http://www.communitycare.co.uken-gbFri, 04 Oct 2013 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/10/2013/119530/how-good-is-safeguarding-in-care-homes-and-how-can-it-improve-give-us-your-views.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/10/2013/119530/how-good-is-safeguarding-in-care-homes-and-how-can-it-improve-give-us-your-views.htmNegative media reports can create the impression that care homes are unsafe places. But how true is this picture and how can professionals improve safeguarding in residential settings? Enter our draw to win a Kindle Fire by answering our survey.Fri, 04 Oct 2013 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/10/2013/119541/users-and-carers-to-gain-right-to-independent-advocacy-through-care-bill.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/10/2013/119541/users-and-carers-to-gain-right-to-independent-advocacy-through-care-bill.htmGovernment amendment would provide right to advocacy when a person needed substantial support in understanding information during care management or safeguarding processes and had no one else to support them.Thu, 03 Oct 2013 22:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/10/2013/119536/social-workers-given-guidance-on-improving-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-practice.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/10/2013/119536/social-workers-given-guidance-on-improving-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-practice.htmAdvice for Dols teams and best interests assessors included in Social Care Institute for Excellence guide to improve practice for people detained in hospitals and care homes.Thu, 03 Oct 2013 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/10/2013/119534/cqc-to-gain-greater-independence-from-government-says-jeremy-hunt.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/10/2013/119534/cqc-to-gain-greater-independence-from-government-says-jeremy-hunt.htmCare Bill will be amended to allow Care Quality Commission to carry out investigations without approval of health secretary.Wed, 02 Oct 2013 09:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/10/2013/119527/budgets-staff-sickness-and-recruitment-learning-the-ropes-of-social-care-management.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/10/2013/119527/budgets-staff-sickness-and-recruitment-learning-the-ropes-of-social-care-management.htmAs Natalie Crisp nears the end of her year-long graduate traineeship she learns the significance of dealing with staffing issues in the workload of any social care manager.Tue, 01 Oct 2013 14:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2013/119526/no-registered-manager-at-one-in-eight-adult-care-services-as-cqc-plans-crackdown.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2013/119526/no-registered-manager-at-one-in-eight-adult-care-services-as-cqc-plans-crackdown.htmProviders face being fined up to £4,000 for not having had a registered manager in place for two years.Mon, 30 Sep 2013 16:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/09/2013/119524/rise-in-number-of-entries-for-social-worker-of-the-year-awards.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/09/2013/119524/rise-in-number-of-entries-for-social-worker-of-the-year-awards.htmEntries for Adult Social Worker of the Year, in particular, have doubled since last year.Fri, 27 Sep 2013 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/09/2013/119520/im-proudest-of-our-partnerships-with-the-private-sector-says-deputy-turned-director.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/09/2013/119520/im-proudest-of-our-partnerships-with-the-private-sector-says-deputy-turned-director.htmIain MacBeath says stepping up from deputy to adults' services director in Hertfordshire has enabled him to carry through an agenda of transforming adult care through partnerships with private bodies.Fri, 27 Sep 2013 11:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/09/2013/119515/heres-why-we-must-protect-user-led-organisations-from-spending-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/09/2013/119515/heres-why-we-must-protect-user-led-organisations-from-spending-cuts.htmBeing quizzed about her attitude to risk by a group of disabled personal assistant employers (PAs) showed one social worker the value of user-led services.Fri, 27 Sep 2013 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/09/2013/119519/if-i-make-any-mistakes-it-will-be-very-public-says-director-taking-charge-of-three-councils.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/09/2013/119519/if-i-make-any-mistakes-it-will-be-very-public-says-director-taking-charge-of-three-councils.htmLiz Bruce's background as a social worker, teacher and nurse will stand her in good stead as she becomes adults' social services director at three London councils.Fri, 27 Sep 2013 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/09/2013/119512/how-attachment-theory-can-transform-adult-social-work-and-save-councils-money.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/09/2013/119512/how-attachment-theory-can-transform-adult-social-work-and-save-councils-money.htmWhile attachment theory has traditionally been associated with children's services, applying the approach to adult social work can help people tackle the unresolved loss that can shape dependency in adulthood.Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/09/2013/119516/a-life-after-cancer-should-not-be-a-life-without-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/09/2013/119516/a-life-after-cancer-should-not-be-a-life-without-social-care.htmSocial workers are integral to helping people meet the challenges of life after cancer treatment, but too often their health needs are neglected, warns Tes Smith.Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/09/2013/119508/residence-test-on-legal-aid-could-cost-councils-millions.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/09/2013/119508/residence-test-on-legal-aid-could-cost-councils-millions.htmReport says the government's proposed change will lead to a rise in homelessness and private legal fees.Thu, 19 Sep 2013 15:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/09/2013/119498/most-dementia-carers-given-no-information-on-key-support-issues.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/09/2013/119498/most-dementia-carers-given-no-information-on-key-support-issues.htmMore than half of carers not given information by professionals on incontinence or legal issues such as power of attorney, finds research for Carers Trust.Tue, 17 Sep 2013 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/09/2013/119497/social-worker-slammed-for-not-contacting-woman-left-to-starve-after-loss-of-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/09/2013/119497/social-worker-slammed-for-not-contacting-woman-left-to-starve-after-loss-of-care.htmTwo council staff disciplined following serious case review into death of Gloria Foster, who went without care for nine days after immigration raid closed her care agency.Tue, 17 Sep 2013 09:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2013/119492/providers-must-collaborate-not-compete-to-avert-social-care-crisis-says-review.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2013/119492/providers-must-collaborate-not-compete-to-avert-social-care-crisis-says-review.htmFive-point plan for sustainable care system also calls for greater responsibility to be devolved from state to individuals and communities, and big shift towards early intervention.Thu, 12 Sep 2013 16:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2013/119489/care-staff-invited-to-sign-commitment-to-improve-their-practice.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2013/119489/care-staff-invited-to-sign-commitment-to-improve-their-practice.htmEmployers will be urged to make public commitment to improve their workforces and encourage staff to make private pledge to improve, under Social Care Commitment initiative.Thu, 12 Sep 2013 11:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2013/119488/pressures-on-adult-safeguarding-continue-to-mount-as-referrals-rise-by-4.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2013/119488/pressures-on-adult-safeguarding-continue-to-mount-as-referrals-rise-by-4.htmRise in referrals follows 11% hike last year, increasing safeguarding caseloads for adult social workers.Thu, 12 Sep 2013 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/09/2013/119487/dramatic-fall-in-social-care-support-for-visually-impaired-people-revealed.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/09/2013/119487/dramatic-fall-in-social-care-support-for-visually-impaired-people-revealed.htmNumber of blind or partially sighted people receiving support plunged by 43% from 2005-13, driven by fall in assessments and tighter eligibility criteria, says RNIB.Wed, 11 Sep 2013 21:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/09/2013/119479/most-councils-met-70-personal-budgets-target-say-directors.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/09/2013/119479/most-councils-met-70-personal-budgets-target-say-directors.htmCouncil-managed personal budgets still predominate over direct payments, finds annual survey by Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.Wed, 11 Sep 2013 21:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/09/2013/119472/professional-freedom-not-privatisation-life-inside-a-social-work-practice.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/09/2013/119472/professional-freedom-not-privatisation-life-inside-a-social-work-practice.htmSocial work practices may be seen as a staging post to privatisation but in Shropshire's pilot, practitioners are enjoying greater professional freedom, stronger partnerships with people receiving support and increased morale.Wed, 11 Sep 2013 11:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/09/2013/119481/cameron-lobbied-to-give-social-workers-new-safeguarding-power.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/09/2013/119481/cameron-lobbied-to-give-social-workers-new-safeguarding-power.htmDelegation led by ex-minister Paul Burstow to urge prime minister to give social workers power to access adults at risk of abuse who are being coerced into silence.Wed, 11 Sep 2013 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/09/2013/119477/care-funding-cap-risks-overwhelming-councils-and-undermining-nhs-integration.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/09/2013/119477/care-funding-cap-risks-overwhelming-councils-and-undermining-nhs-integration.htmAdditional hundreds of thousands of assessments arising from care funding cap could damage councils' financial and organisational capacity, warns think-tank.Tue, 10 Sep 2013 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2013/119471/few-staff-or-carers-prosecuted-for-abusing-vulnerable-adults-finds-research.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2013/119471/few-staff-or-carers-prosecuted-for-abusing-vulnerable-adults-finds-research.htmConcerns raised over number of prosecutions made against care staff or carers for ill-treatment or wilful neglect of people subject to the Mental Health Act or Mental Capacity Act.Fri, 06 Sep 2013 14:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2013/119473/castlebeck-sold-to-fellow-care-provider-saving-850-jobs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2013/119473/castlebeck-sold-to-fellow-care-provider-saving-850-jobs.htmFormer Winterbourne View owner bought up by fellow learning disability provider Denshall in deal designed to save Castlebeck's 20 services and protect staff jobs.Fri, 06 Sep 2013 09:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/09/2013/119470/social-work-practice-pilot-dropped-because-of-service-restructure.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/09/2013/119470/social-work-practice-pilot-dropped-because-of-service-restructure.htmCreation of generic social work teams prompts Birmingham council to take physical disability social work service back in-house.Thu, 05 Sep 2013 17:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/09/2013/119468/social-enterprise-takes-charge-of-statutory-social-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/09/2013/119468/social-enterprise-takes-charge-of-statutory-social-work.htmNorth East Lincolnshire becomes first area to have independent organisation exclusively focused on delivering statutory social work.Thu, 05 Sep 2013 10:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/09/2013/119465/a-six-point-guide-to-how-social-workers-can-improve-the-lives-of-abused-adults.