Homecarer Magazine (free downloads for UKHCA members)

Homecarer May 2013

In this issue: we discuss public scrutiny of providers and commissioners in England; UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham wonders if green shoots of progress for social care are growing; UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr welcomes a new era of transparency; Paul Worsnop of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP explains data protection issues for providers; Kathryn Bloomfield of the London Fire Brigade warns of fire risks in older people’s homes; Jenny Roberts discusses working with family carers in the care of service users with dementia; Emma Kain-Barrett of Towergate Patrick looks at Directors and Officers insurance; Joyce Francis considers financial regulation, and training standards in England; Dominic Carter discusses whistleblowing in social care; We look at the Welsh response to paying for care reform, and on personalisation in Scotland; We report on our well-received Open Forum in Northern Ireland and our response to the “Who Cares?” consultation; Ailsa Blair describes funding we have available for training, following our successful Skills for Care bid; Plus we give members more information about our new Homecare Workers’ Handbook.

Homecarer March 2013

In this issue: We call for better commissioning as the financial outlook worsens, and UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham says these are turbulent times for social care. UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr focuses on our activities representing the homecare sector; Jenny Roberts launches the UKHCA Dementia Strategy and Plan; Andrew Lancaster of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP explains new time limits that apply to procurement challenges; Nicole Gregson describes a move to outcome-based commissioning; Emma Kain-Barrett of Towergate Patrick looks at working alone; Francis McGlone explains the “Living Wage”; we include news from around the UK, including our response to the Transforming your Care consultation in Northern Ireland; plus highlight our revised resource guide on infection control.

Homecarer January 2013

In this issue: We launch our new Costing Model to help our members cost tenders and manage their bottom line; UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham says we need radical new thinking in 2013; UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr raises the importance of homecare; Paul Worsnop of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP considers the legal implications of CCTV monitoring; Alison Mlot of the Technology Strategy Board describes technologies to support independent living; Kim Grove discusses gardening for those with dementia; We include tips for providing care in wintry weather; Emma Kain-Barrett of Towergate Patrick looks at insurance for more complex care; Ann Barradell-Black of The Ankir Partnership discusses building confidence in the sector and we consider what makes the ideal care worker; plus include our usual round-up of news from around the UK, details of workshops and a focus on our resource guides on end of life care and building a successful team.

Homecarer November 2012

In this issue: We launch our new group buying scheme operated by The Consortium to help UKHCA members make savings when buying supplies; Chair Mike Padgham welcomes new members to the UKHCA Board and thanks those stepping down; Chief Executive Bridget Warr considers changes at the top in government; Jennifer Roberts looks at the Dementia Care and Support Compact; Jason Claydon of Towergate Patrick suggests ways of keeping business insurance premiums down; David Cubey of Skills for Care explains how NMDS-SC data sharing can benefit providers; we consider important plans for reform in Northern Ireland, report on rising costs of free personal care in Scotland, and on our Wales conference; Joyce Francis reports on Making it Real, and on CQC fees for next year; and we publish revised Medication Policy Guidance and Policy Template which clarify tiers of assistance.

Homecarer September 2012

In this issue: UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham gives the Government bronze but not gold for deciding to adopt key Dilnot Commission recommendations; Chief Executive Bridget Warr says homecare can take the lead in realising the adult social care White Paper’s ambitions for England; Jennifer Roberts looks at the effect of the environment on people with dementia; Faye Biddle of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP advises providers on giving references; Neil Eastwood of Sticky People Ltd describes an assessment tool to help providers make hiring decisions; Samantha Callaghan answers questions on the CRB’s new rules on identity checking; Joyce Francis previews changes to vetting procedures in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; we report on retrospective checking for Scotland; and launch our updated Train the Trainer Medication Programme.

Homecarer July 2012

In this issue: UKHCA members take their message to Westminster, at our Homecare Summit with Shadow Care Minister Liz Kendall MP and dinner with invited Parliamentarians; Chair Mike Padgham calls on the Government to give a higher priority to long term funding of care; Chief Executive Bridget Warr discusses the likely key themes of the adult social care White Paper; Jennifer Roberts looks at communicating with people with dementia, who have challenging behaviour issues; Francis McGlone reports on evidence we gave to the Scottish Parliament on self-directed support; We respond to the Social Services Bill in Wales; Emma Young of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP considers a recent Supreme Court case on direct payments; Debbie Sorkin of the National Skills Academy for Social Care reports on a survey of registered managers; Joyce Francis considers CQC’s themed inspections; We report on a survey of domiciliary care in Northern Ireland and launch our free Handling the Media Factsheet for members.

