United Kingdom
Homecare Association
The professional association for homecare providers

Homecarer magazine is UKHCA's bi-monthly digest of policy and practice information for the domiciliary care sector. Every issue includes:

• Analysis of how policy changes will affect homecare providers
• Key guidance for safe, effective homecare delivery
• Best practice advice for employers
• Country-specific news from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
• A regular Q&A feature

UKHCA's member organisations receive a free copy of Homecarer as part of their membership and can download previous editions of the magazine from this page.

Non-members are encouraged to view a sample copy of Homecarer, while further information on how to benefit from receiving regular copies can be found on our UKHCA membership benefits page. You can easily become a UKHCA Member too!

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Social care funding remains a prominently discussed issue in the sector and in January UKHCA launched the Minimum Price for Homecare for April 2020-March 2021. Read more on the £20.69 calculation on pages 4-7. Our members' forums are now under way and we've enjoyed meeting the many homecare providers who make up our membership. UKHCA's CEO Jane Townson has also had a busy few weeks, which has included visiting Wales and Northern Ireland (pages 8-9). Elsewhere, the Information Commissioner's Office talk about data protection (page 13), Anthony Collins LLP give advice on how to plan for a crisis (pages 10-11) and we feature a host of tips for living a healthier life when older (pages 16- 17). Towergate Insurance also offer their advice on what you should look for from your legal services (page 15). Thanks for reading, and if you have feature ideas for the future or feedback do get in contact via editor@ukhca.co.uk

Happy new year to all our readers! We've opened 2020 with a new look which we hope you enjoy. It was a busy end of the year for UKHCA after we hosted our inaugural Digital Solutions for Homecare event (page 12), celebrated Homecare Day (page 13) and launched our manifesto in the run up to the General Election. With a new government now in place, it has never been so important for a long term plan for social care to be addressed once and for all. Read what UKHCA are calling for on page 4. Elsewhere in this issue UKHCA CEO Dr Jane Townson updates us on her recent member visits and travels around the sector. Towergate Insurance provide useful guidance on business continuity planning (page 10-11), while Anthony Collins Solicitors give their advice on reputation management in a crisis (page 19).

In this issue we take a look at the CQC's State of Care report for England; UKHCA CEO Jane Townson reflects on the UKHCA Conference at the Care Show; Anna Dabek of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP analyses holiday pay for providers, Diabetes UK give us a break down of what homecare workers need to look out in relation to the condition; Towergate Insurance provides insight into cybercrime risks by homecare providers; and we round up policy issues in our National reports from around the UK as well as summarise provider and commercial member news.

In this issue we say it’s time to get ready for a ‘No Deal’ Brexit; UKHCA CEO Jane Townson reflects on her first three months leading UKHCA; we review The Access Group’s report calling for longer homecare visits; we report on DHSC’s new phase of the recruitment drive; Tim Coolican of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP warns CQC is flexing its legal muscle: Towergate Insurance consider the rising cost of employee injuries; human resources specialists The HR Dept discuss employee suspension; My Learning Cloud describe what gives them the edge in a crowded market; we round up policy issues in our National reports from around the UK and include a summary of our Impact Statement 2018-19 as a centre page pull-out.

In this issue we comment on the recent Panorama ‘Crisis in Care’ programmes; UKHCA Chair Trevor Brocklebank considers the perfect storm of challenges facing social care; UKHCA Policy Director Colin Angel discusses using social media; we summarise our response to the Low Pay Commission; Adrian Leonard of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP gives top tips for a successful homecare business acquisition; Towergate Insurance consider motor insurance; Darren Housden of Animo Business Consulting says help is at hand for new businesses; we describe our new and revised resources, and round up policy issues in our National reports.

In this issue: We voice concern that Brexit is disrupting the domestic agenda; UKHCA Chair Trevor Brocklebank calls for the focus to return to social care; UKHCA Policy Officer Veronica Monks considers adult social care Green Paper options for England; we look at research on homecare workers' motivation by Nottingham University; Libby Hubbard of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP examines a recent case on historic convictions; Towergate Insurance Brokers describe key person insurance cover; Oliver Spence of First City Nursing and Care, and Colin Angel, UKHCA Policy Director, discuss commissioning and providing care; we say Brexit negotiations must make allowance for the workforce in Wales; call for the political impasse to end in Northern Ireland and for kindness to 'auld grannie' and the ageing population in Scotland.

