Essential 5
As the cost of living continues to rise, it comes as no surprise that many are more price-conscious than ever. To lend a hand in guiding you through what is potentially a testing time, we outline our top five ways to help control cash flow in your care home.
Recognise the challenges
With various demands pulling at the purse strings, particularly the current cost of living crisis we are up against, it’s important to gain a clear view of what kind of things could be affected. The pandemic brought a plethora of new challenges, including staff sickness, which has led to a staffing crisis. With agency workers being paid up to 40 percent more than a permanently employed staff member, this can create difficulties but, by firmly outlining challenges and effective solutions and then sharing them with the wider team, it’s the most beneficial way to get ahead of the curve.
Eliminate food waste
As care homes look to tighten budgets, the thought of food waste is enough to make us quiver. Not only is the waste highly unsustainable, but it is also costing your business money. Ways in which you can help eradicate or lessen such waste is by thinking carefully about portion sizes – get to know which residents eat more and those who don’t. Keeping an accurate inventory so you don’t double up and miss use-by dates is a great place to start, alongside saving leftover ingredients to introduce unconventional but tasty additions to the menu.
Budget clearly
Regularly outlining monthly and yearly outgoings is imperative to any business. By keeping these notes in a clear and concise form, you will help further down the line when and if you do need to cut back in particular areas. Using software such as Excel or Budgyt makes things easy for the entirety of the team and can massively help with annual financial reports.
Introduce technology
Although there can be reluctance around learning how to operate and introduce technology, it can offer a timely, efficient and useful way to work. Moving away from traditional processes that you may be used to, and embracing the utilisation of a piece of technology can go hand in hand with the potential staffing problems you may face. It’s important to remember that in an ever-changing world, it’s essential to keep up with trends to ensure you’re always appealing to new residents.
Negotiate with providers
More than ever, now is the time to have those uncomfortable conversations. Negotiating the best deal for gas and electricity is critical to remaining a sustainable business. If you’ve been with the same provider for a number of years, it may seem that the easiest option is to stick with them. However, if you can get it cheaper elsewhere, be prepared to negotiate with the existing supplier and if they don’t budge, it may be time to jump ship. In this difficult climate it’s important to make hard decisions if they are going to have positive impacts long-term.
Staying afloat
From keeping your care home’s food waste minimal to helping with budgeting and planning, we hear from some of the industry’s experts to find out how to best manage expenses.
What does the cost of living crisis mean for your care home? After a turbulent few years and the pandemic bringing with it an array of unwelcomed challenges, the soaring energy costs and rising inflation is undoubtedly difficult to navigate through.
With Greetwell Purchasing Solutions’ Care Home Buyers Guide highlighting how there were financial pressures within the care sector before the pandemic arose, they detailed that in 2018 alone, more than 100 care homes in the UK were made insolvent. This shows that the sometimes wafer-thin margins on which some operate can mean trouble if you don’t pay attention to every aspect of your business.
“The new business energy scheme will run from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.”
The eBook which Greetwell put together on ‘How to Reduce and Manage Food Costs’ explained that when it comes to purchasing consumables - including food, cleaning materials, uniforms and stationery - the process can unfortunately be fraught with long, time-sapping administration. Thankfully, there are several ways in which you can look to mitigate this within your organisation, which are highlighted throughout the eBook.
One of these methods included reducing your costs per resident, per day. Greetwell explained: “Looking at operations from a top-down viewpoint is often useful, but understanding the needs of your catering team, residents and the expectations of families is also needed.”
Saving costs is a benefit in itself, but it comes with further advantages when you are able to take the money that has been saved and apply it to a different area of the business in order to generate either greater profits or boosted footfall.
As catering operations continue to face rising food prices, Hayden Hibbert, Client Relationship Director at Food Procurement Experts, allmanhall, looks at key areas where caterers could become more efficient and thereby make significant cost savings.
“Reassessing how the supply chain is managed, and revisiting operational practices, could all have a positive financial outcome.”
According to Hayden, “Reworking the menu offering, reassessing how the supply chain is managed and revisiting operational practices could all have a positive financial outcome for catering operations.”
Using smart and effective recipe and menu engineering can make a big difference when it comes to food costs. Without changing the offering, costs can be reduced by looking at your cost-to-serve. This is the cost for a supplier to make a delivery. It can be brought down by limiting the number of deliveries you have each week or by increasing the value of each delivery: “The other thing you can look at doing is reducing the need for your supplier to split cases, which again brings down your cost-to-serve.” Hayden added.
Another way of driving cost efficiency is by using modern equipment. When did you last consider your capital investment strategy in regards to equipment? Like spending on training, the benefits could quickly outweigh the outlay.
