer-scotland-wants-extra-15m-a-year-for-dementia.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/21/112644/alzheimer-scotland-wants-extra-15m-a-year-for-dementia.htmlAlzheimer Scotland has launched a manifesto calling for £15m a year to fund a shift in dementia services towards personalised and preventive care over the next five years. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:52:00 GMTDH official says far-reaching reform necessary on adult carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112616/dh-official-says-far-reaching-reform-necessary-on-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112616/dh-official-says-far-reaching-reform-necessary-on-adult-care.htmlThe recent adult social care green paper needs to be implemented in full to ensure it is effective, members of the London Assembly were warned this week. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:19:00 GMTNews round-up: 'Heroin clinics would help few addicts'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/17/112606/news-round-up-heroin-clinics-would-help-few-addicts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/17/112606/news-round-up-heroin-clinics-would-help-few-addicts.htmlOther headlines in todays papers include: Internet gambling 'can be 10 times more addictive than other forms'; Attorney General 'hired illegal immigrant'; Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:29:00 GMTHeroin clinics would help few addicts, says agency headhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/17/112613/heroin-clinics-would-help-few-addicts-says-agency-head.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/17/112613/heroin-clinics-would-help-few-addicts-says-agency-head.htmlOther headlines in todays papers include: Internet gambling 'can be 10 times more addictive than other forms'; Attorney General 'hired illegal immigrant'; Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:29:00 GMTGovernment issues proposals to tackle disability hate crimehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/15/112566/government-issues-proposals-to-tackle-disability-hate-crime.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/15/112566/government-issues-proposals-to-tackle-disability-hate-crime.htmlThe government aims to tackle hate crimes against disabled people and other groups of vulnerable people more vigorously with a range of new laws and policy actions set out in its Hate Crime Action Plan, published yesterday.Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:42:00 GMTNCVO sounds alarm over cuts in charities' state fundinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/07/112516/ncvo-sounds-alarm-over-cuts-in-charities-state-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/07/112516/ncvo-sounds-alarm-over-cuts-in-charities-state-funding.htmlLooming government funding cuts could spell disaster for vital local services provided by the voluntary sector, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has warned.Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:49:00 GMTIFS: Pensioners squeezed by fuel price hikehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/28/112460/ifs-pensioners-squeezed-by-fuel-price-hike.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/28/112460/ifs-pensioners-squeezed-by-fuel-price-hike.htmlPensioners, including the poorest, were forced to spend more on energy while consuming less due to a hike in prices from 2004-7, research published today by the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:01:00 GMTRoyal college: Slow progress on mental health for BME eldershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/26/112432/royal-college-slow-progress-on-mental-health-for-bme-elders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/26/112432/royal-college-slow-progress-on-mental-health-for-bme-elders.htmlLittle progress has been made in improving mental health services for black and minority ethnic older people over the past eight years, according to a review by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:01:00 GMTAudit Commission: Social care demand to rise furtherhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/12/112346/audit-commission-social-care-demand-to-rise-further.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/12/112346/audit-commission-social-care-demand-to-rise-further.htmlDemand for mental health and children's services will continue to rise as the longer-term effects of the recession and unemployment become evident, the Audit Commission has warned.Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:36:00 GMTRNIB steps up campaign to protect attendance allowancehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/10/112326/rnib-steps-up-campaign-to-protect-attendance-allowance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/10/112326/rnib-steps-up-campaign-to-protect-attendance-allowance.htmlThe RNIB is calling on visually impaired people to tell ministers about the importance of attendance allowance (AA) to them, as part of a campaign against government plans to effectively scrap the benefit.Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:25:00 GMTThe Eden Alternative makes Abbeyfield residents' dreams come truehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/07/112313/the-eden-alternative-makes-abbeyfield-residents-dreams-come-true.