In this issue: We announce the appointment of Roger Berry as our new Chief Executive; Bridget Warr CBE says the outlook for homecare is bright, in her last column as CEO; we launch our new discounted eLearning facility, which will help with staff training; Amy Callahan-Page of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP explains how providers can recover debts from local authorities; Towergate Insurance Brokers consider effective risk management; we report on our survey of homecare providers in Wales, carried out with support from Welsh Government, Social Care Wales, CIW and regional partners; describe additional funding in Northern Ireland to ease winter pressures and concerns in Scotland about Brexit; Joanna Grant of Interserve introduces a guide on managing the transition from child to adult care provision; and we launch our updated portability of disclosure and barring checks guidance for members in England.

In this issue: Bridget Warr CBE, in her penultimate column as UKHCA’s CEO, comments on delay and confusion in Government policy and the effect on the homecare sector; Eeshma Qazi of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP discusses CCTV surveillance; Towergate Insurance consider preventing injury to careworkers; the Department of Health and Social Care preview the recruitment campaign in England; Pam Gordon of The Franchising Centre offers help on franchising in homecare; James Whynacht, Policy Officer, discusses the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman’s report on complaints; and we look at the findings of our Homecare Deficit report in the devolved nations.

In this issue: We launch our Homecare Deficit 2018 report on average prices commissioners pay for homecare across the UK; we report on our recent Conference at the Kia Oval, where Care Minister Caroline Dinenage MP addressed delegates; UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr reviews recent developments and welcomes our new Board members; Sarah Harnett of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP discusses sleep ins and workers' pay; Towergate Insurance describe protecting your businesses from cyber-crime; The UK Sepsis Trust explains how homecare workers can spot the signs of sepsis; Veronica Monks, UKHCA Policy Officer, looks at Making It Real; we give readers top tips on winter planning; James Whynacht, Policy Officer, UKHCA, discusses workforce aspirations in Northern Ireland, Terry Donohoe, Policy Officer, UKHCA, considers the Brexit challenge for Scotland’s providers and we celebrate the success of members at the Social Care Wales Accolades.

In this issue: Policy Director Colin Angel introduces our Risk Register, setting out the financial risks members face today; UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr CBE calls for an equal focus on social care; Kirsty MacMillan of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP explains how deprivation of liberty procedures may change; Towergate Insurance discuss income protection and its benefits; Dietitians Kirsty Bamping and Alison Smith look at how homecare can prevent malnutrition and dehydration in older people; Keith Strahan of NHS Digital considers opportunities for information sharing; we discuss how homecare staff can be affected by bereavement at work; we interview Neil Eastwood about his new recruitment video masterclasses; our national reports look at developments across the UK, and we include a pull-out summary of our Impact Statement for 2017/18.

In this issue: UKHCA Policy Officer, Veronica Monks, writes about the social care Green paper being delayed as the NHS is promised extra funding; Bridget Warr, CEO, UKHCA, discusses how urgent attention is needed on long-term funding; Carole Broughton, UKHCA Information Officer, writes about a joint paper that promotes a new dialogue between commissioners and providers; Anthony Collins Solicitors’ article probes whether the recent Oxfam scandal changes the way we must write references for employees; Michelle Gederon, Homecarer Editor, writes about careworkers needing more support when caring for people with dementia; Towergate Insurance provides some useful tips to homecare providers when they are faced with business interruption; UKHCA Policy Officer, James Whynacht, writes about a long-term workforce strategy for Northern Ireland; the England National Report examines the recent ADASS annual budget survey and talks about the 70th anniversary for social care; the Wales National report provides information about re-registering for the Care Inspectorate Wales; UKHCA Policy Officer, Terry Donohoe’s Scotland National report examines the area of integrated care.

In this issue: Colin Angel, Policy Director, UKHCA, talks about the potential impact of CQC fee increases for members; Bridget Warr, CEO, UKHCA, discusses the seven principles underpinning the forthcoming social care Green Paper; Michelle Gederon, Homecarer Editor, writes about Martin Jones, Managing Director at Home Instead and the Care workers Charity; Anthony Collins Solicitors talks about the noticeable increase in CQC letters to providers about the potential commission of criminal offences; the Membership and Marketing team provide a special section about choosing care management software; Towergate Insurance present the things to consider when renewing your insurance; In the National England Report, Veronica Monks, Policy Officer, UKHCA, looks at the select commitees for Health and Social Care and Housing, Communities and Local Government scrutinising social care funding; James Whynacht, Policy Officer, UKHCA ,writes about how co-operation is essential in providing high quality care in Northern Ireland.

