Ten steps to end Welsh homes crisis

Wales needs to take 10 steps to revive the fortunes of its ailing
independent care sector, home owners have urged.

Care Forum Wales, which represents care home owners, launched a
manifesto for change last week to try to halt the sector’s
decline.

It is calling on the Welsh assembly to adopt the measures outlined
in the action plan or risk increased bed-blocking, more homes
closing, and the end of a key public health service.

The 10-point plan for change includes an all-Wales formula for
community care services, with consistent pricing policies and the
development of “smart” commissioning and contracting
arrangements.

Care Forum Wales is also calling for robust regulation, new
workforce training strategies and a review of the minimum care
standards.

It would like to see co-ordinated community care funding and
purchasing, and a commitment to a mixed economy of community and
social care provision.

“The future for most people receiving care in Wales today is
uncertain,” said Mario Kreft, head of policy and public affairs at
Care Forum Wales.

“For carers and the people they look after, there is no certainty
that the care packages put in place today will be there tomorrow.
This is wholly wrong. People who use our service need to know that
their needs can be met constantly and for as long as necessary,”
Kreft said.