Page 12 - PIC-Magazine-Issue-22-Spring-Summer
P. 12

12
     Why paying less for Social Care isn’t always the most cost effective in the long run
A Funding Crisis In Social Care
Our Social Care sector is currently facing a funding crisis due
to various market factors. Despite a 2.6% average increase in funding since 2014, local authorities report a real term 17% net reduction since 2010, as highlighted by the Kings Fund. Major economic events like Brexit, the Ukraine War, and the Covid-19 pandemic have further exacerbated the situation, resulting in one in ten roles being vacant in the sector. Workforce pay issues and escalating agency costs are significant challenges, compounded by the increasing demand for social care and the NHS's push to shift care into communities.
We are part of the Acuity Care Group, which encompasses four specialist services – Team Brain Injury Support, Bespoke Health & Social Care, Spinal Injury Support and Learning Disability & Autism. With over
30 years’ experience across the Group, Acuity Care Group has continued to grow steadily, by providing both high quality and high acuity services throughout the UK. The majority of our services are commissioned by Integrated Care Boards (ICBs – formerly known as Clinical Commissioning Groups) and Case Management Organisations. Our success has been built on our commitment to delivering outstanding, honest, and affordable services to individuals and to their funders.
For more information about Acuity Care Group visit: www.acuitycaregroup.com or call 0115 857 2928
This funding gap, estimated between £5.4bn (The Health Foundation) and £7bn (Care Provider Alliance), poses a risk of ‘unfair care’, where those who can afford treatment receive it promptly, while others face longer waits and reduced access, according to a 2023 CQC report.
How can paying more per hour for quality care provision lead to long-term cost savings?
The evolving nature of care commissioning, with changing perspectives from different commissioners, adds complexity. While the average hours commissioned per person decrease, the expectations for families to provide care continues to rise. When the long-term expenses associated with failed discharges and inadequate rehabilitation support are fully considered, then investing more in the short term for the right level of support can be cost-effective.
The Integrated Care System (ICS) structure aims to bring health and social care partners together for joint funding and better outcomes. Collaboration
is crucial, with transparency being the key to successful relationships between care providers
and commissioners. Commissioning care through frameworks with set pricing can, at times, undermine the vision of ICSs’, as the cost of specialised services does vary signifificantly. The Homecare Association recommends a minimum payment
of £28.53 - £34.34 per hour for legally compliant homecare
in England.
Rebecca Hurst
Clinical Nurse Manager
                       INDUSTRY EXPERTS
















































































   10   11   12   13   14