The managing director of our care division, Julie Doherty, recently wrote an article on the NHS’s new 10 Year Plan and what we can take from it with regards to the care home sector.
You can read it here:
In July the NHS published its 10 Year Health Plan, outlining a vision that will reshape the NHS over the next 10 years.
Whilst the interface between health and social care is not a focus of the plan (deferring instead to the Casey Commission which doesn’t report until 2028), I do feel that the acknowledgement of the crucial role that social care plays in supporting health outcomes, andthe shift to more care in the community, indicate positive steps for social care as a whole.
Many observers are saying that the plan represents another missed opportunity for the full integration of social and healthcare but, for me, it’s a starting point.
The plan focuses on a shift from treatment to prevention – an area where care homes already excel by supporting people to remain living well and ensuring that the needs of those living with complex and long-term conditions are met.
Also highlighted is the need for improvements in hospital discharge and end-of-life care to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions. Proposals include more hospital care delivered in care home settings.
But is the care home sector ready for the additional opportunities the plan brings? Is the capacity there? Not at present.
Are current facilities fit for purpose? Whilst we can see new care homes opening, there simply aren’t enough for the ageing population which continues to grow at a rapid pace.
It’s a great time for the market and an exciting opportunity to further the UK’s care home infrastructure ensuring the sector keeps pace with increasing demand and is in a good place to help fulfil the vision laid out by the NHS 10 Year Plan.