Homecarer May 2012

In this issue: UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham asks members to support our campaign for sustainable, high quality homecare; Chief Executive Bridget Warr says we need to highlight the sector’s good practice; Jennifer Roberts writes on communicating with people with dementia; Francis McGlone reports on Scotland’s pledge for people with dementia and the Social Services Bill in Wales; Anna Dabek of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP considers how employers should treat staff accused of abuse; Moving and Handling expert Kate Lovett considers human rights; Joyce Francis describes CQC’s updated regulatory regime; Kim Grove says medicine management is key for compliance in Northern Ireland; and we launch our Communication Skills Resource Guide and Training Programme.

Homecarer March 2012

In this issue: We call for Government to act on the crisis in care funding; UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham reflects on the resignation of CQC Chief Cynthia Bower; Chief Executive Bridget Warr says commissioning is of pivotal importance to providers; Deputy Ombudsman Mick King discusses research on complaints Jennifer Roberts writes on recognising dementia symptoms; Joyce Francis sets out what the National Minimum Wage means; CQC’s Sue Towers describes themed inspections of homecare providers; Bridget Turner of Diabetes UK asks for help in their campaign to prevent unnecessary foot amputation; we consider the Northern Ireland review, Wales’s social services bill, the Scottish Government’s response to the Health and Sport Committee report; and launch our revised Medication Administration Record, and summarise resources on human rights, and dignity and respect.

Homecarer January 2012

In this issue: We report on Northern Ireland’s review of health and social care; UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham says 2012 could be a momentous year; Chief Executive Bridget Warr reflects on the user perspective; Charity Sense describes how to provide care for deafblind people; Mel Palmer of the Social Care Institute for Excellence discusses what happens when reablement treatment is refused;
We preview compulsory pension contributions; Francis McGlone reports on Scotland’s care challenge and our contribution to the Welsh Government’s Inquiry; We welcome Andrew Heffernan, our new Membership and Marketing Director and describe our new telephone system and Quick Guide, plus revised medication policy guidance for members.

Homecarer November/December 2011

In this issue: Chair Mike Padgham reflects on human rights and quality care; Chief Executive Bridget Warr says hard times call for innovation; Mel Palmer of the Social Care Institute for Excellence discusses making decisions about people’s care and Kim Grove describes dementia care from a provider perspective; We report on evidence we have given on challenges facing the homecare sector; Francis McGlone warns that commissioning must reflect the NMW; Joyce Francis looks at progress of the Protection of Freedoms Bill; and we launch new member benefits – human resources advice and advice on paying for care.

Homecarer September 2011

In this issue: We preview our commissioning survey 2011 of members; Chair Mike Padgham reflects on a lively summer in our sector; Chief Executive Bridget Warr calls for homecare’s contribution to social care to be recognised; Anna Dabek of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP summarises employment law changes; we look at first aid and emergency care; and setting up gardening services; The Design Council invites ideas on supporting people with dementia; we report on recent reports and developments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; explain why we think CQC should rethink its excellence scheme and invite readers to book for our England conference on 26th October 2011 in Birmingham.

Homecarer July 2011

In this issue: Chair Mike Padgham says UKHCA’s new strategy will help providers meet the challenge and Chief Executive Bridget Warr describes its key elements, we anticipate the Dilnot Commission report, UKHCA President Lucianne Sawyer CBE warns that outcomes are being lost because of cuts; Anna Dabek of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP summarises new rights for agency workers; John Bains of Parkinson’s UK discusses supporting people with Parkinson’s; we look at political intentions in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales; Sarah King introduces our new commercial membership; we launch a new End of Life Care Resource Guide and Training Programme and spotlight our proposed England conference.

Homecarer May 2011

In this Northern Ireland special issue: NISCC Chair Lily Kerr explains plans to introduce compulsory workforce registration, RQIA’s Dermot Parsons considers inspection plus Colum Conway reports on why now is a good time for NI providers to join UKHCA. Chair Mike Padgham also welcomes our free pull out on dealing with council/Trust fee reductions, Chief Executive Bridget Warr reports on important connections we are forging in social care, Faye Biddle of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP looks at new pension laws and Andrew Brookes of Hazlewoods LLP gives his take on the Budget. We also consider results of our survey results on CQC’s plans for an excellence scheme, Dr Sam Bennett describes “Think Local Act Personal” and Jennifer Roberts feeds back from our provider meetings in Scotland and we report on maximum charges for users in Wales.