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/09/2013/119465/a-six-point-guide-to-how-social-workers-can-improve-the-lives-of-abused-adults.htmWhen adults at risk disclose abuse, social workers must build trusting relationships with them, avoid making assumptions and put them in control of the process to achieve good outcomes, says Mike Briggs.Wed, 04 Sep 2013 09:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/09/2013/119462/why-mediation-is-key-to-helping-social-workers-resolve-best-interests-disputes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/09/2013/119462/why-mediation-is-key-to-helping-social-workers-resolve-best-interests-disputes.htmMediation offers social workers a cost-effective alternative to the Court of Protection in resolving best interests disputes where people lack the capacity to decide about their own welfare, but needs to be made much more available, says Russell Caller. Mon, 02 Sep 2013 17:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/08/2013/119442/new-definition-proposed-for-statutory-adult-social-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/08/2013/119442/new-definition-proposed-for-statutory-adult-social-work.htmThere is no definition of adult social work in law or guidance, but drawing on legislation and the Law Commission's review of adult social care, John Chamberlain and Angela Jenkinson have developed oneWed, 28 Aug 2013 14:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/08/2013/102669/direct-payments-personal-budgets-and-individual-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/08/2013/102669/direct-payments-personal-budgets-and-individual-budgets.htmDirect payments and personal budgets are a central part of the personalisation agenda to give service users choice and control over their care and support.Wed, 28 Aug 2013 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/08/2013/119443/practitioners-overwhelmingly-back-best-interests-model-of-social-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/08/2013/119443/practitioners-overwhelmingly-back-best-interests-model-of-social-work.htmAdult social work goes beyond arranging services in line with people’s wishes to safeguarding them from harm, say practitioners consulted on a new definition for the profession.Wed, 28 Aug 2013 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/08/2013/119439/no-benefit-for-disabled-people-from-integrated-personal-budget-pilots.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/08/2013/119439/no-benefit-for-disabled-people-from-integrated-personal-budget-pilots.htmRight to Control pilots did not increase choice or quality of life for disabled clients and were undermined by inadequate support planning, finds evaluation for government.Tue, 27 Aug 2013 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/08/2013/119435/gaining-staff-trust-has-been-a-challenge-diary-of-a-trainee-care-manager.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/08/2013/119435/gaining-staff-trust-has-been-a-challenge-diary-of-a-trainee-care-manager.htmNatalie Crisp reflects on being challenged by her supervisor, gaining the trust of experienced staff and learning the benefits of positive risk taking for service users as she learns the ropes of social care management.Thu, 22 Aug 2013 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/08/2013/119427/concern-over-possible-outsourcing-of-disability-social-work-service.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/08/2013/119427/concern-over-possible-outsourcing-of-disability-social-work-service.htmStaff support for establishment of all-age disability service tempered by concerns over possible future sell-off to private sector or creation of social enterprise.Wed, 21 Aug 2013 09:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/08/2013/119426/huge-variations-in-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-caseloads-persist.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/08/2013/119426/huge-variations-in-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-caseloads-persist.htmNumber of Dols cases handled by local authorities ranged from 1 to 488 in 2012-13, reveals official figures.Tue, 20 Aug 2013 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/08/2013/119424/government-funds-social-care-leaders-to-prepare-sector-for-care-bill-reforms.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/08/2013/119424/government-funds-social-care-leaders-to-prepare-sector-for-care-bill-reforms.htmDepartment of Health-funded programme will help councils prepare for and influence implementation of Care Bill.Mon, 19 Aug 2013 16:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/08/2013/119418/police-arrest-11-on-suspicion-of-manslaughter-of-care-home-resident.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/08/2013/119418/police-arrest-11-on-suspicion-of-manslaughter-of-care-home-resident.htmResident died shortly after moving from care home that closed at short-notice following damning inspection.Wed, 14 Aug 2013 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/08/2013/119415/social-work-practice-with-carers-lacks-clarity-and-consistency.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/08/2013/119415/social-work-practice-with-carers-lacks-clarity-and-consistency.htmCarers' assessments uncommon and seldom used to inform service users' support plans, finds government-funded research.Wed, 14 Aug 2013 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/08/2013/119414/league-table-reveals-top-home-care-providers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/08/2013/119414/league-table-reveals-top-home-care-providers.htmLaing & Buisson reveals best performers in complying with Care Quality Commission standards.Wed, 14 Aug 2013 09:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2013/119397/legal-challenge-to-council-cap-on-social-care-packages-fails.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2013/119397/legal-challenge-to-council-cap-on-social-care-packages-fails.htmWorcestershire Council set to implement policy of limiting expenditure on community care for disabled adults, after court rejects judicial review challenge.Mon, 12 Aug 2013 21:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2013/119398/no-registered-manager-in-several-winterbourne-style-services-reveals-cqc.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2013/119398/no-registered-manager-in-several-winterbourne-style-services-reveals-cqc.htmCare Quality Commission vows to take enforcement action against providers who have not had registered managers in post for more than six months.Mon, 12 Aug 2013 15:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2013/119395/councils-braced-for-huge-rise-in-demand-for-support-due-to-welfare-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2013/119395/councils-braced-for-huge-rise-in-demand-for-support-due-to-welfare-cuts.htmLocal government leaders warn spending on social care and other key services could be hit unless councils are given resources to meet extra demandMon, 12 Aug 2013 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/08/2013/119394/clients-to-receive-joint-assessments-and-lead-professionals-through-3.8bn-pooled-budget.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/08/2013/119394/clients-to-receive-joint-assessments-and-lead-professionals-through-3.8bn-pooled-budget.htmCouncils and NHS would have to meet a range of conditions to access integrated budget designed to keep older and disabled people out of hospital.Fri, 09 Aug 2013 16:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/08/2013/119392/largest-care-provider-associations-to-merge-to-provide-stronger-voice-for-sector.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/08/2013/119392/largest-care-provider-associations-to-merge-to-provide-stronger-voice-for-sector.htmEnglish Community Care Association and National Care Association join forces, with combined membership of 7,500 services.Thu, 08 Aug 2013 11:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/08/2013/119390/sharp-fall-in-reviews-prompts-concerns-over-impact-of-care-management.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/08/2013/119390/sharp-fall-in-reviews-prompts-concerns-over-impact-of-care-management.htmReviews may not be being prioritised by authorities in face of budget reductions, says report from Towards Excellence in Adult Social Care programme.Thu, 08 Aug 2013 00:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2013/119382/councils-risk-quality-by-contracting-with-too-many-care-providers-warns-union.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2013/119382/councils-risk-quality-by-contracting-with-too-many-care-providers-warns-union.htmResearch by Unison finds one in six councils have at least 50 home care providers on their books.Fri, 02 Aug 2013 14:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/07/2013/119375/councils-must-protect-access-to-social-care-to-receive-extra-2bn-in-funding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/07/2013/119375/councils-must-protect-access-to-social-care-to-receive-extra-2bn-in-funding.htmFunding from the NHS to support integrated care will be conditional on social care services being protected from reductions, says minister.Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/07/2013/119354/directors-query-government-verdict-that-councils-have-missed-personal-budgets-target.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/07/2013/119354/directors-query-government-verdict-that-councils-have-missed-personal-budgets-target.htmMinisters' claim based on figures that underestimate councils' progress in getting people on to personal budgets, says Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.Mon, 29 Jul 2013 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/07/2013/119369/social-workers-face-significant-changes-to-case-recording-requirements.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/07/2013/119369/social-workers-face-significant-changes-to-case-recording-requirements.htmGovernment provides councils with £11.8m to implement changes to social care information requirements, part of which will go to training frontline professionals.Fri, 26 Jul 2013 14:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/07/2013/119364/better-data-on-self-funders-key-to-making-care-reforms-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/07/2013/119364/better-data-on-self-funders-key-to-making-care-reforms-work.htmA Department of Health review is seeking to address limited data on self-funders to help determine how resources for the government's care funding reform will be distributed between local authorities, says Jude Ranasinghe.Fri, 26 Jul 2013 10:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/07/2013/119357/psychiatrists-warn-against-cuts-to-learning-disability-hospitals-beds.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/07/2013/119357/psychiatrists-warn-against-cuts-to-learning-disability-hospitals-beds.htmSome people with 'challenging behaviour' require hospital treatment, despite government programme to move people into community settings in wake of Winterbourne, says Royal College of Psychiatrists.Wed, 24 Jul 2013 16:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/07/2013/119355/social-work-leaders-warn-ministers-against-outsourcing-care-assessments.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/07/2013/119355/social-work-leaders-warn-ministers-against-outsourcing-care-assessments.htmConcern over government plans for external agencies to carry out assessments for local authorities to deal with big hike in numbers brought about by care funding reforms.Wed, 24 Jul 2013 12:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/07/2013/119358/diary-of-a-trainee-manager-our-job-is-about-more-than-providing-personal-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/07/2013/119358/diary-of-a-trainee-manager-our-job-is-about-more-than-providing-personal-care.htmIn her latest piece, graduate management trainee Natalie Crisp says her experience has shown her how social care can help people lead more fulfilled lives, and not just meet their personal care needs.Tue, 23 Jul 2013 17:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/07/2013/119356/government-pledges-to-set-out-role-of-social-workers-in-adult-safeguarding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/07/2013/119356/government-pledges-to-set-out-role-of-social-workers-in-adult-safeguarding.htmHowever, ministers reject amendment to Care Bill to provide social workers with power to enter homes where abuse is suspected but entry barred by a third party.Tue, 23 Jul 2013 16:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/07/2013/119352/ex-minister-burstow-launches-commission-to-rehabilitate-residential-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/07/2013/119352/ex-minister-burstow-launches-commission-to-rehabilitate-residential-care.htmCommission will examine how residential care can become more valued part of care system and become a positive choice for older people with high support needs.Mon, 22 Jul 2013 09:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/07/2013/119343/hundreds-of-learning-disabled-people-excluded-from-winterbourne-support-scheme.