http://www.ukhca.co.uk/ The latest news in the home care sector en United Kingdom Homecare Association Ltd. http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification policy@ukhca.co.uk (Colin Angel) webmaster@ukhca.co.uk (Alex Cluer) Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:00:00 +0100 40 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/images/ukhca.gif http://www.ukhca.co.uk/ The leading domiciliary care representative, United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHCA), gave a cautious welcome to proposals in yesterday’s White Paper on the reform of the National Health Service, “Equality and Excellence: Liberating the NHS”. The ... Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2726 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2726 Leading domiciliary care providers’ representative, the United Kingdom Homecare Association, reacts to the emergency budget of the new Government as follows. While recognising that a 2.5% increase in VAT will affect many businesses, this additional ... Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2686 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2686 News reports this morning anticipate Government announcing that the roll-out of the Independent Safeguarding Authority in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is to be halted and scaled back, pending a review. The public should be reassured that social ... Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:12:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2668 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2668 The leading domiciliary care providers’ association, United Kingdom Homecare Association, responded to the Chancellor’s announcement of £6.2bn cuts in public spending. UKHCA Chair, Mike Padgham said: “We are clearly in a period that calls for courage... Mon, 24 May 2010 16:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2632 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2632 The country’s leading professional association for homecare providers welcomes the new Care Minister’s commitment to urgently reform the social care system and recognition that the current system is unsustainable. UKHCA is also pleased that the new go... Fri, 21 May 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2626 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2626 The homecare sector’s premier representative body, the United Kingdom Homecare Association, has announced the name of its new Chief Executive. Bridget Warr has been chosen to take the Association forward into an exciting new era and will take up her p... Tue, 18 May 2010 10:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2610 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2610 In the face of a hung parliament, UKHCA, the homecare sector’s professional association, is calling on politicians to have the courage and resolution to address the way social care is resourced both nationally and locally. Mike Padgham, UKHCA’s Chair... Fri, 7 May 2010 13:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2599 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2599 The UK’s leading professional association for homecare providers today called on election candidates to seize the opportunity to transform the care available to older and vulnerable people. With three weeks to both General and local elections, and on ... Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2555 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2555 The country’s leading professional association of homecare providers, the United Kingdom Homecare Association has welcomed the Government’s White Paper on the reform of social care but would like to see immediate action to close the care funding black ... Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2513 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2513 Commenting on the House of Lords amendments to the Personal Care at Home Bill, Francis McGlone, Senior Policy Officer at the United Kingdom Homecare Association, said: “UKHCA cautioned the Government that more funding was needed for its free care at ... Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2476 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2476 The United Kingdom Homecare Association has commented on the Health Committee’s report into the reform of the social care system in England. Francis McGlone, Senior Policy Officer, said: “UKHCA supports the Health Committee’s call for the political p... Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2469 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2469 The country’s leading professional association for homecare providers has warned in their response to the Government’s consultation on free personal care, which closed today, 23rd February, that additional funding will be needed to fund the proposal. ... Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:00:00 GMT http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2427 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2427 The search has begun to find a special individual to lead the homecare industry’s premier representative body forward into the next era. United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHCA) is looking for a new Chief Executive, following the decision by Lesley ... Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:00:00 GMT http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2400 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2400 The annual report by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) provides a timely review of social care in Wales, and signals a number of significant improvements made by homecare services. However the report has missed the opportunity to ... Tue, 8 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2262 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=2262 The United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHCA) understands that BBC Panorama is due to broadcast an investigative documentary on 9 April 2009 about standards of care in the homecare sector. The programme’s pre-release information cites low pay, inade... Tue, 7 Apr 2009 17:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1739 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1739 New government statistics have highlighted that four fifths (81%) of publicly funded homecare in England is now delivered by independent and voluntary sector homecare agencies, a 3% rise from the previous year. With the data also showing that publicl... Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:00:00 GMT http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1716 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1716 New rules for migrant workers will effectively stop senior skilled careworkers from outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) coming to work in the UK, despite the increasing numbers of people who need care and support. Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1600 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1600 UKHCA launches "From Rhetoric to Reality, A Manifesto for Sustainable Homecare" which gives the key actions which local and central government and homecare providers need to take to ensure that high quality homecare continues to be delivered ... Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1598 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1598 UKHCA has commented on how a national review of access to care services has exposed the lack of investment in preventative, enabling and low-level homecare and has called on councils to work with the independent sector to invest in these services. Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1599 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1599 The homecare sector's professional association, UKHCA, has applauded government's decision to give national recognition to the training and development needs of the social care workforce by establishing a new national Skills Academy for socia... Tue, 7 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1597 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1597 64% of homecare providers anticipate being forced to turndown packages of care in the next three months 'wholly' or 'mainly' because travel costs have become uneconomic. Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1596 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1596 Homecare commentators have welcomed the publication of the long awaited Domiciliary Care Agencies Minimum Standards. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1595 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1595 A major conference by the homecare sector has sent out three strong warnings over the future of homecare. The issues are damage caused by increased fuel prices, costs of introducing the ISA and councils commissioning inadequate time for homecare. Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1594 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1594 UKHCA has welcomed the government's consultation on a National Dementia Strategy and called for more resources to be placed into homecare and the end of commissioning of short care episodes for people with dementia Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1593 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1593 Lesley has made a major contribution to the success of voluntary and independent homecare providers, helping them deliver safe, quality-driven care by providing good practice guidance, access to training funds and learning resources. Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1592 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1592 UKHCA, has welcomed the announcement of a major review of adult social care law by the expert body on legislative reform, the Law Commission Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1591 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1591 The new National Strategy for Carers is a real opportunity for local authorities to work with private and voluntary homecare providers to develop respite care at home services, homecare commentators said today. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1589 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1589 Homecare commentators have welcomed a series of actions promised by health officials in Northern Ireland to maximise the potential of homecare services and make better use of the independent homecare sector. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1590 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1590 Providers frequently report examples of authorities failing to meet the legitimate costs of regulatory requirements, such as increased holiday pay, and recognition of the high cost of staff training. Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1588 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1588 The Chair of the United Kingdom Homecare Association, Mike Padgham, has called on Meg Hillier, the Home Office Minister responsible for the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) scheme, to waive the membership fee for ISA for homecare workers. Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1587 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1587 The influential Public Accounts Committee in Northern Ireland has issued its report on Older People and Domiciliary Care and is clearly convinced more needs to be done to aid the independent homecare sector. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1586 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1586 A new Independent Safeguarding Authority is due to register anyone working with vulnerable adults from October 2009 onwards. The fee will be £64 in England and Wales and £58 in Northern Ireland, a huge amount for homecare providers to absorb. Tue, 1 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1585 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1585 In many cases homecare workers and their managers are the only people who recognise and raise the alert to situations of domestic abuse and neglect, so their role is crucial. Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1584 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1584 The injustices operating in the social care system are a symptom of the underfunding of social care and the lack of attention it receives when compared to health. Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1583 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1583 Irrespective of how someone purchases their homecare, whether with public money or with their own funds, they are served by a sector which is continually improving. Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1582 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1582 Health and social care approach their services from different directions, health concentrating on patient safety while social care focuses on the importance of user choice and our inherent right to take informed risks. Wed, 9 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1581 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1581 Society needs to see the whole picture. Local councils continue to exert a downward pressure on prices paid to homecare providers, while trying to buy more care for less money. Tue, 8 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1580 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1580 The agenda is an exciting one for homecare providers, recognising the need for people to remain independent in their communities and to have the freedom to choose services that best meet their needs. Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1578 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1578 UKHCA welcomes the increased emphasis from Government that home-based care is the best option for many people, and are committed to working with Government to turn policy into action. Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1579 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1579 Members of UKHCA, the homecare sector's professional representative association, have elected a robust new Board to represent the range of UK homecare providers at its Annual General Meeting this week. Fri, 9 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1577 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1577 With so much change on the horizon, we question the wisdom of the current social care regulator, CSCI, in implementing a star ratings system in 2008. Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1576 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1576 We welcome the Prime Minister's high level commitment to homecare. However, at grassroots, service users, their families and carers are living with the reality of services restricted to those deemed in critical need. Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1575 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1575 At a local level, councils frequently abuse their dominant purchasing position to drive down the price they pay to independent and voluntary homecare providers. Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1574 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1574 Concerns by UKHCA that local authority contracting arrangements impede the development of innovative social care were further evidenced by a report from CSCI: “Safe As Houses? What Drives Investment in Social Care?” Tue, 4 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1573 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1573 With the increasing social isolation of older people, homecare workers and their managers have a vital role in identifying and responding to abuse of the people they care for. Thu, 14 Jun 2007 10:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1572 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1572 UKHCA is committed raising the standard of homecare, and we support CSCI's ongoing efforts to stamp-out bad practice by irresponsible providers. Tue, 17 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1570 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1570 Regulation has been a fundamental part of improving home-based care for some of the most vulnerable people in society. However, UKHCA's Code of Practice enables our member organisations to operate above the minimum requirements enforceable by regu... Mon, 2 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1569 http://www.ukhca.co.uk/mediastatement_information.aspx?releaseID=1569