Homecarer March 2011

In this issue we report on a survey that reveals concerns about council spending cuts; Chair Mike Padgham looks at the challenges facing providers; Chief Executive Bridget Warr says we need to work with others to support users; the National Apprenticeship Service describes the benefits of apprenticeships to social care employers; Faye Biddle of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP summarises employment law changes; Independent Consultant Melanie Henwood OBE looks at the “journey without maps” of self-funded users; we look at inspection in Northern Ireland, the WAG's vision for social care and greet the PVG scheme in Scotland.

Homecarer January 2011

In this issue Chair Mike Padgham launches our free Specimen Terms and Conditions for members, Chief Executive Bridget Warr reflects on personalisation, Baroness Sally Greengross introduces the Equality and Human Rights Commission homecare inquiry, we feature members' stories of coping in severe weather, Colin Angel considers the vetting and barring scheme, we report on workforce registration in Scotland and Northern Ireland, the RQIA's review of medicines management and the work of the Independent Commission for Social Services in Wales. We also launch our 2011 events calendar and workshop programme.

Homecarer November 2010

In this issue: Chair Mike Padgham considers the Government's £2bn boost to adult social care, Chief Executive Bridget Warr reflects on our national conferences, Anna Dabek of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP discusses the Equality Act 2010, Richard Manby of Slivers-of-Time Markets describes a business growth opportunity, we consider the vetting and barring scheme review and a user survey in Northern Ireland.

Homecarer September 2010

In this issue: Chair Mike Padgham welcomes a new era for UKHCA, and Chief Executive Bridget Warr describes her vision for homecare in the UK; Gerald Pilkington discusses re-ablement and opportunities for homecare providers; Kate Lovett considers the issues arising when helping service users with stairs; Joyce Francis provides an update on NHS changes; Francis McGlone looks at Skills for Care's recent workforce report; Jenny Roberts issues the UKHCA challenge to members in Scotland to give us their views; Yvonne Apsitis hails news of a provider group in Wales to monitor commissioning; Colum Conway welcomes a survey with good results for NI homecare providers and; We launch our free guidance for members in England on limited portability now available for CRB checks.

Homecarer July 2010

In this issue: We welcome our new Chief Executive, Bridget Warr, Chair Mike Padgham hails Government plans to remodel the ISA scheme and expresses concern about the VAT rise, Joyce Francis considers Government legislative proposals, Kate Lovett of Edge Services discusses mobility and the larger service user, Francis McGlone looks at turning dementia plans into action, we report on social care priorities for Northern Ireland and new commissioning guidance for Wales, our members in Scotland celebrate award success and we launch our free guidance for members on “Do Not Attempt Resuscitation” instructions, by Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP.

Homecarer May 2010

In this issue: UKHCA challenges politicians to take the Homecare Pledge, Chair Mike Padgham reflects on the election campaign, Nick Haines of Hazlewoods LLP looks at the Budget, UKHCA Disclosure Service Manager Julie Sharp launches the E-Bulk system and we report on free personal care. Donna O'Brien describes the regulatory regime for certain employment agencies and businesses, Francis McGlone reports on proposals for self-directed support in Scotland, RQIA's Dermot Parsons says inspection is a learning process, we report on news in Wales, our event programme and our revised Infection Control Resource Guide.

Homecarer March 2010

In this issue: UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham pays tribute to our retiring Chief Executive Lesley Rimmer OBE, we urge providers to sign up to CareJobFinder.org, the CQC's Linda Hutchinson describes registration, Andy Tilden of Skills for Care answers our questions on qualifications and training, Doug Mullen of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP considers the National Minimum Wage, we look at the social care policies of the main political parties and the Personal Care at Home Bill.

Homecarer January 2010

In this issue: we advise members to read CQC's new Compliance Guidance, Chair Mike Padgham predicts a rollercoaster year, Donna O'Brien describes new infection control requirements, Anne Challoner-Wood considers the National Dementia Strategy, Joyce Francis looks at free personal care for England and Francis McGlone, care funding, the Department of Health's Emma Jones updates us on Care First Careers and we launch our CareJobFinder.org website and event programme for 2010.

Homecarer November 2009

In this issue we launch our free personalisation toolkit, Chair Mike Padgham welcomes proposals for free homecare in England, Doug Mullen of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP discusses unsocial hours enhancements and Julia Jones considers vetting and barring scheme referrals, the Department of Health's Emma Jones introduces Care First Careers, we report on commissioning in Wales and Scotland, and on a NI provider survey, plus we launch our Smoking and Homecare Factsheet and revised Training Guide for England.