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/07/2013/119343/hundreds-of-learning-disabled-people-excluded-from-winterbourne-support-scheme.htmCharities warn that number people with learning disabilities being supported to move out of hospital may fall far short of total number in inpatient settings. Fri, 19 Jul 2013 13:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/07/2013/119350/scie-boss-named-cqcs-first-chief-inspector-of-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/07/2013/119350/scie-boss-named-cqcs-first-chief-inspector-of-social-care.htmAndrea Sutcliffe will lead delivery of new ratings system and shift towards specialist inspection of adult care services.Fri, 19 Jul 2013 08:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/07/2013/119349/councils-face-steep-challenges-in-delivering-required-adult-care-savings.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/07/2013/119349/councils-face-steep-challenges-in-delivering-required-adult-care-savings.htmLocal Government Association warns several councils have failed to meet savings targets with particular challenges in delivering reductions in learning disabilities.Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/07/2013/119347/government-bids-to-cut-social-work-bureaucracy-to-deal-with-big-hike-in-assessments.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/07/2013/119347/government-bids-to-cut-social-work-bureaucracy-to-deal-with-big-hike-in-assessments.htmProcesses to be streamlined to accommodate hundreds of thousands of additional assessments brought about by social care funding reforms.Thu, 18 Jul 2013 09:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/07/2013/119341/families-paying-secret-subsidy-to-meet-care-home-costs-warns-charity.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/07/2013/119341/families-paying-secret-subsidy-to-meet-care-home-costs-warns-charity.htmMost councils are failing in their duty to ensure families paying top-up fees for relatives care home places are willing and able to pay them, finds Independent Age.Wed, 17 Jul 2013 12:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/07/2013/119311/how-social-workers-can-get-it-right-for-self-funders.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/07/2013/119311/how-social-workers-can-get-it-right-for-self-funders.htmSupport for self-funding care users from local authorities has often been inadequate. Natalie Valios looks at how social care professionals can improve their offer to this group in the critical areas of information, assessment and safeguarding.Tue, 16 Jul 2013 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/07/2013/119333/the-benefits-of-providing-equality-of-support-for-self-funders.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/07/2013/119333/the-benefits-of-providing-equality-of-support-for-self-funders.htmAssessing and supporting self-funders to make choices about their care is not only good for families but saves money for the taxpayer, according to one council that has implemented this approach.Tue, 16 Jul 2013 11:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/07/2013/119335/councils-boost-support-for-self-funders-but-gaps-remain-finds-study.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/07/2013/119335/councils-boost-support-for-self-funders-but-gaps-remain-finds-study.htmAuthorities must provide access to earlier financial advice for self-funders to prevent hardship for them and reduce risks of them falling back on local authority funding, says think-tank report.Tue, 16 Jul 2013 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/07/2013/119336/government-slammed-for-lack-of-action-on-deaths-of-learning-disabled-people.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/07/2013/119336/government-slammed-for-lack-of-action-on-deaths-of-learning-disabled-people.htmMencap attacks failure to set up body to learn lessons from deaths of people with learning disabilities, despite this being recommended by three-year inquiry into premature mortality among group.Mon, 15 Jul 2013 22:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/07/2013/119331/liverpool-care-pathway-scrapped-in-end-of-life-care-overhaul.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/07/2013/119331/liverpool-care-pathway-scrapped-in-end-of-life-care-overhaul.htmGovernment announces reforms after independent review finds lack of compassion, staff skills and person-centred care in treatment of dying people by hospitals.Mon, 15 Jul 2013 15:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2013/119327/hospitals-must-improve-links-with-dementia-carers-study-finds.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2013/119327/hospitals-must-improve-links-with-dementia-carers-study-finds.htmRoyal College of Psychiatrists audit finds information important to future care is not routinely summarised at the point of dischargeFri, 12 Jul 2013 15:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/07/2013/119324/powerful-review-takes-aim-at-dysfunctional-care-work-system.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/07/2013/119324/powerful-review-takes-aim-at-dysfunctional-care-work-system.htmCavendish review recommends change and aims to 'give a voice to frontline workers who have been largely invisible to the public and policymakers'Thu, 11 Jul 2013 15:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/07/2013/119323/autism-in-the-elderly-too-often-ignored-warns-charity.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/07/2013/119323/autism-in-the-elderly-too-often-ignored-warns-charity.htmStudy finds less than half of English councils have a diagnostic pathway in place for adults with autismThu, 11 Jul 2013 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/07/2013/119213/our-job-isnt-to-judge-its-rehabilitation-social-work-with-violent-offenders.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/07/2013/119213/our-job-isnt-to-judge-its-rehabilitation-social-work-with-violent-offenders.htmForensic social work can prove a test of social work values, but can also be highly rewarding, reports Andy McNicoll.Thu, 11 Jul 2013 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/07/2013/119325/number-of-adults-receiving-care-services-falls-by-a-quarter-in-five-years.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/07/2013/119325/number-of-adults-receiving-care-services-falls-by-a-quarter-in-five-years.htmReduction caused by falling resources, raising of elegibility criteria and increased provision of reablement services, official study findsThu, 11 Jul 2013 10:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/07/2013/119320/social-care-funding-cap-could-cost-london-councils-877m.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/07/2013/119320/social-care-funding-cap-could-cost-london-councils-877m.htmRegional variations will have 'substantial implications' on how councils will be impacted by the introduction of the care costs cap, says London CouncilsWed, 10 Jul 2013 14:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/07/2013/119322/20-of-social-care-workers-on-zero-hour-contracts-latest-figures-reveal.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/07/2013/119322/20-of-social-care-workers-on-zero-hour-contracts-latest-figures-reveal.htmCare minister Norman Lamb confirms 307,000 people are employed on zero hours contracts in the social care sector aloneWed, 10 Jul 2013 10:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/07/2013/119316/focus-on-dying-at-home-has-inhibited-development-of-end-of-life-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/07/2013/119316/focus-on-dying-at-home-has-inhibited-development-of-end-of-life-care.htmA preoccupation with where people die – rather than what they want at the end of life – has inhibited personalisation and informed choice for patients and families, says reportTue, 09 Jul 2013 14:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/07/2013/119308/the-endless-search-for-suitable-housing-for-my-daughter-with-learning-disabilities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/07/2013/119308/the-endless-search-for-suitable-housing-for-my-daughter-with-learning-disabilities.htmWhile ministers want people with learning disabilities to move out of hospital into the community, Jane Gregory has found many barriers to achieving this for her daughter Chrissy.Fri, 05 Jul 2013 13:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/07/2013/119306/provider-leaders-face-removal-by-cqc-for-care-failings-in-post-winterbourne-shake-up.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/07/2013/119306/provider-leaders-face-removal-by-cqc-for-care-failings-in-post-winterbourne-shake-up.htmAll provider leaders would have to be "fit and proper" to run care organisations to ensure corporate accountability for failings, says care minister Norman LambThu, 04 Jul 2013 13:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/07/2013/119293/specialist-social-work-teams-needed-to-close-autism-skills-gap-say-practitioners.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/07/2013/119293/specialist-social-work-teams-needed-to-close-autism-skills-gap-say-practitioners.htmEighty per cent of respondents to Community Care survey back specialist autism teams, while half warn care management is poor for adults with Asperger's syndrome.Wed, 03 Jul 2013 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/07/2013/119297/government-risks-funding-gap-for-national-care-threshold-warns-adass-chief.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/07/2013/119297/government-risks-funding-gap-for-national-care-threshold-warns-adass-chief.htmProposed eligibility threshold appears to be more generous than current 'substantial' band, meaning more funding would be required to implement it, says directors' leader.Tue, 02 Jul 2013 09:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/06/2013/119291/protection-for-adults-but-cuts-for-children-how-osbornes-plans-affect-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/06/2013/119291/protection-for-adults-but-cuts-for-children-how-osbornes-plans-affect-social-care.htmAdult social care may have emerged from George Osborne's spending round a relative victor, but the same cannot be said for children's services, says Tristan Donovan.Fri, 28 Jun 2013 17:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/06/2013/119290/nationwide-care-threshold-will-exclude-hundreds-of-thousands-in-need.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/06/2013/119290/nationwide-care-threshold-will-exclude-hundreds-of-thousands-in-need.htmCharities warn plans to introduce threshold at 'substantial needs' would "perpetuate unfair system", but ministers point to improved support for people without eligible needs.Fri, 28 Jun 2013 09:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/06/2013/119265/bupa-to-close-care-home-following-councils-decision-to-remove-residents.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/06/2013/119265/bupa-to-close-care-home-following-councils-decision-to-remove-residents.htmOakhurst Grange nursing home will close following critical CQC reports and safeguarding action by West Sussex council that led it to start removing state-funded residents. Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/06/2013/119274/training-gap-cuts-and-paperwork-damaging-personalisation-warn-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/06/2013/119274/training-gap-cuts-and-paperwork-damaging-personalisation-warn-social-workers.htmCouncils have failed to tackle bureaucracy despite longstanding concerns but practitioners still more positive than not about personal budgets, finds Community Care's annual personalisation survey.Wed, 26 Jun 2013 21:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/06/2013/119283/osborne-puts-3.8bn-into-integrated-care-but-council-budgets-set-to-fall-again.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/06/2013/119283/osborne-puts-3.8bn-into-integrated-care-but-council-budgets-set-to-fall-again.htmNHS funding for adult social care set to increase by at least £2bn in 2015-16 but this will not offset overall cut in local government budgets.Wed, 26 Jun 2013 14:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/06/2013/119278/we-must-end-the-bureaucracy-around-personal-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/06/2013/119278/we-must-end-the-bureaucracy-around-personal-budgets.htmMaking resource allocation systems more simple and transparent is critical to the success of personalisation, say Martin Routledge and John Waters of In Control.Wed, 26 Jun 2013 09:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/06/2013/119279/social-workers-need-reflective-practice-to-make-personalisation-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/06/2013/119279/social-workers-need-reflective-practice-to-make-personalisation-work.htmPersonalisation is a big cultural shift for social workers and councils must provide them with the training and reflective practice opportunities to make it work, argues Ali Gardner.Wed, 26 Jun 2013 09:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/06/2013/119281/flawed-personal-budgets-cannot-deliver-personalisation-for-service-users.