Food inflation is a reality. Hayden commented, “allmanhall aims to help its clients in theses testing times, be it by negotiating down proposed price increases, advising on product alternatives and range management, or mitigating risks.”
With the food inflation crisis continuing and the need to maximise budgets even more crucial, Katrina Lane, Senior Relationship Manager at allmanhall offered advice to catering teams on ways to provide healthy nutritious meals within budget.
“Full visibility of the fixed, and especially variable (controllable), costs is essential.”
“A starting point is an accurate costing model that provides a comprehensive understanding of all the contributing costs across the catering operation. Full visibility of the fixed, and especially variable (controllable), costs is essential. Keeping track of this data, and nimbly controlling variable costs whilst also battling increasing food prices, can protect the foodservice operation from excessive spending on ingredients, labour, and energy costs.” Added Katrina.
Katrina revealed how savings will also be made by increasing the level of in-house preparation: “However, a cost benefit analysis is still recommended, as it is important to factor in additional costs of doing this, such as energy, labour, and equipment depreciation.” Batch cooking is a good way of saving time and increasing production output for the same labour input.
At the back end of last year, Care England revealed their concerns about energy renewal costs faced by care providers since the War in Ukraine. Following feedback from their hugely successful energy webinars and their subsequent formal challenge into OFGEM around unduly onerous energy supplier practises, Care England aims to support care providers to secure the best value for money possible for gas and electricity.
Care England shared that as of mid-January, The Treasury has published a factsheet that outline the next steps of government energy support. The new business energy scheme will run from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. The current £18 billion scheme (Energy Bill Relief Scheme) announced in September comes to an end in March 2023. It supports businesses and public sector organisations such as schools and hospitals by providing a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices.
The Treasury has also published a letter sent from the Chancellor to Ofgem, which outlined the latter’s initiative to launch a deeper review of the energy market, to provide further support for customers (this can be viewed on the Care England website).
Budgeting is important to every care home, small or large, and setting this out clearly from the offset will only benefit you in the long run. Budgeting allows you to plan expenditure based on expected revenue and allows you to set financial targets for the home whilst having set allocations. Having a clear indication of your financial goals at the beginning of your financial year will give you greater control over your money and spending, which is why it’s advised you work with an accountant to help implement your budget and track actual figures.
With gas and electric being one of the main areas of expenditure, it’s important these are prioritised when assessing yearly and monthly outgoings. Whilst we appreciate that it’s simpler to keep working wiht the same provider to ‘stick to what you know’, you could find that by shopping around you could save hundreds.
Navigating through these tricky times can be difficult when you have a business and reputation to uphold, but leaning on industry giants and experts is the way forward. Always ensure your source is reputable and if you need any further details on the information we have shared, please feel free to get in touch – we would love to hear from you!
CARE HOME OF THE MONTH - Banstead Manor Care Home, Surrey
Care Home Magazine caught up with Veronica Henman, the General Manager of one the latest additions to the Hallmark care home family, Banstead Manor, to find out exactly what makes it special in what is a competitive industry.
Banstead Manor markets itself as offering high standards of residential, nursing and dementia care; a ‘whole team approach’ as Veronica puts it, is what allows them to maintain this great standard. The home has adopted a team-led action plan, which is shared with everyone so they are aware of the direction of travel and are invested in how to further improve Banstead Manor’s care delivery.
Veronica highlighted the large amounts of resident involvement and believes this aspect also contributes massively to the development of the home. She says: “We have an activities forum where residents can give feedback on the activities schedule, and food tastings where residents can tell us everything from which fish they prefer to their favourite wine, so we can tailor the menu to their wishes and take note of their preferences.”
Stand-out elements of the care home include a hair salon and a cinema room; Veronica explained that all of the facilities are a real asset to the home because they give ‘that’ community feel and enable residents to socialise with family and friends. The use of these facilities are also included in the cost of the care, so residents can enjoy a weekly trip to the hair salon, and a manicure/pedicure as well as regular chiropody treatment in the therapy room at no additional cost.
“Our residents and their relatives really appreciate that this is included and respect the fact that we are transparent about our fees.” Veronica commented.
In July 2021, Banstead Manor were awarded with a Good overall rating from the Care Quality Commission, something which is highly sought after by potential residents. In order to reach the goal of an Outstanding status, Veronica explained how the team ensure they are on track by having a robust schedule of audits with a high bar for an acceptable score: “We also work collaboratively with the whole team, the residents and relatives. This means we now have a real opportunity to enhance our care delivery further. Looking beyond compliance as a team towards how we can innovate and develop the home with residents and their families, is at the forefront of our minds.”