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/07/112313/the-eden-alternative-makes-abbeyfield-residents-dreams-come-true.htmlLazy afternoons in front of the TV are a thing of the past at Abbeyfield Kent Society's care homes, writes Amy Taylor, where spontaneity is the watch-word for residents Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:23:00 GMTRisk Factor: Helping a carer with more home supporthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/03/112251/risk-factor-helping-a-carer-with-more-home-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/03/112251/risk-factor-helping-a-carer-with-more-home-support.htmlThe importance of safeguarding vulnerable service users has, quite rightly, been highlighted in recent years. But sometimes it is carers who find themselves...Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:21:00 GMTPreventing the spread of infections like swine flu in care homeshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/24/112175/preventing-the-spread-of-infections-like-swine-flu-in-care-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/24/112175/preventing-the-spread-of-infections-like-swine-flu-in-care-homes.htmlCare homes have to wage a constant fight against infections such as MRSA. Sally Gillen looks at how these measures can be applied to keeping swine flu at bay Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:32:00 GMTSocial care leaders' verdicts on the adult care green paper July 2009http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/21/112144/social-care-leaders-verdicts-on-the-adult-care-green-paper-july-2009.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/21/112144/social-care-leaders-verdicts-on-the-adult-care-green-paper-july-2009.htmlThe government's new green paper on social care and support has emerged against a background of rapidly rising demand and a potential funding shortfall of £6bn a year unless action is taken. Here, we ask a selection of experts to give us their opinions on the future funding options set out in the green paper:Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:35:00 GMTAdult green paper: attendance allowance claimants could lose outhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/21/112156/adult-green-paper-attendance-allowance-claimants-could-lose-out.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/21/112156/adult-green-paper-attendance-allowance-claimants-could-lose-out.htmlFears of deprivation if some disability benefits are integrated to pay for plansTue, 21 Jul 2009 10:58:00 GMTAdult green paper: disability charities unhappy over 'exclusion' http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/21/112153/adult-green-paper-disability-charities-unhappy-over-exclusion.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/21/112153/adult-green-paper-disability-charities-unhappy-over-exclusion.htmlLeonard Cheshire and Mencap bemoan lack of funding for young adults Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:46:00 GMTGovernment rejects CSCI adult care eligibility plan as too costlyhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/21/112152/government-rejects-csci-adult-care-eligibility-plan-as-too-costly.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/21/112152/government-rejects-csci-adult-care-eligibility-plan-as-too-costly.htmlDepartment of Health said proposed four criteria bands would cause...Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:28:00 GMTOptions for the future of adult social care: Shaping the Future of Care Togetherhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/20/112148/options-for-the-future-of-adult-social-care-shaping-the-future-of-care-together.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/20/112148/options-for-the-future-of-adult-social-care-shaping-the-future-of-care-together.htmlMuch of what the adult care green paper proposes is already established. What is different is the concept of a National Care Service. Mark Ivory examines the detail while, on page 28, social care experts give their views on the funding options Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:39:00 GMTCharity warns of 'epidemic' of alcohol misuse among retiredhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/14/112094/charity-warns-of-epidemic-of-alcohol-misuse-among-retired.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/14/112094/charity-warns-of-epidemic-of-alcohol-misuse-among-retired.htmlThe government has been urged to tackle an “epidemic” in alcohol misuse among older people, after a poll found one in eight over-60s drank more after they retired.Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:44:00 GMTGovernment body sounds alarm over households in fuel povertyhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/13/112089/government-body-sounds-alarm-over-households-in-fuel-poverty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/13/112089/government-body-sounds-alarm-over-households-in-fuel-poverty.htmlThe number of vulnerable households that without adequate fuel has more than tripled in the past four years, the government's Fuel Poverty Advisory Group has warned.Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:05:00 GMTOne-stop shop pledged to help people plan for older agehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/13/112088/one-stop-shop-pledged-to-help-people-plan-for-older-age.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/13/112088/one-stop-shop-pledged-to-help-people-plan-for-older-age.htmlMiddle-aged people will get support to plan their future health, financial and career needs from a new interactive one-stop shop, as part of a new ageing strategy published by the government today.Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:31:00 GMTWorking with people from black and minority ethnic communities at St Joseph's Hospicehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/10/112074/working-with-people-from-black-and-minority-ethnic-communities-at-st-josephs-hospice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/10/112074/working-with-people-from-black-and-minority-ethnic-communities-at-st-josephs-hospice.htmlDifferent ethnic communities approach the death of loved ones with a variety of needs and expectations. Anabel Unity Sale reports on how one London hospice is learning to adjust Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:48:00 GMTPractice panelhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/06/112023/practice-panel.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/06/112023/practice-panel.htmlThe family of a woman of 84 are at a loss at what to do when, despite her strong desire to live at home, it becomes clear she is unable to live independently Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:27:00 GMTWales to pioneer national standards for community equipmenthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/02/111976/wales-to-pioneer-national-standards-for-community-equipment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/02/111976/wales-to-pioneer-national-standards-for-community-equipment.htmlWales is set to become the first country in the UK to introduce national minimum standards for the provision of community equipment service.Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:01:00 GMTWelsh bid for lower and more consistent care chargeshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/30/111980/welsh-bid-for-lower-and-more-consistent-care-charges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/30/111980/welsh-bid-for-lower-and-more-consistent-care-charges.htmlThe Welsh government has unveiled plans to cut local authority charges for non-residential care services and limit current inconsistencies in rates between areas.Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:14:00 GMTGovernment urged to treble dementia research spendinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/30/111961/government-urged-to-treble-dementia-research-spending.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/30/111961/government-urged-to-treble-dementia-research-spending.htmlThe country's two biggest dementia charities today urged the government to treble investment on research into the disease within the next five years so the UK can "lead the world in the race for a cure".Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:19:00 GMTMigrant staff play vital role but face abuse and pay biashttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/30/111968/migrant-staff-play-vital-role-but-face-abuse-and-pay-bias.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/30/111968/migrant-staff-play-vital-role-but-face-abuse-and-pay-bias.htmlMigrant care workers face pay discrimination, service user hostility and a lack of government recognition, despite the sector's increasing dependence on them.Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:08:00 GMTEnd of Life Care: Key skills for care staff definedhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/26/111940/end-of-life-care-key-skills-for-care-staff-defined.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/26/111940/end-of-life-care-key-skills-for-care-staff-defined.htmlSkills for Care and Skills for Health today defined a "baseline" set of skills for all staff working with people approaching the end of their lives.Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:54:00 GMTLondoners confused about adult care funding systemhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/16/111848/londoners-confused-about-adult-care-funding-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/16/111848/londoners-confused-about-adult-care-funding-system.htmlLondoners are confused about the current system of adult care funding and strongly support more state spending, according to a poll released on the eve of the green paper on the issue.Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:16:00 GMTFour Seasons cuts dementia drug use as sector awaits reviewhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/16/111847/four-seasons-cuts-dementia-drug-use-as-sector-awaits-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/16/111847/four-seasons-cuts-dementia-drug-use-as-sector-awaits-review.htmlIt is a year since the Department of Health announced a review of the use of antipsychotic drugs to manage the behaviour of people with dementia, particularly in care homes.Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:07:00 GMTAll-party dementia group demand mandatory staff traininghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/16/111840/all-party-dementia-group-demand-mandatory-staff-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/16/111840/all-party-dementia-group-demand-mandatory-staff-training.htmlAll care staff who work with older people should receive mandatory training in dementia care, a group of MPs and peers said today.Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:01:00 GMTGood Practice: the use of telecare (assistive technology) in East Cheshire, South Wales and Hackney, Londonhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/15/111841/good-practice-the-use-of-telecare-assistive-technology-in-east-cheshire-south-wales-and-hackney-london.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/15/111841/good-practice-the-use-of-telecare-assistive-technology-in-east-cheshire-south-wales-and-hackney-london.htmlTelecare systems can make savings while helping people to stay independent for longer, but it is best to start off small. Report by Andrew Mickel Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:18:00 GMTLondon Councils: Capital's residents confused about carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/15/111808/london-councils-capitals-residents-confused-about-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/15/111808/london-councils-capitals-residents-confused-about-care.htmlAdults in London are experiencing widespread uncertainty over how to access social care for loved-ones while being unconcerned about their future care needs, the body representing the capital's local authorities warned today.Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:29:00 GMTAlzheimer's: Nice stands firm on drug restrictions for mild caseshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/11/111791/alzheimers-nice-stands-firm-on-drug-restrictions-for-mild-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/11/111791/alzheimers-nice-stands-firm-on-drug-restrictions-for-mild-cases.htmlThe National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has refused to reverse guidance urging the NHS to deny drug treatments to people with mild cases of Alzheimer's, to the ire of campaigners.Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:01:00 GMTKing's Fund to review 2006 Wanless report on funding carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/10/111774/kings-fund-to-review-2006-wanless-report-on-funding-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/10/111774/kings-fund-to-review-2006-wanless-report-on-funding-care.htmlThe King's Fund is to carry out a review of its 2006 report by Derek Wanless into the funding of older people's social care. Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:32:00 GMTNews round up: Younger cocaine users at more riskhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/10/111778/news-round-up-younger-cocaine-users-at-more-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/10/111778/news-round-up-younger-cocaine-users-at-more-risk.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Rape conviction lottery 'worsening'; Nursery shut in child porn images inquiry; Public services failing to deliver despite billionsWed, 10 Jun 2009 08:01:00 GMTYounger cocaine users at more riskhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/10/111779/younger-cocaine-users-at-more-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/10/111779/younger-cocaine-users-at-more-risk.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Rape conviction lottery 'worsening'; Nursery shut in child porn images inquiry; Public services failing to deliver despite billionsWed, 10 Jun 2009 08:00:00 GMTJobcentres are failing job seekers over 50, says charityhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/09/111768/jobcentres-are-failing-job-seekers-over-50-says-charity.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/09/111768/jobcentres-are-failing-job-seekers-over-50-says-charity.htmlOlder job seekers should be exempt from impending benefit sanctions because job centres are failing to help them back to work, argues a report by Age Concern and Help the Aged. Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:40:00 GMTScotland to launch first national dementia strategyhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/02/111700/scotland-to-launch-first-national-dementia-strategy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/02/111700/scotland-to-launch-first-national-dementia-strategy.htmlThe Scottish government is to produce the nation's first dementia strategy after a "deeply shocking" report on the plight of people with the condition living in care homes.Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:10:00 GMTAlzheimer's Society urges action to curb dementia drug usehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/02/111695/alzheimers-society-urges-action-to-curb-dementia-drug-use.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/02/111695/alzheimers-society-urges-action-to-curb-dementia-drug-use.htmlThe Alzheimer's Society has urged the government to publish its review into the prescription of antipsychotic drugs for people with dementia and issue a plan to reduce their use.Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:52:00 GMTNews round-up: Elderly left at risk by NHS bidding warhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/01/111681/news-round-up-elderly-left-at-risk-by-nhs-bidding-war.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/01/111681/news-round-up-elderly-left-at-risk-by-nhs-bidding-war.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- 'They stole my little girl', says mother judged too stupid to care for her baby; Charity loses funding to help child refugees wrongly classified as adultsMon, 01 Jun 2009 08:37:00 GMTElderly left at risk by NHS bidding warhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/01/111682/elderly-left-at-risk-by-nhs-bidding-war.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/01/111682/elderly-left-at-risk-by-nhs-bidding-war.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- 'They stole my little girl', says mother judged too stupid to care for her baby; Charity loses funding to help child refugees wrongly classified as adultsMon, 01 Jun 2009 08:36:00 GMTScots care regulators: Review drug regimes in older people's homeshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/28/111667/scots-care-regulators-review-drug-regimes-in-older-peoples-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/28/111667/scots-care-regulators-review-drug-regimes-in-older-peoples-homes.htmlThe Care Commission and Mental Welfare Commission in Scotland have called for a review of prescriptions of antipsychotic drugs for people with dementia in Scottish care homes.Thu, 28 May 2009 13:24:00 GMTClarendon House owner urges care homes to take CQC seriouslyhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/26/111640/clarendon-house-owner-urges-care-homes-to-take-cqc-seriously.