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/06/2013/119281/flawed-personal-budgets-cannot-deliver-personalisation-for-service-users.htmCommunity Care's survey shows personal budgets are fundamentally flawed and different approaches are needed to deliver true personalisation for service users, argues Peter Beresford.Wed, 26 Jun 2013 09:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/06/2013/119280/it-was-a-gamble-switching-from-inner-city-social-work-to-the-outer-hebrides.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/06/2013/119280/it-was-a-gamble-switching-from-inner-city-social-work-to-the-outer-hebrides.htmAndy McNicoll hears from a social worker who swapped life in a central London substance misuse team for a job as the only social worker on a remote Scottish island. Tue, 25 Jun 2013 15:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/06/2013/119273/social-workers-pressured-to-play-down-clients-needs-below-eligibility-bar.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/06/2013/119273/social-workers-pressured-to-play-down-clients-needs-below-eligibility-bar.htmCuts leading to higher hospital admissions, increased isolation and more pressure on carers, warn professionals in response to survey by Age UK and The College of Social Work.Mon, 24 Jun 2013 10:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/06/2013/119271/councils-ease-pressure-on-care-homes-with-near-inflationary-fee-rise.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/06/2013/119271/councils-ease-pressure-on-care-homes-with-near-inflationary-fee-rise.htmLatest figure follows three years in which council rates for care homes have fallen 5% behind inflation, says market analysts Laing & Buisson.Fri, 21 Jun 2013 13:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/06/2013/119262/social-workers-should-be-co-ordinators-of-end-of-life-care-says-report.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/06/2013/119262/social-workers-should-be-co-ordinators-of-end-of-life-care-says-report.htmStudy finds "unacceptable inequalities" in provision of end-of-life care, with poorer outcomes for non-cancer patients, social care service users and those with dementia.Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/06/2013/119248/juicing-dancing-and-sewing-how-micro-providers-are-adding-colour-to-personalisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/06/2013/119248/juicing-dancing-and-sewing-how-micro-providers-are-adding-colour-to-personalisation.htmMicro-enterprises are helping diversify the social care market by offering an alternative to domiciliary or day care. Max Daly profiles three such providers whose development has been supported by social enterprise Community Catalysts.Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/06/2013/119249/the-social-workers-guide-to-micro-providers-in-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/06/2013/119249/the-social-workers-guide-to-micro-providers-in-social-care.htmMicro-providers offer social workers significant opportunities to help service users get the most of their personal budgets, but awareness of small providers among the profession is low, finds Max Daly.Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/06/2013/119247/social-workers-must-stop-defying-mental-capacity-act-by-resorting-to-care-homes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/06/2013/119247/social-workers-must-stop-defying-mental-capacity-act-by-resorting-to-care-homes.htmSocial workers are too often placing people with dementia in care homes following a hospital episode contrary to the Mental Capacity Act's requirement to consider the 'least restrictive option', says Elmari Bishop.Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/06/2013/119245/designing-bespoke-personal-budgets-for-adults-with-hivaids.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/06/2013/119245/designing-bespoke-personal-budgets-for-adults-with-hivaids.htmPractitioners in one council have designed a bespoke personal budgets assessment for adults with HIV/Aids that better identifies their needs than standard questionnaires.Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/06/2013/119239/helping-social-workers-resolve-intractable-adult-safeguarding-cases.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/06/2013/119239/helping-social-workers-resolve-intractable-adult-safeguarding-cases.htmOne council has adapted family group conferencing to an adult protection context to help social workers deliver good outcomes in cases where individuals choose to remain in harmful situations - and save money in the process.Wed, 12 Jun 2013 00:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/06/2013/119242/how-social-workers-lack-of-domestic-abuse-awareness-fails-vulnerable-adults.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/06/2013/119242/how-social-workers-lack-of-domestic-abuse-awareness-fails-vulnerable-adults.htmAdult safeguarding professionals all too frequently try to manage domestic abuse referrals using only social care interventions, meaning the most effective option is missed, says Sarah Khalil. Wed, 12 Jun 2013 00:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/06/2013/119241/making-safeguarding-about-improving-peoples-lives-not-processing-cases.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/06/2013/119241/making-safeguarding-about-improving-peoples-lives-not-processing-cases.htmSocial workers should be asking victims of abuse or neglect what they want out of safeguarding services, and checking whether this has been achieved, as this will improve outcomes, says Deborah Klee.Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/06/2013/119251/council-to-pull-52-residents-out-of-bupa-care-home-over-safety-concerns.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/06/2013/119251/council-to-pull-52-residents-out-of-bupa-care-home-over-safety-concerns.htmResidents' health, safety and welfare at risk at Oakhurst Grange Nursing Home despite safeguarding action and CQC warnings, says West Sussex council.Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/06/2013/119240/what-child-protection-can-teach-adult-safeguarding-and-vice-versa.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/06/2013/119240/what-child-protection-can-teach-adult-safeguarding-and-vice-versa.htmOne council's decision to import family group conferencing from children's to adults' services has led to a mutual exchange of knowledge between social workers from the two departments.Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/06/2013/119192/why-we-must-raise-status-of-visual-impairment-rehabilitation-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/06/2013/119192/why-we-must-raise-status-of-visual-impairment-rehabilitation-workers.htmFollowing the launch of a network for rehabilitation workers for visually impaired people, chair Simon Labbett explains why it's important to raise the status of this workforce, including by introducing a statutory register.Mon, 10 Jun 2013 12:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/06/2013/119236/cqc-ratings-may-return-to-ensure-weaker-social-services-improve-says-minister.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/06/2013/119236/cqc-ratings-may-return-to-ensure-weaker-social-services-improve-says-minister.htmNorman Lamb becomes second leading figure to question whether sector-led improvement regime will deal with issues in under-performing authorities.Thu, 06 Jun 2013 08:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/06/2013/119234/lamb-vows-to-name-and-shame-councils-who-fail-on-winterbourne-targets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/06/2013/119234/lamb-vows-to-name-and-shame-councils-who-fail-on-winterbourne-targets.htmCare minister issues stark warning to commissioners who are failing to reshape care for adults with learning disabilities, two years on from the exposure of abuse at Winterbourne View.Wed, 05 Jun 2013 22:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/06/2013/119227/how-social-workers-can-improve-assessments-for-adults-with-autism.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/06/2013/119227/how-social-workers-can-improve-assessments-for-adults-with-autism.htmWith just one-quarter of adults with autism surveyed by the National Autistic Society saying their social worker had a good understanding of the condition, the charity's Mari Saeki provides advice on how practitioners can improve assessments.Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/06/2013/119225/specialist-team-aims-to-fill-social-care-gap-for-adults-with-aspergers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/06/2013/119225/specialist-team-aims-to-fill-social-care-gap-for-adults-with-aspergers.htmSupporting people with Asperger's syndrome through mental health or learning disability services has not worked for service users or carers, leading Hertfordshire council to set up a specialist team to deliver tailored support. Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/06/2013/119229/council-rapped-for-charging-service-users-before-assessing-their-finances.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/06/2013/119229/council-rapped-for-charging-service-users-before-assessing-their-finances.htmKent council charged clients for home care before completing assessment of their finances over 18 months, in breach of government guidance, finds Local Government Ombudsman.Tue, 04 Jun 2013 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/05/2013/119188/what-integration-with-health-means-for-scotlands-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/05/2013/119188/what-integration-with-health-means-for-scotlands-social-workers.htmAs the Scottish government publishes legislation to integrate health and social care, the experience of fusing the two services in the Highlands shows what the future might hold for adult social workers.Wed, 29 May 2013 12:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/05/2013/119204/protecting-our-adults-why-england-should-follow-scottish-lead-on-adult-safeguarding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/05/2013/119204/protecting-our-adults-why-england-should-follow-scottish-lead-on-adult-safeguarding.htmSix years on from the Scottish Parliament introducing pioneering adult safeguarding legislation, Andy McNicoll hears how the new powers have impacted social workers. Wed, 29 May 2013 09:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/05/2013/119216/social-workers-must-team-up-with-gps-to-tackle-scourge-of-loneliness.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/05/2013/119216/social-workers-must-team-up-with-gps-to-tackle-scourge-of-loneliness.htmInstead of considering a cap on GP appointments to curb demand, we should ask family doctors to work with social workers to address the loneliness at the root of the problem, argues adults' and children's services director Sherry Malik.Wed, 29 May 2013 09:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/05/2013/119181/how-scottish-personalisation-legislation-will-affect-social-work-practice.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/05/2013/119181/how-scottish-personalisation-legislation-will-affect-social-work-practice.htmNew legislation will embed self-directed support into social work practice in Scotland. James Blair explains what it will mean for practitioners in local authorities.Tue, 28 May 2013 11:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/05/2013/119205/social-workers-may-be-asked-to-submit-client-information-for-benefit-test.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/05/2013/119205/social-workers-may-be-asked-to-submit-client-information-for-benefit-test.htmTribunal rules that requirement for sickness benefit claimants to collect their own medical evidence disadvantages those with mental health problems learning disabilities or autism.Fri, 24 May 2013 09:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/05/2013/119201/how-commissioners-can-ensure-home-care-respects-human-rights.