The aesthetically pleasing purpose-built 77-bedroom care home boasts a wonderful ethos, which is ‘first and foremost, everyone must care!’ Veronica highlighted the importance of Banstead Manor’s team members demonstrating care and passion from day one as she commented: “We can teach our team to perform tasks and we can develop their skill and knowledge base but we cannot teach someone to be caring.”
The care home staff pride themselves on an internal development first-approach to succession planning and work hard to make the best use of everyone’s individual skills: “For example, one of our housekeepers who had a real passion for exercise was supported to develop and now runs a weekly ‘movement to music’ class for our residents. This has created a real sense of fulfilment for our team member, and the residents really enjoy the class as well.”
When posing such brilliant ideas, movements and additions in a care home, it is vital to make it a key area when creating marketing strategies to appeal to potential residents. At Banstead Manor, they have a good Customer Relationship Manager whose role is to raise awareness of the home through advertising and building relationships with the local community: “We also have strong links with local charities and community organisations such as the Banstead Business Guild and Rotary Club.” Added Veronica.
Whilst marketing continues to be a key factor in heightened success across a number of industries, there is nothing better than authentic and honest feedback. Banstead Manor welcome all feedback so they can learn from it and improve their care delivery. As of now, the home are proud to have a 9.7 out of 10 review score on carehome.co.uk from residents and their families. Positive feedback is always welcome and sharing this with the team is great for a sense of boosted morale so they know they are appreciated for all their hard work.
The most consistent feedback received from both relatives and residents at Banstead Manor is that everyone is ‘so kind’; “for me this is the basis of everything we do” finished Veronica.
For more, visit www.hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk
Dame Arlene Phillips and Vicky McClure join forces with Alzheimer’s Society to demand Government make dementia a priority
Vicky McClure and Dame Arlene Phillips, joined by Debbie Abrahams MP, Elliot Colburn MP and Ananga Moonesinghe, who lives with dementia, today delivered an open letter to PM Rishi Sunak at Downing Street, demanding the Government urgently fulfil their promises on dementia.
Launched by leading dementia charity Alzheimer’s Society, the open letter has been signed by over 36,000 members of the public and famous names including Dame Arlene Philips and Vicky McClure. They were both joined at the hand-in by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia Chair Debbie Abrahams MP and Vice-Chair Elliot Colburn MP, showing cross-party support. It urges Rishi Sunak to deliver on previous Conservative Party commitments to dementia and not let the UK’s biggest killer fall down the political agenda.
Actor and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Vicky McClure said: “Government is failing people with dementia. I’ve seen this first-hand with members of my Our Dementia Choir who are left struggling and alone after a diagnosis, unsure where to get the support they so desperately need. Social care workers that they depend on are often utterly broken and exhausted, trying to provide care while being overstretched, under-paid, and under-trained. Those who care for people with dementia need to be supported; not neglected during a deep workforce crisis.
“People living with dementia and their carers must get the basic care and support they need to live fulfilled lives – things like breaks for carers, music therapy, and support groups. We’ve heard lots of ambitious words from Government about dementia, but words need to become action. Rishi Sunak must make dementia a priority.”
Choreographer and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Dame Arlene Philips said: “The last Government made clear commitments to drive up dementia research, diagnosis rates and improve care and now it’s up to PM Rishi Sunak to deliver them. Sadly, like thousands of families up and down the country, I’ve seen the toll dementia can take, while caring for my own father. People are left desperate and alone with overstretched carers having to decide between giving them a hot meal or a wash. When the right care and treatment isn’t available, people with dementia are left at risk of crisis. This letter is loud and clear – deliver on these commitments and give people affected by dementia in this country the care and support they deserve.”
With diagnosis rates still sitting below pre-pandemic levels, national figures reveal people are waiting up to two years in some areas for a diagnosis*, thereby missing out on vital treatment and support. Alzheimer’s Society research also shows three in five people affected by dementia struggled to get social care in the past year, with half of family carers revealing they ended up in crisis, such as rushing their loved one to A&E due to lack of support**.
The charity is concerned the deepening workforce crisis in social care – with vacancies sitting at 165,000*** – risks leaving people with dementia desperate for help while living costs soar. Alzheimer’s Society say it’s more important now than ever for the Government to prioritise dementia.
In the past year, the Government has made many commitments on dementia, promising to deliver a ‘visionary ten-year plan’ for dementia, to reform the social care system and double spending on dementia research by 2024. Alzheimer’s Society says the delivery of these will be transformational for the lives of the 900,000 people living with dementia but calls on the Government to urgently make these a reality to prevent a deepening crisis in dementia care.