In this issue: UKHCA looks at ringfencing health and social care; Bridget Warr, UKHCA CEO, discusses how the green paper is an opportunity to put homecare on a firm footing; Anthony Collins Solicitors provides homecarers with 12 top tips for GDPR; Karen Reid, Chief Executive of the Care Inspectorate tells members how recruitment and retention is vital for high quality care in Scotland;James Whynacht, UKHCA Policy Officer provides written commentary on planning for the future of social care in Wales and Lesley Megarity; we present a special section with articles on mobility written by various charities and regulatory bodies; UKHCA Board Member for Northern Ireland writes about the priorities in health and social care for any incoming Minister.

In this issue: UKHCA writes about a recent webinar for council commissioners; Trevor Brocklebank, UKHCA's new Chair formerly introduces himself; Bridget Warr, UKHCA's CEO, discusses how homecare issues are being moved forward to shape the future of care; a special sensory impairment section featuring articles written by RNIB, British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists and Sense offering advice to carers on how they can help service-users; UKHCA's Policy Director, Colin Angel talks about recruitment and retention: Towergate Insurance writes about reducing risk and the costs of your insurance; Anthony Collins Solicitors explains what procurement is and what it could mean for homecarer providers and we present a round-up in the national reports of announcements and developments related to homecare.

In this issue: UKHCA reviews a recent house of commons debate on social care; Bridget Warr, UKHCA CEO discusses how we continue to work on making progress in homecare; Towergate Insurance writes about liability claims; Anthony Collins Solicitors looks at what fire safety means for homecarers; London Fire Brigade issues a warning on the dangers of emollient creams;James Whynacht, UKHCA Policy Officer reports on how homecare providers in Wales are facing substantial change within the care sector;Veronica Monks, UKHCA Policy Officer and Carole Broughton, UKHCA Information Officer, discusses the Care Quality Commission's consultation on fees;
Duncan White, UKHCA Senior Policy Officer looks at what is happening in social care in Scotland.

In this issue: UKHCA provides an update on the Minimum Price for Homecare; Bridget Warr, UKHCA CEO discusses keeping social care as a government priority;Mike Padgham, outgoing UKHCA Chairman write his final Chairman's letter; Professor Justine Schneider, University of Nottingham explores what 'good' homecare looks like for people with dementia; the Scottish Social Services Council discusses the regulation of Scotland's social service workers; Dan Jones, UKHCA Policy Officer reports on what the Welsh Government and Social care Wales has in store for the sector; James Whynacht, UKHCA Policy officer writes on how Northern Ireland is thinking long-term for care and provides a question and answer page on compliance with National Minimum Wage regulations.

In this issue UKHCA urges the Government to keep social care at the forefront; UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham says we need unity and purpose to achieve social care reform; we explore how apprenticeship funding has changed and how this could affect homecare providers; Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP looks at law and governance; UKHCA celebrates the acheivements of CQC 'Outstanding' members; Towergate Insurance tells members how to keep insurance premiums down; UKHCA CEO Bridget Warr discusses the priorities of social care following the General Election; we explore homecare from the LGBT perspective and James Whynacht, UKHCA Policy Officer, looks at what lies in store next for Northern Ireland.

In May 2017 Homecarer UKHCA strongly urges the political parties to take action on social care; UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr discusses how high quality sustainable homecare needs the energy and commitment of us all; Veronica Monks, UKHCA Policy Officer explores how older workers could be a key resource for homecare; Jane Burns of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP announces how new data protection law is coming soon; UKHCA's Dan Jones explores whether it is the end of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS); Towerage Insurance advises on using personal vehicles for work; Duncan White, UKHCA Senior Campaigns Officer comments on an ever-changing agenda as Scotland moves forward with social care; The Young Dementia Network discusses how a new tool will help GPs diagnose dementia in younger people and UKHCA's James Whynacht looks at how stability and long-term vision is urgently needed for adult social care in Northern Ireland. This edition also contains a directory of consultants and suppliers to the homecare sector. The UKHCA Manifesto 2017 referred to in Homecarer is available from: www.ukhca.co.uk/manifesto

In this edition UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham calls for the Spring Budget to throw homecare a lifeline; UKHCA’s Veronica Monks considers what’s next for commissioning and James Whynacht introduces a new guide to understanding providers’ costs; UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr discusses maintaining quality homecare; Sarah Knight of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP describes regulatory pressures; we report on taking EU workforce issues to MPs; Duncan White, UKHCA Senior Campaigns Officer, looks at social prescribing; Towergate Insurance consider local authority insurance requirements; Bristol Citizens Advice discuss tackling scams aimed at those receiving homecare; UKHCA Policy Officer Daniel Jones considers the state of social care in Wales; Duncan White analyses the Health and Social Care Delivery Plan in Scotland and James Whynacht hopes politics won’t divert from social care in Northern Ireland.