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/05/2013/119201/how-commissioners-can-ensure-home-care-respects-human-rights.htmThe Equality and Human Rights Commission found widespread human rights breaches in the home care sector in its 2010-11 review. It has now issued commissioners with a guide to improving this situation.Thu, 23 May 2013 15:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/05/2013/119199/personal-budgets-improve-outcomes-but-still-held-back-by-bureaucracy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/05/2013/119199/personal-budgets-improve-outcomes-but-still-held-back-by-bureaucracy.htmSurvey of 3,400 personal budgets recipients and carers finds personal budgets have greatest impact when councils reduce red tape for practitioners and families.Wed, 22 May 2013 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/05/2013/119197/cap-on-care-costs-risks-more-complexity-and-complaints-for-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/05/2013/119197/cap-on-care-costs-risks-more-complexity-and-complaints-for-social-workers.htmFlagship government policy to reform care funding will be highly complex to implement and increase workloads for council practitioners, warns report from the King's Fund.Tue, 21 May 2013 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/05/2013/119191/why-i-want-to-be-a-social-care-manager-to-celebrate-life.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/05/2013/119191/why-i-want-to-be-a-social-care-manager-to-celebrate-life.htmManagement trainee Natalie Crisp has her eyes opened by the challenges of residential care and of making end-of-life care decisions, all of which makes her realise why she wants to work in social care, in her latest diary entry.Fri, 17 May 2013 21:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/05/2013/119193/green-light-for-legal-challenge-against-council-cap-on-care-packages.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/05/2013/119193/green-light-for-legal-challenge-against-council-cap-on-care-packages.htmJudicial review to go ahead against maximum expenditure policy, which critics warn will force disabled people into residential care.Fri, 17 May 2013 15:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/05/2013/119184/zero-hour-contracts-and-unpaid-travel-time-wrong-approach-for-reablement-staff.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/05/2013/119184/zero-hour-contracts-and-unpaid-travel-time-wrong-approach-for-reablement-staff.htmScie practice guide to reablement says investment in staff key to helping service users regain independence following crisis.Thu, 16 May 2013 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/05/2013/119185/in-2013-do-we-still-need-residential-care-for-older-people.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/05/2013/119185/in-2013-do-we-still-need-residential-care-for-older-people.htmIn this provocative piece, columnist Alicia Wood argues that residential care denies older people the rights most of us take for granted and that it should be replaced by supported living.Thu, 16 May 2013 09:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/05/2013/119177/social-work-evidence-to-carry-greater-weight-with-court-of-protection.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/05/2013/119177/social-work-evidence-to-carry-greater-weight-with-court-of-protection.htmCourt expected to revise guidance to make it clear it will accept mental capacity assessments from social workers, and not just from doctors, psychologists or therapists.Wed, 15 May 2013 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/05/2013/119172/how-payment-by-results-can-improve-reablement-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/05/2013/119172/how-payment-by-results-can-improve-reablement-services.htmHertfordshire Council's reablement service was performing well but costing to much. A review led to changes, including payment by results, that has reduced costs and improved outcomes, says deputy director Iain MacBeath.Tue, 14 May 2013 13:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/05/2013/119171/lamb-issues-plan-to-integrate-health-and-social-care-for-all-by-2018.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/05/2013/119171/lamb-issues-plan-to-integrate-health-and-social-care-for-all-by-2018.htmCare services minister Norman Lamb vows to remove barriers to co-ordinated care to improve outcomes for people with long-term conditions and value for money.Tue, 14 May 2013 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/05/2013/119170/social-workers-failing-adults-with-autism-due-to-training-gap-warns-charity.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/05/2013/119170/social-workers-failing-adults-with-autism-due-to-training-gap-warns-charity.htmNational Autistic Society finds just 23% of adults with autism believe social workers have a good understanding of the condition, while half of councils are not providing community care assessors with autism training.Mon, 13 May 2013 13:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/05/2013/119160/preventing-staff-burnout-key-to-supporting-adults-with-challenging-behaviour.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/05/2013/119160/preventing-staff-burnout-key-to-supporting-adults-with-challenging-behaviour.htmGuidance launched for managers in helping care staff effectively support service users with behaviour that challenges, in the wake of Winterbourne View.Thu, 09 May 2013 12:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/05/2013/119157/queens-speech-announces-adult-social-care-overhaul-as-cuts-deepen.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/05/2013/119157/queens-speech-announces-adult-social-care-overhaul-as-cuts-deepen.htmCare and Support Bill will modernise adult care law, provide new rights to support for carers and implement cap on self-funders' care costs, but concerns persist over how effective it will be amid squeeze on council budgets.Wed, 08 May 2013 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/05/2013/119156/bridging-the-health-social-care-gap-life-as-a-joint-commissioner-for-dementia.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/05/2013/119156/bridging-the-health-social-care-gap-life-as-a-joint-commissioner-for-dementia.htmWalsall's approach to jointly commissioning dementia care has been praised in Nice guidance. Joint commissioner Michael Hurt tells Natalie Valios about how he has used his role to reshape services.Wed, 08 May 2013 11:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/05/2013/119155/how-social-workers-can-make-personal-budgets-work-for-people-with-dementia.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/05/2013/119155/how-social-workers-can-make-personal-budgets-work-for-people-with-dementia.htmBy following good practice on assessments, support planning and reviews right, social workers can overcome the barriers to making personal budgets work for people with dementia.Wed, 08 May 2013 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/05/2013/119153/20-wiped-off-adult-care-budgets-in-three-years-report-directors.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/05/2013/119153/20-wiped-off-adult-care-budgets-in-three-years-report-directors.htmLatest Association of Directors of Adult Social Services survey finds councils on course to have cut £2.68bn from adult care since 2011, with worse predicted in the next two years.Wed, 08 May 2013 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/05/2013/119152/five-tips-to-improve-dementia-support-in-care-homes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/05/2013/119152/five-tips-to-improve-dementia-support-in-care-homes.htmFour Seasons Health Care has halved use of antipsychotic medication for adults with dementia through its specialist Pearl care programme. Head of dementia care Caroline Baker outlines the key learning points for all care homes.Tue, 07 May 2013 15:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/05/2013/119149/cqc-to-monitor-big-providers-finances-to-help-avoid-southern-cross-repeat.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/05/2013/119149/cqc-to-monitor-big-providers-finances-to-help-avoid-southern-cross-repeat.htmCare services minister Norman Lamb says financial oversight regime will help ensure continuity of care if large providers collapse.Sat, 04 May 2013 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/05/2013/119146/social-workers-urged-to-spot-links-between-domestic-abuse-and-adult-safeguarding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/05/2013/119146/social-workers-urged-to-spot-links-between-domestic-abuse-and-adult-safeguarding.htmPractice guide issued to help adult social workers identify and respond to domestic abuse issues in adult safeguarding. Thu, 02 May 2013 13:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/04/2013/119143/lamb-moots-return-of-cqc-ratings-of-adult-social-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/04/2013/119143/lamb-moots-return-of-cqc-ratings-of-adult-social-services.htmCare services minister also threatens to 'name and shame' commissioners who fail to meet post-Winterbourne targets to review needs of people with learning disabilities placed in hospitals.Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/04/2013/119139/specialist-support-slashed-for-homeless-people-with-complex-needs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/04/2013/119139/specialist-support-slashed-for-homeless-people-with-complex-needs.htmHomeless Link reports sharp falls in proportion of projects targeting people with mental health problems and domestic violence victims.Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/04/2013/119129/why-pooling-our-childrens-personal-budgets-was-worth-the-effort.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/04/2013/119129/why-pooling-our-childrens-personal-budgets-was-worth-the-effort.htmDissatisfaction with their children's care arrangements led Brian Evans and fellow parents to pool their personal budgets; despite the many struggles since it has been well worth it, he says.Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/04/2013/119130/government-launches-web-service-for-families-to-review-care-providers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/04/2013/119130/government-launches-web-service-for-families-to-review-care-providers.htmLatest care comparison site aims to be most comprehensive online resource to enable people to choose care.Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/04/2013/119119/failing-social-services-may-be-going-unchallenged-warns-cqc-chief.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/04/2013/119119/failing-social-services-may-be-going-unchallenged-warns-cqc-chief.htmDavid Behan doubts ability of sector-led performance regime to deal with underperforming adult social care departments successfully because councils are too competitive with each other.Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/04/2013/119117/family-group-conferencing-can-transform-social-work-with-adults.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/04/2013/119117/family-group-conferencing-can-transform-social-work-with-adults.htmSafeguarding study finds using family group conferencing has delivered savings, better outcomes for vulnerable adults and made social work less process-driven.Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/04/2013/119116/why-providers-should-invest-in-peer-support-for-service-users.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/04/2013/119116/why-providers-should-invest-in-peer-support-for-service-users.htmA group of charitable providers have set up an independent organisation to provide peer support to service users. This approach can help improve service quality, efficiency and flexibility, say Bernd Sass and Sue Taylor.Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/04/2013/119115/behan-specialist-inspectors-will-help-cqc-regain-credibility-with-providers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/04/2013/119115/behan-specialist-inspectors-will-help-cqc-regain-credibility-with-providers.htmRegulator's chief executive says inspectors will become more effective through focusing on particular sectors, improved training and secondments to care services, as part of new CQC strategy.Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/04/2013/119114/labour-launches-commission-on-integrating-health-and-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/04/2013/119114/labour-launches-commission-on-integrating-health-and-social-care.htmParty leader Ed Miliband will announce inquiry to examine how best to bring two services together, in order to save money and deliver "whole-person care".Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/04/2013/119109/meet-the-disabled-man-charged-with-implementing-feared-disability-benefits-test.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/04/2013/119109/meet-the-disabled-man-charged-with-implementing-feared-disability-benefits-test.htmCapita's Stephen Duckworth tells Mathew Little that disabled people being assessed for the new personal independence payment will receive a "professional, empathetic and dignified service" from his company.Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/04/2013/119103/home-care-services-face-more-inspections-as-cqc-scraps-generic-model-of-regulation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/04/2013/119103/home-care-services-face-more-inspections-as-cqc-scraps-generic-model-of-regulation.htmRegulator to introduce new care standards, differentiated by sector, and specialist teams to inspect social care, while bringing back 'star ratings' of services.Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2013/119094/how-social-workers-can-improve-access-to-services-for-visually-impaired.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2013/119094/how-social-workers-can-improve-access-to-services-for-visually-impaired.htmRegistration with local authorities is a gateway to social care support for visually impaired people but registration numbers have fallen in recent years. Tammy Boyce, who has carried out research on the topic, explains how social workers can address this issue.Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2013/119089/balancing-safeguarding-and-personalisation-a-practitioners-dialogue.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2013/119089/balancing-safeguarding-and-personalisation-a-practitioners-dialogue.htmSafeguarding co-ordinator Gaynor McGinty feels advice provided in a recently published adult protection guide underplays the importance of the service user's ability to control their own life. Guide author Pete Morgan respondsMon, 15 Apr 2013 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/04/2013/119093/adult-care-will-be-damaged-if-osborne-maintains-current-level-of-cuts-directors-warn.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/04/2013/119093/adult-care-will-be-damaged-if-osborne-maintains-current-level-of-cuts-directors-warn.htmAdult socal care would not escape unscathed if chancellor George Osborne imposes cuts of more than 3% on councils in 2015, says Association of Directors of Adult Social Services resources lead.Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/04/2013/119078/dont-ignore-housing-in-response-to-winterbourne.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/04/2013/119078/dont-ignore-housing-in-response-to-winterbourne.htmThere has been a worrying lack of discussion of housing in the post-Winterbourne plans to move people with learning disabilities out of institutional settings into community settings. This must change, warns Alicia WoodWed, 10 Apr 2013 16:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/04/2013/119083/social-work-is-in-my-psyche-says-new-directors-chief.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/04/2013/119083/social-work-is-in-my-psyche-says-new-directors-chief.htmIncoming president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services Sandie Keene discusses why she maintains her social work registration and how adult care cuts must be limited to avoid a "downward spiral".Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/04/2013/118990/tips-for-social-workers-for-when-care-arranged-by-clients-breaks-down.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/04/2013/118990/tips-for-social-workers-for-when-care-arranged-by-clients-breaks-down.htmHow should social care professionals support self-funders or direct payment recipients when their care services break down. Pete Morgan of the Practitioner Alliance for Safeguarding Adults provides adviceTue, 09 Apr 2013 11:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/04/2013/118996/advice-for-social-workers-for-when-care-arranged-by-clients-is-poor.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/04/2013/118996/advice-for-social-workers-for-when-care-arranged-by-clients-is-poor.htmHow should social care professionals support self-funders or direct payment recipients when the care they arrange for themselves is of poor quality. Pete Morgan of the Practitioner Alliance for Safeguarding Adults provides adviceFri, 05 Apr 2013 11:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/04/2013/119074/your-chance-to-influence-review-of-social-care-funding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/04/2013/119074/your-chance-to-influence-review-of-social-care-funding.htmThe introduction of a cap on individuals' liability for social care means the way government funding to is allocated to councils will have to change. Jude Ranasinghe explains how social care leaders can get involved in shaping this process.Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/04/2013/119070/how-social-care-commissioners-can-improve-dementia-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/04/2013/119070/how-social-care-commissioners-can-improve-dementia-services.htmIntegrated care planning and provision, high-quality diagnostic services and good care co-ordination are all put forward as key to commissioning good-quality dementia care in new Nice guidance.Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/04/2013/118997/what-social-workers-should-do-when-care-arranged-by-a-user-is-unsafe.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/04/2013/118997/what-social-workers-should-do-when-care-arranged-by-a-user-is-unsafe.htmHow should professionals respond when care arranged by a direct payment user proves to be unsafe? Pete Morgan, of the Practitioner Alliance for Safeguarding Adults UK, gives adviceWed, 03 Apr 2013 11:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/04/2013/119062/mental-capacity-and-forced-marriage-a-social-workers-story.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/04/2013/119062/mental-capacity-and-forced-marriage-a-social-workers-story.htmIn the wake of new guidance for social workers on handling cases of forced marriage, an anonymous social worker reflects on her experience of dealing with this complex issue.Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/04/2013/119061/how-social-workers-can-help-housing-staff-understand-safeguarding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/04/2013/119061/how-social-workers-can-help-housing-staff-understand-safeguarding.htmSocial housing staff lack training in how to prevent, detect and report abuse of adults at risk, despite serious case reviews showing the significance of the sector to adult safeguarding, warns Imogen Parry.Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/03/2013/119059/man-jailed-for-fraudulently-receiving-100000-in-direct-payments.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/03/2013/119059/man-jailed-for-fraudulently-receiving-100000-in-direct-payments.htmKevin Arnold Kalloo faked impairments, failed to disclose his level of assets and income and claimed direct payments from two councils at the same time.Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/03/2013/119049/support-and-scrutiny-of-best-interests-assessors-variable-finds-cqc.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/03/2013/119049/support-and-scrutiny-of-best-interests-assessors-variable-finds-cqc.htmSome councils making few checks on BIAs and providing little training, finds Care Quality Commission annual report on Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/03/2013/119051/how-care-homes-can-improve-on-the-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/03/2013/119051/how-care-homes-can-improve-on-the-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards.htmImproved training for all staff, regular mental capacity assessments of residents and correctly using restraint are among the ways care homes need to improve their practice, says the Care Quality Commission.Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/03/2013/119039/adult-care-staff-urged-to-meet-conduct-and-training-standards.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/03/2013/119039/adult-care-staff-urged-to-meet-conduct-and-training-standards.htmEmphasis on empowering service users, knowledge of Mental Capacity Act responsibilities and taking responsibility for personal developing in new workforce standards.Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/03/2013/119037/hunt-overhauls-regulation-of-social-care-in-wake-of-mid-staffs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/03/2013/119037/hunt-overhauls-regulation-of-social-care-in-wake-of-mid-staffs.htmStar ratings to return under chief inspector of social care leading specialist teams within CQC, while providers will also face "duty of candour" to report mistakes, says health secretary. Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/03/2013/119032/practice-standards-for-best-interests-assessors-launched.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/03/2013/119032/practice-standards-for-best-interests-assessors-launched.htmCollege of Social Work sets six capabilities that councils should require of professionals appointed to make key recommendations about people under Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/03/2013/119028/social-care-star-ratings-set-to-return-after-review-gives-backing.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/03/2013/119028/social-care-star-ratings-set-to-return-after-review-gives-backing.htmAggregate ratings for social care services, delivered by the CQC, would fill public information gap on care quality and boost choice for users, finds review commissioned by government.Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/03/2013/119019/directors-urged-to-invest-in-social-work-to-improve-adult-safeguarding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/03/2013/119019/directors-urged-to-invest-in-social-work-to-improve-adult-safeguarding.htmAdvice note for directors raises concerns about practitioners' legal knowledge on and whether insufficient training resource has gone into developing social work skills.Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/03/2013/119025/criminal-justice-system-still-failing-disability-hate-crime-victims.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/03/2013/119025/criminal-justice-system-still-failing-disability-hate-crime-victims.htmInspectors say disability hate crimes still very under-reported due to lack of training, understanding and priority across police, prosecutors and probation service.Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/03/2013/119015/social-workers-should-have-power-of-entry-to-find-abuse-mps-tell-ministers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/03/2013/119015/social-workers-should-have-power-of-entry-to-find-abuse-mps-tell-ministers.htmRadical changes to social care reform bill proposed by parliamentary committee set up to scrutinise it.Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/03/2013/119016/learning-disabled-people-die-16-years-earlier-than-others-finds-study.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/03/2013/119016/learning-disabled-people-die-16-years-earlier-than-others-finds-study.htmResearch finds people with learning disabilities more likely to die from causes that could have been prevented by good healthcare than other people.Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/03/2013/119014/care-home-staff-shortages-leaving-residents-malnourished-warns-cqc.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/03/2013/119014/care-home-staff-shortages-leaving-residents-malnourished-warns-cqc.htmMost homes delivering dignified care and meeting nutritional needs but regulator warns that those supporting people with dementia lag behind the rest, following inspection of 500 homes.Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/03/2013/119009/adult-social-care-sector-in-england-contributes-43bn-to-economy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/03/2013/119009/adult-social-care-sector-in-england-contributes-43bn-to-economy.htmSkills for Care hopes its research into the economic value of adult social care will push the case for continued investment in the sector.Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/03/2013/119005/independent-living-fund-closure-challenged-in-high-court.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/03/2013/119005/independent-living-fund-closure-challenged-in-high-court.htmJudicial review brought by six disabled recipients, with a decision expected within two weeksThu, 14 Mar 2013 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/03/2013/118998/personalisation-outsourcing-and-less-residential-care-how-adult-care-is-being-cut.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/03/2013/118998/personalisation-outsourcing-and-less-residential-care-how-adult-care-is-being-cut.htmAs councils enter their third consecutive year of budget cuts, personal budgets, shifting care out of residential settings and outsourcing services are emerging as key sources of savings, finds Tristan Donovan. Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/03/2013/119001/the-cost-effectiveness-of-employment-support-for-people-with-disabilities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/03/2013/119001/the-cost-effectiveness-of-employment-support-for-people-with-disabilities.htmInterim findings from our research on employment support raises questions over local authority investment and the way personal budgets are being delivered, writes Rob Greig.Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2013/118983/taking-inspiration-from-obama-to-break-social-cares-glass-ceiling.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2013/118983/taking-inspiration-from-obama-to-break-social-cares-glass-ceiling.htmThe under-representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) staff in the highest ranks of social care is stark. One manager tells Natalie Valios how a training programme for BAME staff has inspired him to aspire for the most senior ranks.Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/03/2013/118979/winterbourne-view-owners-go-into-administration-following-abuse-scandal.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/03/2013/118979/winterbourne-view-owners-go-into-administration-following-abuse-scandal.htmThe welfare of Castlebeck’s patients and residents will continue to be a priority while administrators seek buyers for its remaining care homes and hospitals, according to those overseeing the process.Wed, 06 Mar 2013 09:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/03/2013/118976/managers-need-evidence-on-how-far-to-delegate-decisions-to-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/03/2013/118976/managers-need-evidence-on-how-far-to-delegate-decisions-to-social-workers.htmNo more "easy options" for councils in reducing adult care budgets at a time of mounting demand pressures, warns use of resources report from sector leaders.Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2013/118969/social-workers-given-legal-advice-on-mental-capacity-act.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2013/118969/social-workers-given-legal-advice-on-mental-capacity-act.htmGovernment refers social workers to Court of Protection judgement to inform practice on capacity assessments and use of independent advocates.Fri, 01 Mar 2013 16:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/02/2013/118966/safeguarding-leads-told-to-probe-fall-in-use-of-mental-capacity-advocates.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/02/2013/118966/safeguarding-leads-told-to-probe-fall-in-use-of-mental-capacity-advocates.htmThe government has asked adult safeguarding co-ordinators to examine why independent mental capacity advocate (IMCA) referrals have fallen for adults at risk of abuse or neglect.Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/02/2013/118951/learning-disabled-leaders-speak-out-on-what-they-want-from-social-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/02/2013/118951/learning-disabled-leaders-speak-out-on-what-they-want-from-social-work.htmThe chairs of the National Forum of People with Learning Disabilities discuss how social workers can improve, their priorities for the people they represent and their fears about cuts.Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/02/2013/118953/how-social-workers-can-help-bring-learning-disabled-people-home.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/02/2013/118953/how-social-workers-can-help-bring-learning-disabled-people-home.htmSupporting people with learning disabilities to return from out-of-area placements requires thorough assessment, person-centred commissioning and time, according to social workers in one service praised by government.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 17:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/02/2013/118946/care-home-or-care-at-home-why-clients-best-interests-must-decide.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/02/2013/118946/care-home-or-care-at-home-why-clients-best-interests-must-decide.htmPeople with dementia are being placed in care homes prematurely because professionals are not complying with the Mental Capacity Act, says consultant social worker Elmari Bishop.Fri, 22 Feb 2013 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/02/2013/118885/isolated-care-managers-to-gain-support-programme-to-boost-status.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/02/2013/118885/isolated-care-managers-to-gain-support-programme-to-boost-status.htmRegistered managers to receive funded support to network with each other, develop their practice and boost their confidence through National Skills Academy initiative.Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/02/2013/118928/how-to-be-a-culturally-competent-social-worker-what-the-research-says.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/02/2013/118928/how-to-be-a-culturally-competent-social-worker-what-the-research-says.htmResearch findings indicate that developing trusting relationships with families and having an awareness of local demogrpahics are key to supporting learning disabled people from minority ethnic communities, says Jill Manthorpe. Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/02/2013/118925/prisons-ill-equipped-to-deal-with-rising-dementia-population.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/02/2013/118925/prisons-ill-equipped-to-deal-with-rising-dementia-population.htmPrisons need better staff training and support from external agencies to effectively meet needs of growing number of inmates with dementia, says Mental Health Foundation study.Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/02/2013/118924/social-investors-urged-to-help-end-learning-disability-housing-crisis.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/02/2013/118924/social-investors-urged-to-help-end-learning-disability-housing-crisis.htmGovernment cuts to social housing and capital spending are reducing housing options for learning disabled people. Mencap's housing arm is asking socially-minded investors to fill the gap through its new charity bond, says director Alastair Graham.Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/02/2013/118918/legal-update-the-perils-of-ignoring-best-practice-guidance-in-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/02/2013/118918/legal-update-the-perils-of-ignoring-best-practice-guidance-in-social-care.htmCouncil practitioners should beware departing from non-statutory guidance in social care as a recent case demonstrates that there may be legal penalties for doing so, says Ed Mitchell.Thu, 14 Feb 2013 16:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/02/2013/118915/adult-services-directors-warn-of-service-cuts-and-declining-quality.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/02/2013/118915/adult-services-directors-warn-of-service-cuts-and-declining-quality.htmThird of adults' directors plan to cut services next year while half say quality of commissioned services has declined, finds survey.Thu, 14 Feb 2013 16:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/02/2013/118910/cqc-most-home-care-good-but-missed-visits-blight-some-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/02/2013/118910/cqc-most-home-care-good-but-missed-visits-blight-some-services.htmLate or missed calls, lack of care worker continuity and inadequate support for staff leading to poor care in minority of providers, but most are performing well, finds regulator.Wed, 13 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/02/2013/118905/cuts-and-lack-of-assessments-leave-carers-at-breaking-point.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/02/2013/118905/cuts-and-lack-of-assessments-leave-carers-at-breaking-point.htmMencap finds no let up in stress for carers of people with learning disabilities as councils fail to assess their needs and make inadequate provision of short breaks.Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/02/2013/118908/social-workers-to-do-more-assessments-under-75000-cap-regime.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/02/2013/118908/social-workers-to-do-more-assessments-under-75000-cap-regime.htmSelf-funders would receive assessments and annual reviews to track their progress towards care funding cap under government reforms. Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/02/2013/118902/government-finds-1bn-a-year-to-cap-self-funders-social-care-costs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/02/2013/118902/government-finds-1bn-a-year-to-cap-self-funders-social-care-costs.htmHealth secretary Jeremy Hunt says proposals will save families from selling homes to pay for care but campaigners warn they will do nothing to address sector funding crisis.Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/02/2013/118897/ministers-cool-on-giving-social-workers-powers-of-entry-in-abuse-cases.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/02/2013/118897/ministers-cool-on-giving-social-workers-powers-of-entry-in-abuse-cases.htmCare services minister Norman Lamb says most people who would be subject to proposed power oppose it, while professionals support it.Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/02/2013/118888/cqc-moots-chief-inspector-of-social-care-role-in-wake-of-mid-staffs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/02/2013/118888/cqc-moots-chief-inspector-of-social-care-role-in-wake-of-mid-staffs.htmProposal from Care Quality Commission follows government announcement of chief inspector of hospital role and shift to sector-specific regulation.Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/02/2013/118891/inquiry-launched-into-death-of-woman-following-loss-of-home-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/02/2013/118891/inquiry-launched-into-death-of-woman-following-loss-of-home-care.htmSafeguarding probe to look at why alternative care was not arranged for woman who starved to death after home care agency was raided by immigration officers.Wed, 06 Feb 2013 08:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/02/2013/118884/how-light-touch-direct-payments-can-deliver-for-clients-and-taxpayers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/02/2013/118884/how-light-touch-direct-payments-can-deliver-for-clients-and-taxpayers.htmA scheme that gives disabled people direct payments for home adaptations on the basis of self-assessment is delivering independence for service users and savings for the council concerned, says intensive support manager Bill Brittain.Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/02/2013/118873/why-social-work-is-so-important-for-brain-injury-survivors.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/02/2013/118873/why-social-work-is-so-important-for-brain-injury-survivors.htmA brain injury can leave people disabled, unemployed and at risk of broken relationships. Advanced practitioner Simon Eggington explains why this makes social work so important for this client group.Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/01/2013/118875/how-gold-standard-training-can-help-staff-deliver-better-end-of-life-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/01/2013/118875/how-gold-standard-training-can-help-staff-deliver-better-end-of-life-care.htmTraining in the Gold Standard Framework can help care homes improve quality of life for residents nearing the end of life and reduce hospitalisation argues Jane Berg, of Princess Alice Hospice in Surrey.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/01/2013/118881/provider-managed-personal-budgets-could-end-home-care-by-the-minute.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/01/2013/118881/provider-managed-personal-budgets-could-end-home-care-by-the-minute.htmReport outlines how individual service funds could help end rigid, task-based home care, but warns of implementation challenges for councils, providers and families.Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/01/2013/118872/social-workers-to-gain-powers-to-enter-homes-in-abuse-cases.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/01/2013/118872/social-workers-to-gain-powers-to-enter-homes-in-abuse-cases.htmWelsh government publishes legislation to overhaul social services.Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/01/2013/118870/massive-variations-in-older-peoples-experience-of-personal-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/01/2013/118870/massive-variations-in-older-peoples-experience-of-personal-budgets.htmReview identifies how some councils are overcoming barriers to making personal budgets work for older clients as other authorities struggle.Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2013/118862/scrap-preferred-provider-lists-for-social-care-urges-government-review.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2013/118862/scrap-preferred-provider-lists-for-social-care-urges-government-review.htmRestrictions on how service users deploy personal budgets should also be ditched to enable genuine choice, says inquiry for Cabinet Office. Fri, 25 Jan 2013 18:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/01/2013/118858/burnham-outlines-labour-plan-for-single-health-and-social-care-service.