This follows the news last year that a new drug, lecanemab, was shown to slow cognitive decline in people living with Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, this breakthrough will mean little if diagnosis rates remain stagnant and often inaccurate. This treatment works best for people with early Alzheimer’s disease. Without early and accurate diagnosis, we risk hopeful advancements like this having minimal effect.
Kate Lee, Alzheimer’s Society CEO, said: “Dementia awareness and support has come a long way since the disease came into my family sixteen years ago – but there is still so much to do. Too many people still face dementia alone, and PM Rishi Sunak has the chance to seize this moment and genuinely transform dementia research, diagnosis, and care for one of the biggest health challenges in the UK.
“We’ve welcomed previous commitments from the Government, but we’re concerned they’re falling by the wayside. The recommitment to the National Dementia Mission – to double dementia research spend – was a promising step, but we’re yet to see tangible action, while progress on the ten-year plan on dementia has stalled and social care reform scrapped. When asked for an update, the Government have told us ‘in due course’ 25 times*, which isn’t good enough – sadly dementia doesn’t wait for ‘due course’. Quite simply dementia is not a priority.
“We’re still in the middle of a tough winter, with one in seven people with dementia stopping or reducing their support services. Families have had to make impossible choices in the face of inadequate care from a broken social care system. But hope is on the horizon – we saw the first ever drug to slow down Alzheimer’s disease late last year, showing that this is a fight we can win. Our letter to the Prime Minister urges for change – a massive reform of social care, a visionary ten-year plan for dementia, and the National Dementia Mission funding to unlock treatments for people now and in the future.”
Ananga, who lives with dementia, 76, from Luton, said: “I’m travelling to the steps of Downing Street today to send an important message to the Government – make dementia a priority. When I was diagnosed, in the two years under the care of the Memory Clinic I was only told I had dementia and given medication. I didn’t get enough support and had to find it all out on my own. Dementia is just as important as any other condition and the Government need to make good on their promises for people living with dementia now and in the future.”
Debbie Abrahams, MP and Chair of the APPG on Dementia, said: "Previous Conservative Prime Ministers have actively committed to improving the lives of people affected by dementia. Now Rishi Sunak must deliver on promises to reform social care, double dementia research funding and release a ten-year plan for dementia which gives the condition the priority it deserves. The 36,000 people who signed the open letter are making themselves clear - they don’t just want to hear empty promises, they want to see action. People with dementia can’t and won’t wait any longer.”
Alzheimer’s Society responds to government statement
Associate Director of Advocacy and System Change, Mark MacDonald, said: “While the Government’s commitments to invest in social care and dementia research are a step in the right direction, it’s simply nowhere near enough, the scale of the challenge demands a whole system, Government-backed, long-term strategy.
“Diagnosis rates remain below pre-pandemic levels, our social care system is broken, and we must seize the future opportunities of potential treatments. Hundreds of thousands of people living with dementia endure inadequate care, crippling costs and impossible choices due to a system that currently doesn’t work for them.
“Prioritising dementia won’t just help those affected by this heart-breaking disease. It will directly address so many of the challenges and pressures we know the NHS and social care system faces now and into the future.
“That’s why we need a visionary ten-year plan for the ticking time-bomb of dementia – to tackle the big problems in dementia care but also to capitalise on the opportunities provided by exciting new research. We have been told 25 times that the plan is coming in ‘due course’ but dementia does not wait for ‘due course’. People living with dementia have been waiting too long and expect action now. We, as ever, stand ready to work with the Government to turn their promises into action.”
Statement from DHSC
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “We want a society where every person with dementia, their families and carers, receive high quality, compassionate care, from diagnosis through to end of life.
“We invested £17 million in tackling dementia waiting lists and increasing diagnosis rates last year and we have committed to double the funding for dementia research to £160 million a year by 2024/25.
“We are making up to £7.5 billion over the next two years available to support adult social care and discharge – the biggest funding increase in history – and are promoting careers in care through our annual domestic recruitment campaign and by investing £15 million to increase international recruitment of carers.”
How to Become a Carer in the UK?
Choosing a career path can be daunting, but if you have a passion for helping others and making a real difference, becoming a carer could be the perfect fit for you. The role of a carer is not only fulfilling but also offers a stable and rewarding career.
Here is everything you need to know about becoming a carer!
What is the Role of a Carer?
A carer, also known as a caregiver, supports individuals who are unable to fully care for themselves. This could include the elderly, disabled, or those with chronic illnesses. Carers help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, as well as providing emotional support and companionship.