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/26/111640/clarendon-house-owner-urges-care-homes-to-take-cqc-seriously.htmlA care home owner found guilty in the first court case brought by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has spoken of the new regulator’s “more aggressive” approach to prosecution than its predecessor, the Commission for Social Care Inspection.Tue, 26 May 2009 13:13:00 GMTResults from the BBC Care Calculator surveyhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/20/111578/results-from-the-bbc-care-calculator-survey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/20/111578/results-from-the-bbc-care-calculator-survey.htmlThe BBC's Care Calculator website reveals that many people are over-optimistic when it comes to care costs and who pays for it. Martin Knapp, Jose-Luis Fernandez and Teresa Poole take a closer look at the findings Wed, 20 May 2009 13:33:00 GMT'Tackle advocacy shortage to combat elder abuse'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/12/111525/tackle-advocacy-shortage-to-combat-elder-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/12/111525/tackle-advocacy-shortage-to-combat-elder-abuse.htmlIndependent advocacy can play a significant role in helping older people combat abuse but access to services remains limited, a report said today.Tue, 12 May 2009 15:36:00 GMTProven Practice: nutrition in the elderlyhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/11/111513/proven-practice-nutrition-in-the-elderly.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/11/111513/proven-practice-nutrition-in-the-elderly.html the evidence base for social care practice Food and mealtimes are a high priority for older people and the top priority for older people from black...Mon, 11 May 2009 13:50:00 GMTOldest wingers in townhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/29/111368/oldest-wingers-in-town.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/29/111368/oldest-wingers-in-town.htmlNorwich City Football Club is helping older people keep well and happy by providing sporting opportunities and group activities.Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:37:00 GMTA fair deal for self fundershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/29/111413/a-fair-deal-for-self-funders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/29/111413/a-fair-deal-for-self-funders.htmlCouncils are ignoring the needs of older people who fund their own care. But as the number of self-funders increases, campaigners are pushing for change, writes Corin Williams Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:36:00 GMTGood Practice: Creative ways to promote personalisationhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/28/111320/good-practice-creative-ways-to-promote-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/28/111320/good-practice-creative-ways-to-promote-personalisation.htmlThere is little point in expanding personalisation if service users - and the practitioners supposed to assist them - don't know enough about it or where...Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:28:00 GMTDomiciliary care in the firing linehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/22/111347/domiciliary-care-in-the-firing-line.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/22/111347/domiciliary-care-in-the-firing-line.htmlThe recent Panorama programme, “Britain’s homecare scandal”, has rekindled debate over the quality of domiciliary care and, in particular, the level of funding for services. Using hidden cameras and undercover reporters, the BBC investigation revealed agencies were providing carers with scant training, while tight schedules between appointments were “causing havoc” for staff who were given no time to travel from one client to another. Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:21:00 GMTProven practice: Co-production and adult social carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/16/111269/proven-practice-co-production-and-adult-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/16/111269/proven-practice-co-production-and-adult-social-care.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence's analysis of research findings behind specific social work practices Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:15:00 GMTSide by Side project helps people with dementia live longer at home in Worcestershirehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/16/111263/side-by-side-project-helps-people-with-dementia-live-longer-at-home-in-worcestershire.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/16/111263/side-by-side-project-helps-people-with-dementia-live-longer-at-home-in-worcestershire.html The Risk Factor: a social care professional explains a difficult case with a satisfactory outcome. This case study involves an elderly woman with dementia. The independent comment is by Mark Sloman CASE NOTES Practitioner: David Palfreyman is a social worker for Worcestershire Council. Field: Older adult mental health. Location: Worcestershire. Client: Sheila*, an 87-year-old woman with dementia whose husband, her sole carer, has recently died. Case History: Sheila has become unable to look after herself. She was experiencing delusions and was often disoriented and confused. Dilemma: Sheila's dementia and forgetfulness increases the risk that she could come to harm. Despite this, she is keen to retain her independence and wishes to remain in her own home. Risk factor: Allowing Sheila to remain in her own home is in keeping with her wishes, but there is a risk that she will not be able to care for herself adequately. Outcome: As part of a new scheme, Sheila...Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:14:00 GMT