In this issue: We say the Government's response to social care funding is not nearly enough to support homecare; Mike Padgham reinforces the message on his page; CEO Bridget Warr CBE discusses how working together is the way forward for health and social care; we explore Brexit's potential impact on health and social care; Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP, looks at negotiating a sustainable care funding package; we outline how Sustainability and transformation planning (STPs) is essential for members; Policy Officer, James Whynacht reviews the Northern Ireland Members Forum and presents how change is in the air for social care in that region; we address CQC's consultation on registration fees for 2017; Policy Officer, Dan Jones discusses how 2017 is a year of change for Wales; Senior Campaigns Officer, Duncan White examines the Scottish Integration Joint Boards (IJB) work and we provide the answers to a selection of questions received through the helpline.

In this issue: We say it is time to take action as winter is coming, Mike Padgham states that the government must target investment in homecare; CEO Bridget Warr CBE reports on how UKHCA is working hand in hand to push homecare to the forefront; We review the recent UKHCA England Conference; Professor Keith Brown of Bournemouth University provides some useful advice about seeking consent for care or treatment from someone’s ‘Next of Kin’; Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP, discusses negotiating homecare contracts with the local authority; Towergate Insurance invites you to meet the care team at the organisation; We report that the CQC warns that spending cuts could push social care to a tipping point; Senior Campaigns Officer Duncan White reviews the second UKHCA Scotland Round Table discussion and the impact of the Scottish Living Wage (SLW), Policy Officer Dan Jones presents his piece on what the latest draft budget means for social care in Wales and follows up with his Northern Ireland section which discusses Professor Bengoa’s expert panel report.

In this issue: We ask if the market for homecare is sustainable; Mike Padgham says homecare deserves a gold medal and Olympic-style funding; CEO Bridget Warr explores opportunities in challenging times; Julie Vale of Musgrove Park Hospital presents her study of depression in older people; Donna Holmes, Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP, discusses building your company and long-term stability; Towergate Insurance describe their legal support system; Policy Officer Jonathon Holmes describes a day spent with All Care (South Wales) in Wales; We report on CQC’s approach to integration and concerns about delayed discharges in England; Senior Campaigns Officer Duncan White describes health and social care committees in Scotland; and include a pull out summary of UKHCA’s Impact Statement for 2015–16.

In this issue: Our Chair, Mike Padgham provides his response to Brexit and what the homecare sector should consider following the leave decision. The front page topic is the deteriorating discharge issues for older hospital patients; UKHCA CEO Bridget Warr CBE, continues to report on UKHCA’s efforts to gain a prominent place for homecare. Towergate Insurance outlines what the Insurance Act 2015 could mean for UK homecare businesses and Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP shows how important social media is to social care. The appointment of the new Department of Health in Northern Ireland takes the lead in the national report section, outcomes-based commissioning being the topic for the Wales report. UKHCA makes the case for the Scottish government to address some urgent homecare issues and the England report talks about the inquiry into the financial sustainability of local authority adult social care and the quality of care.

In this issue: We report on our House of Commons reception, hosted by Barbara Keeley MP and supported by Alzheimer’s Society, to promote the importance of dementia care at home; UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham considers pressures that could destabilise the homecare sector; Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP examine live in care and minimum wage compliance; UKHCA CEO Bridget Warr looks at ways homecare is moving forward and adapting to change; Towergate Insurance ask - are you covered where it counts? We also report on the Towergate Care Awards recognising excellence in care; we ask - where next for Northern Ireland? We report on major developments in Wales affecting homecare; we consider integration – the big story in Scotland, and delayed transfers of care in England.

In this issue: Chair Mike Padgham says funding measures are a start but not enough; CEO Bridget Warr says homecare should be put at the forefront; Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP put tendering under the spotlight; we consider CQC’s five year strategy and plans for the future; Policy Officer Jonathon Holmes puts providers’ views to the Commons’ Health Committee; Towergate Insurance remind employers of their duty of care; we celebrate members’ news including an ‘outstanding’ rating in London; we report on policy developments in the devolved nations; we launch our new Code of Practice and continue Save Our Homecare.

