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.

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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.

In this issue: We comment on sector pay issues and call for greater transparency on costs of care; UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr says care quality must take centre stage; We look at the Cavendish care certificate pilots; Anna Dabek of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP discusses sleep ins and NMW; Towergate Patrick consider public and employers’ liability insurance; Executive Compass describe how they approached a “must win” bid; Jonathon Holmes explains England’s new inspection regime; We describe two consultations in Scotland and progress on legislation in Wales; Report on our successful event in Northern Ireland and launch our revised Minimum Price for Care paper.

In this issue: We anticipate the start of the new CQC ratings system from October 2014; UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr says homecare should be a political priority; John Turner takes a close look at the Care Act and the ‘New CQC’; Towergate Insurance ask could you cope, if your business was at a standstill? Jonathon Holmes considers data security challenges for health and social care; We report on opportunities to have your say in Northern Ireland; Consider care standards reform in Scotland and how UKHCA is contributing to implementing reforms in Wales; Look at CQC’s deliberations on covert surveillance; Preview the new market oversight regime for England; Launch new guidance by Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP on competition law; and invite members to our England Conference – The Care Act 2014: aspirations to reality - on 1st December 2014.

The July 2014 edition of Homecarer is now available for members to download. In this issue: We look at the major consultation exercise on regulations and guidance for local authorities on the Care Act; Senior Campaigns Officer Duncan White discusses training for staff on the Care Act; UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr says it’s a time to have your say, and a time to celebrate success; We celebrate the Great British Care Awards with a two page feature; Sheree Green of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP explains deprivation of liberty; Towergate Patrick consider handling a liability claim; Kate Lovett of EDGE Services looks at whether you need two people for moving and handling; Dominic Carter explains how the HMRC check National Minimum Wage compliance and we launch revised guidance by Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP on the right to cancel in a consumer’s own home (cooling off period now 14 days for new contracts).

The May 2014 edition of Homecarer is now available for members. In this issue: We look at CQCs plans for inspecting and rating services through A New Start; Chief Executive Bridget Warr considers prices, market position statements and policy reforms; Senior Policy Officer Duncan White analyses new EU procurement rules; Anna Dabek of Anthony Collins Solicitors explains recent changes to employment law; Jason Claydon of insurers Towergate Patrick writes on business continuity should the worst happen; Policy and Campaigns Director Colin Angel returns to the hot topic of zero hours contracts in the homecare sector; There are a range of great news stories in Membership news And the latest news from all four corners of the UK are covered in the National reports.

The March 2014 edition of Homecarer is now available for members. In this issue: We say a minimum price for homecare is crucial for care quality; Feature our member event with Paul Burstow MP and Baroness Brinton at the House of Commons; UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham says we need to be brave to face the challenges of 2014; UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr describes guidance that will underpin the Care Bill; UKHCA Senior Policy Officer Duncan White compares outcome based commissioning with aircraft carrier design; John Turner of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP discusses who is entitled to ask for a disclosure; the Department for Work and Pensions describes their new services for employers; we report on a provider workshop in Northern Ireland to discuss RQIA inspection and new legislation in Scotland and Wales; Towergate Patrick look at setting up a pension scheme; Key Retirement Solutions consider paying for care; MedScene Pharmacy describe a Dutch approach to medication; we highlight training funding and changes to the NMDS; Mary Wardell hails Caremark workers’experiences coping with the floods; and launch our members’ homecare case studies, following the Homecare Innovation Challenge.

The January 2014 edition of Homecarer is now available for members to download from the members’ area of our website at: www.ukhca.co.uk/members/homecarer.aspx

In this issue: We consider the real victims of the downturn – those who receive publicly funded care or should do; UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham looks forward to this year's challenges; UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr describes the many areas where we ensure members have a voice; UKHCA Senior Policy Officer Duncan White looks at Clinical Commissioning Groups; Doug Mullen of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP discusses pensions auto-enrolment; we report on the recent consultation on regulation in Wales and our response; Richard Barnes of Towergate Patrick looks at car insurance; we report on the new faces on the UKHCA Board: we include a special feature on our England conference at the Kia Oval; launch our new Tendering and Contracting Q and As Factsheet (available for members to download week commencing 13th January) and include, at the end, a Directory of consultants and suppliers to the homecare sector.

In this issue: We warn that substandard commissioning is jeopardising good homecare; UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham says help is at hand on National Minimum Wage compliance; UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr discusses short visits and mixed messages from Government; Andrew Threlfall of Malinko Home Care Software looks at data security; Faye Rush of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP weighs the pros and cons of zero hours contracts; Andy Brookes of Hazlewoods describes tax incentives; Jenny Roberts discusses the reality of dementia; Emma Kain-Barrett of Towergate Patrick looks at winter planning; we consider CQC plans on regulating adult social care; we look at Welsh plans for care regulation and concerns in Scotland about integration, plus the codes of practice consultation in Northern Ireland; describe our UKHCA Impact Statement for 2012/13 and upcoming National Minimum Wage toolkit; and how to book for our England conference on 26 November.

In this issue: We call for dialogue with local authority leaders on minimum wage issues; UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham says society should value care workers more highly; UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr discusses developing NICE homecare guidance; Homecare innovation challenge – use our centre page poster to generate ideas on the future of homecare; John Turner of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP explains how the Care Bill will change safeguarding in England; Lucianne Sawyer CBE provides an update on telecare; Jenny Roberts discusses the managers’ role in dementia care; SPRU’s Professor Caroline Glendinning reports on managed personal budgets; Emma Kain-Barrett of Towergate Patrick looks at stress in the workplace; We look at UKHCA’s response to CQC’s New Start consultation and the outcome of Who Cares? consultation in Northern Ireland; plus Launch our specimen terms and conditions for employment agencies; New factsheet on statutory notifications and reporting; and booking for our England conference on 26 November.

In this issue: We welcome CQC’s “new start” plans for regulatory reform; UKHCA Chair calls for more money to be invested in homecare and UKHCA Chief Executive supports innovation and integration; we launch our joint “Can we trust the Trusts?” campaign in Northern Ireland; Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP consider user default and insurance brokers Towergate Patrick look at business support; UKHCA Dementia Lead Jenny Roberts advises on achieving a good diet; Policy Officer Joyce Francis looks at disclosure changes and recruitment schemes; Skills for Care’s Sue Smith says apprenticeships can be a bonus and David Cubey looks at NMDS-SC’s dashboard design; report on news from Scotland and Wales on reforms which emphasise user involvement and well-being; describe free resources available to members and how to order our new Homecare Workers’ Handbook.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.