Being a carer involves more than just physical assistance. It requires empathy, patience, and the ability to form meaningful connections with those you care for. Carers often become a vital part of their clients' lives, providing both practical help and emotional support.
In addition to personal care, carers may also be responsible for administering medications, managing appointments, and ensuring the overall well-being of their clients. The role can vary greatly depending on the needs of the individual being cared for.
Educational Requirements
Becoming a carer in the UK does not require a degree, but certain qualifications can enhance your employability. Many employers prefer candidates with a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.
These courses cover essential topics such as safeguarding, health and safety, and person-centred care.
If you are starting from scratch, consider enrolling in a short course or training programme. Organisations like the Open University offer online courses that provide a solid foundation in healthcare and social work principles. These courses can be a stepping stone to more advanced qualifications.
Work experience is equally important. Volunteering at care homes, hospitals, or community centres can provide valuable hands-on experience and showcase your commitment to the field. Many employers value practical experience as much as formal education.
Skills Needed to Succeed as a Carer
To thrive as a carer, specific skills and attributes are essential for delivering high-quality support and nurturing positive relationships with clients.
These include:
- Compassion: Understanding and empathising with clients’ experiences to provide better care and build trust.
- Communication skills: Effectively communicating with clients, their families, and healthcare professionals to ensure everyone understands the care plan.
- Organisational skills: Managing multiple tasks and keeping track of appointments to deliver the best possible care.
- Flexibility: Being able to adapt to different situations and work with a diverse range of clients.
- Patience: Providing care can be challenging, and patience is necessary to build relationships and handle difficult behaviors.
- Physical stamina: The work of a carer can be physically demanding, requiring long periods of standing or moving around.
- Problem-solving skills: Being able to think critically and come up with solutions in unexpected situations.
These skills work together to ensure that carers can provide exceptional support and attention to their clients.
How Much Does a Carer Make Per Year?
In the UK, carer salaries differ based on experience, qualifications, and location, averaging between £16,000 and £21,000 per year. Experienced carers can earn over £25,000, with hourly rates typically ranging from £8 to £12. Many agencies provide benefits like paid holidays and training. Due to high demand, employers are competitive with wages, and the emotional rewards of caregiving often surpass financial considerations.
Finding a Job as a Carer
Finding a job as a carer involves several steps, from crafting a compelling CV to acing the interview.
Start by researching care agencies and organisations in your area. Websites like Indeed, Totaljobs, and NHS Jobs often list caregiving positions.
Networking can also be beneficial. Join online forums and social media groups dedicated to caregiving. Connecting with current carers can provide insights into job openings and what employers are looking for in candidates.
Once you've identified potential employers, tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Be sure to include any qualifications, volunteer work, and personal attributes that make you a strong candidate. Don't forget to use a carer template if you don't know how to write a CV with no experience.
CV Example: Carer With No Experience
Creating a CV without formal caregiving experience can be challenging, but emphasising transferable skills and relevant experiences can make a difference. Here’s a sample CV for an aspiring carer:
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
Objective
Compassionate and dedicated individual seeking a position as a carer. Eager to leverage my strong interpersonal skills and passion for helping others to provide high-quality care and support.
Education
- Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (In progress)
- First Aid Certification, St John Ambulance
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer, [Care Home Name]
- Assisted residents with daily activities such as meal preparation and mobility.
- Provided companionship and emotional support to residents.
- Helped organise recreational activities and outings.
Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organisational abilities
- Empathy and patience
- Basic first aid knowledge
References
Available upon request.
Carer Cover Letter Example
A well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other candidates. Here is a cover letter example for a carer position:
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Employer's Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Employer's Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the carer position at [Company Name] as advertised. With a passion for helping others and a Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care in progress, I am eager to bring my skills and dedication to your team.
In my volunteer role at [Care Home Name], I assisted residents with various daily activities and provided emotional support. This experience has equipped me with essential caregiving skills and a deep understanding of the importance of compassion and empathy in this field.
I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of your commitment to providing person-centred care. I believe that my strong interpersonal skills and dedication to improving the lives of others would make me a valuable addition to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and certifications align with the needs of your organisation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Becoming a carer in the UK is a rewarding career choice that offers the chance to make a significant impact on the lives of others. By understanding the role, acquiring the necessary qualifications, and honing your skills, you can build a successful career in this fulfilling field.
If you're ready to take the next step, start by exploring training courses and volunteering opportunities in your area. And don’t forget to craft a compelling CV and cover letter to showcase your passion and dedication.
For more resources and support, consider joining our professional caregiving associations or online communities. These networks can provide valuable insights, job opportunities, and a sense of camaraderie with fellow carers.