The January 2016 edition of Homecarer is now available for members to download. In this issue: Chair Mike Padgham considers the challenges of 2016 and says it may be another difficult year for providers; CEO Bridget Warr looks at Government plans to boost local spending on adult social care and our activities in the devolved nations; Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP consider myths surrounding the National Minimum Wage; Policy Officer Jonathon Holmes describes the social care provisions in the Government’s Spending Review; we report on our successful Wales conference and provider event in Northern Ireland ; Senior Campaigns Officer Duncan White reports on two conferences in Scotland that drive forward social care policy; Policy Officer Dominic Carter considers equality in the workplace; Training specialist Jayne Easterbrook answers questions on training in England; we give members advance notice of our new look website and Code of Practice; and push on with Save Our Homecare campaign and petition.

In this issue: Chair Mike Padgham welcomes the Care Minister’s decision to visit homecare’s frontline and calls on everyone to seize the moment and support Save Our Homecare; we report on our successful England conference and say ‘book now’ for our upcoming events in Wales and Northern Ireland; CEO Bridget Warr reports on the recent Five Nations Forum and introduces a new guide to help services get ready for winter pressures; Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP consider light touch commissioning; we report on dramatic fee increases proposed by CQC; Policy Officer Jonathon Holmes summarises the party conference season; Senior Campaigns Officer Duncan White spells out harsh realities to a Scottish inquiry; we launch “Dementia and Homecare: Driving Quality and Innovation”, with partners, part of the Prime Minister’s Dementia Challenge; and consider the issue of loneliness and the role of homecare; and are pleased to welcome new UKHCA Board members and highlight our Impact Statement for 2014/15.

In this issue: Chair Mike Padgham says the Chancellor must increase funding for social care in the Spending Review; CEO Bridget Warr previews our ‘Save Our Homecare’ campaign; Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP discuss ‘well-led’ and UKHCA Senior Campaigns Officer Duncan White considers how to improve CQC ratings; Towergate Insurance discuss the duty of candour; Policy Officer Jonathon Holmes looks at right to work checks; Doug Sheperdigian and David Bell of Atlantic Customer Solutions consider outcome-based commissioning; Policy Officer Dominic Carter looks at a review of homecare in Wales and Duncan White discusses healthcare quality in Scotland; NISCC Chief Executive Colum Conway answers questions on workforce registration in Northern Ireland; and we launch our Personalisation Factsheet, and Top tips on fee negotiations and challenges by Anthony Collins.

In this issue: Chair Mike Padgham asks whether social care can learn the lessons of history; Policy Officer Jonathon Holmes looks at DevoManc and commissioning; Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP discuss what homecare agencies need to know about deprivation of liberty; we look at accompanied holidays, with the assistance of Towergate Insurance; UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr expresses her hopes for the new Government at Westminster; Policy Officer Dominic Carter says a dementia focus paves the way for social care; we report on the Health + Care event, and the Great British Care Awards; launch our revised National Minimum Wage Toolkit and materials for members on assessing the Care Certificate; Senior Policy Officer Duncan White considers the challenge of personalisation and integration in Scotland; we report on workforce registration in Northern Ireland and local government reorganisation in Wales; and include our directory of services and products for the homecare sector, which lists UKHCA commercial members, as a centre page pull out.

The May 2015 edition of Homecarer is now available for members to download. In this issue: We consider the threat to social care of continued austerity and call for the new Government to address social care funding; launch the UKHCA statistical overview of the homecare market; Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP discuss health related tasks and the risks for homecare providers; Towergate Insurance describe help for providers with registration issues; we consider personalisation, post Care Act 2014, and the evidence we gave to the Welsh Government on registration and inspection; plus we report on integration in Scotland and trade union recognition in Northern Ireland.

The March 2015 edition of Homecarer is now available for members to download. In this issue: We report on our freedom of information campaign and resulting report “The Homecare Deficit” which highlights homecare pricing by councils and Trust throughout the UK; we launch the UKHCA Manifesto which outlines the commitments we will be seeking from the next Government and priority we want to see given to homecare; Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP summarise Care Act and other provisions coming in from April 2015, with action points for members; Towergate Insurance describe their insurance scheme and what provisions it contains about abuse; we report on a campaign to highlight the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning in the home; and we include questions and answers on the Care Certificate and news of our workshops on the Certificate.

In this issue: We report on our successful England Conference with a special photo feature; UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr says social care must be an election priority; Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP discuss handing back business and launch ‘Top Tips on Fee Negotiations’; UKHCA Policy Director Colin Angel considers what the Care Act 2014 means for providers; we challenge CQC’s plans to increase registration fees by 9% from April 2015; Towergate Insurance describe their provider insurance scheme; Dominic Carter discusses social services legislation and local government in Wales; we describe a new App for care staff in Northern Ireland, and launch our New Year Sale of the UKHCA Homecare Workers' Handbook.