Homecarer September 2009

In this issue: Chair Mike Padgham recommends members have pandemic flu plans just in case, Professor Sue Yeandle discusses her research on telecare, Doug Mullen of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP warns employees may ask to be accompanied by a lawyer at disciplinary proceedings, Donna O'Brien reports on England's vetting and barring scheme, Francis McGlone and Joyce Francis invite members to join the big Care Debate on paying for care, we consider staff registration in our national reports and re-launch our free data entry service for the NMDS and preview our autumn workshop programme.

Homecarer July 2009

In this issue: We call for members views' on a critical consultation on Compliance Guidance that replaces the National Minimum Standards for Domiciliary Care, our Board representatives for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales campaign for better funding for training, UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham argues MPs should re-focus on social care, UKHCA Senior Policy Officer Francis McGlone reports on low pay, UKHCA HR Manager Wosiela Bobie looks at new disciplinary and grievance rules, UKHCA Membership Development Officer Sarah King considers whether in-house NVQ assessment and we include new, free “No reply from service user” policy guidance as a centre-page pull-out.

Homecarer May 2009

In this issue: We call for members' views on regulation by the Care Quality Commission, Anthony Collins Solicitors report on contract cancellation rights, Vic Citarella of Skills for Care and ADASS discusses local workforce planning, we report on the delay to the ISA's Vetting and Barring Scheme, Yvonne Apsitis rounds up our policy work in Wales, the RQIA's Dermot Parsons advises on preparing for inspection and Jenny Roberts reports on the Scottish Caring Congress.

Homecarer March 2009

In this edition: In a special pull-out guide, UKHCA Head of Policy Colin Angel explains how to withdraw care ethically. Care Quality Commission Chief Executive Cynthia Bower answers key questions from providers, UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham warns that adequate funding is needed in the recession, we look at the National Dementia Strategy, announce our signature of a memorandum of understanding in Wales, consider the impact of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and announce free Skills for Life training for employers in literacy and numeracy.

Homecarer January 2009

In this edition: In a special pull-out guide, UKHCA Head of Policy Colin Angel explains how to operate credit checks; Chair Mike Padgham calls on government to ensure measures to shore up banks filter through to businesses; Dr Alessio Cangiano reports on research on migrant workers; we look at members’ services post personalisation and some serious council contracting issues; Professor Lindsey Davies calls on providers to plan for a ‘flu pandemic and we launch our 2009 conference programme and revised handwashing guide for care workers.

Homecarer November 2008

Costs and contract concerns as we care through the crunch

Homecarer September 2008

In this edition: we keep up the pressure for recognition of fuel price increases; Geraldine Gawthorpe of EDGE Services advises on reducing risks for lone workers; we introduce Senior Policy Officer Francis McGlone, who will take a special interest in Scotland; UKHCA President Lucianne Sawyer previews her forthcoming paper on personalisation; HR specialist Wosiela Bobie answers tough questions on employment issues; UKHCA member Claudine Reid MBE reflects on the growth of social enterprise PJ’s Community Service and we launch our In-house Trainer’s Resource Guide and Customer Care Resource Guide.

Homecarer July 2008

Future of regulation is taking shape

Homecarer May 2008

In this edition, providers count the cost of proposed member schemes and we include a special feature from the General Social Care Council on how registration will raise standards. We also include a free pull-out "How does your local council measure up?" comparing in-house and external provider costs in England, advice for careworkers on using a hoist, Budget analysis and a legal update. Printed copies will be posted to members in mid-May.

Homecarer March 2008

Front page article "Stormont hears the case for a fair price for care". Also includes changes on the rules governing illegal working, improvements amongst providers identified by the CSCI and CSSIW and the new grading system to be introduced by the Care Commission in Scotland.

Homecarer January 2008

Migrant workers are essential to maintain sector's capacity

Homecarer November 2007

CSCI must halt star ratings

Homecarer September 2007

• We consider planning for contingencies and see how our members fared in the floods this summer – some have dramatic stories to tell
• UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham calls for local authorities to recognise the extra cost of increased holiday entitlement
• Independent consultant and former SPRU researcher Charles Patmore describes a way of easing depression in older people
• Rob Pickford, Chief Inspector and Director of CSSIW answers our questions on care regulation in Wales
• The Scottish Executive tells us about its ‘Changing Lives’ programme for social care, and the Care Commission heralds its new inspection procedure

Homecarer July 2007

Registering in Northern Ireland? Feel free!

Homecarer May 2007

Into the era of self-assessment

Homecarer March 2007

Care workers to register in 2008

Homecarer January 2007

Wales prepares to keep its New Year regulations

Homecarer November 2006

Commissioning 'inflexible' says regulator

Homecarer September 2006

New star ratings are unveiled by regulator