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/01/2013/118858/burnham-outlines-labour-plan-for-single-health-and-social-care-service.htmCouncil-led health and well-being boards would commission all care, while hospital trusts would become integrated providers of acute, mental and social care in shadow health secretary's vision.Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/01/2013/118819/how-winterbourne-style-placements-can-be-brought-to-an-end.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/01/2013/118819/how-winterbourne-style-placements-can-be-brought-to-an-end.htmChris Bull, the person charged with helping end inappropriate hospital placements for people with learning disabilities, outlines how he intends to support commissioners to achieve this aim.Mon, 21 Jan 2013 15:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/01/2013/118848/how-eligibility-criteria-should-inform-social-work-practice-with-adults.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/01/2013/118848/how-eligibility-criteria-should-inform-social-work-practice-with-adults.htmThe Fair Access to Care Services eligibility framework, introduced in 2003 and revised in 2010, lies at the heart of adult social care, yet has consistently been shown to be flawed and unfit for purpose. Mon, 21 Jan 2013 12:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/01/2013/118841/ministers-urged-to-find-2bn-to-fund-moderate-care-threshold.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/01/2013/118841/ministers-urged-to-find-2bn-to-fund-moderate-care-threshold.htmGovernment plans to set national eligibility threshold at substantial risks condemning disabled people to debt and a life without dignity, warn charities. Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/01/2013/118837/burstow-close-serious-case-review-loophole-to-protect-adults-at-risk.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/01/2013/118837/burstow-close-serious-case-review-loophole-to-protect-adults-at-risk.htmSafeguarding adult boards must be able to compel organisations to submit information to serious case review panels, says report from former care services minister.Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/01/2013/118832/personal-budgets-process-cuts-social-work-productivity-finds-research.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/01/2013/118832/personal-budgets-process-cuts-social-work-productivity-finds-research.htmMassive divergence between indicative personal budgets and final allocations shows self-directed support is adding bureacuracy to social work practice, finds paper.Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/01/2013/118830/tax-on-self-funders-keeping-care-homes-afloat-amid-council-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/01/2013/118830/tax-on-self-funders-keeping-care-homes-afloat-amid-council-cuts.htmRecord numbers of people funding their own residential care, finds Laing and Buisson's annual market survey.Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/01/2013/118821/social-workers-to-inspect-adult-safeguarding-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/01/2013/118821/social-workers-to-inspect-adult-safeguarding-services.htmSelected College of Social Work members will take part in peer reviews of council adult safeguarding services.Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/01/2013/118813/care-bill-must-provide-support-plans-for-all-to-end-gatekeeping.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/01/2013/118813/care-bill-must-provide-support-plans-for-all-to-end-gatekeeping.htmDraft Care and Support Bill must provide people with an entitlement to support planning, regardless of eligibility for formal care, to truly shift system towards prevention, say sector leaders.Wed, 09 Jan 2013 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/01/2013/118811/meet-social-cares-top-bloggers-no.6-social-care-insight.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/01/2013/118811/meet-social-cares-top-bloggers-no.6-social-care-insight.htmTony Butcher from the Social Care Insight blog tells us hopes for social care 2013 and why he's no fan of the term 'co-production'. Tue, 08 Jan 2013 09:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/01/2013/118807/government-signals-social-care-costs-cap-in-coalition-review.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/01/2013/118807/government-signals-social-care-costs-cap-in-coalition-review.htmDavid Cameron and Nick Clegg promise to unveil proposals to provide more help for people with long-term care costs in coming weeks, but charities slam lack of detail.Mon, 07 Jan 2013 11:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/01/2013/118803/why-hearing-loss-in-care-homes-should-not-be-tolerated.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/01/2013/118803/why-hearing-loss-in-care-homes-should-not-be-tolerated.htmHearing loss among care home residents is often accepted as a natural part of the ageing process, but recent research shows that failure to tackle it can profoundly affect quality of life, says Melanie Henwood.Fri, 04 Jan 2013 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/01/2013/118804/supporting-people-with-dementia-through-work-skills-not-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/01/2013/118804/supporting-people-with-dementia-through-work-skills-not-care.htmAn organisation that teaches people with early stage dementia how to frame pictures professionally is helping stabilise their quality of life and winning awards as a result, discovers Natalie Valios Fri, 04 Jan 2013 11:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/01/2013/118798/legal-challenge-launched-against-council-care-spending-cap.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/01/2013/118798/legal-challenge-launched-against-council-care-spending-cap.htmPolicy of limiting spending on social care in the community risks forcing people into residential care, warn critics.Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/12/2012/118791/more-care-cuts-in-store-as-council-budgets-face-1.7-fall-next-year.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/12/2012/118791/more-care-cuts-in-store-as-council-budgets-face-1.7-fall-next-year.htmGovernment unveils third year of reductions in council budgets, heralding further cuts to adult social care and increased pressure to maintain children's services spending.Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/12/2012/118788/cqc-fines-care-home-provider-4000-for-medication-failings.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/12/2012/118788/cqc-fines-care-home-provider-4000-for-medication-failings.htmNursing home failed to make required improvements in administering medicines following inspections.Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/12/2012/118784/disabled-people-face-care-cuts-on-abolition-of-independent-living-fund.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/12/2012/118784/disabled-people-face-care-cuts-on-abolition-of-independent-living-fund.htmMinisters press ahead with plans to transfer social care fund's budget to councils and reject calls to protect care packages for ILF users.Wed, 19 Dec 2012 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/12/2012/118785/how-approved-care-provider-regime-delivered-more-choice-and-value.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/12/2012/118785/how-approved-care-provider-regime-delivered-more-choice-and-value.htmUnder Cheshire West and Chester Council's learning disability provider framework, practitioners no longer negotiate prices, meaning they can focus on identifying the right service for their client, says Joanna Zlocinska.Wed, 19 Dec 2012 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/12/2012/118783/how-reablement-can-be-good-for-care-staff-as-well-as-service-users.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/12/2012/118783/how-reablement-can-be-good-for-care-staff-as-well-as-service-users.htmCare workers can gain self-confidence and job satisfaction from moving from working in traditional home care to reablement, a study in one local authority has found. Authors Martha Chinouya Margaret Cook discuss the findingsWed, 19 Dec 2012 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/12/2012/118782/what-the-least-restrictive-option-means-under-the-mental-capacity-act.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/12/2012/118782/what-the-least-restrictive-option-means-under-the-mental-capacity-act.htmSocial care practitioners can be unclear about what is meant by using the “least restrictive option” to support people under the Mental Capacity Act. In this article, reproduced with kind permission from the English Community Care Association newsletter, Rachel Griffiths explains how they should apply this principle. Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/12/2012/118779/training-staff-to-work-with-learning-disabled-sex-offenders.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/12/2012/118779/training-staff-to-work-with-learning-disabled-sex-offenders.htmSupport staff at a learning disability provider now have a better idea of what is behind clients' challenging behaviour thanks to training in working supporting people who offend sexually, finds Natalie Valios.Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/12/2012/118778/how-social-care-commissioning-skills-are-being-improved.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/12/2012/118778/how-social-care-commissioning-skills-are-being-improved.htmBetter approaches to considering the needs of carers are among the fruits of the National Skills Academy for Social Care's commissioning training programme, says project manager Helen Smith, in the latest of the academy's articles for You Care.Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/12/2012/118777/parliamentary-probe-into-social-care-law-overhaul-begins.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/12/2012/118777/parliamentary-probe-into-social-care-law-overhaul-begins.htmDraft Care and Support Bill will be considered by committee including MPs and peers with an interest in social care.Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/12/2012/118775/600000-disabled-people-to-lose-out-on-benefits-by-2018.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/12/2012/118775/600000-disabled-people-to-lose-out-on-benefits-by-2018.htmMinisters make concessions on replacement of disability living allowance by personal independence payment but campaigners warn that it marks a setback for disability rights.Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/12/2012/118774/hunt-confirms-appointment-of-ex-conservative-party-ceo-as-cqc-chair.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/12/2012/118774/hunt-confirms-appointment-of-ex-conservative-party-ceo-as-cqc-chair.htmFormer Conservative MP and Party chief executive David Prior will take up £63,000 a year CQC chair role in January 2013 after Parliament approved his appointment.Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/12/2012/118758/winterbourne-style-hospital-placements-to-end-by-2014-says-minister.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/12/2012/118758/winterbourne-style-hospital-placements-to-end-by-2014-says-minister.htmNorman Lamb promises to monitor progress to ensure community services replace hospital provision for people with learning disabilities, in government response to Winterbourne View.Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/12/2012/118753/how-the-latest-research-on-the-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-should-inform-social-work-practice.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/12/2012/118753/how-the-latest-research-on-the-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-should-inform-social-work-practice.htmSocial workers should ensure that local providers, and their colleagues, understand the importance of applying the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards where suitable, as failure to do so can end up costing more in the long run at human, financial and reputational levels. Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/12/2012/118750/more-pain-for-social-care-as-osborne-cuts-extra-445m-from-councils.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/12/2012/118750/more-pain-for-social-care-as-osborne-cuts-extra-445m-from-councils.htmEra of austerity will extend to 2018, says chancellor, as he announces further £4bn raid on welfare budget.Wed, 05 Dec 2012 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/12/2012/118748/college-launches-business-case-for-protecting-adult-social-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/12/2012/118748/college-launches-business-case-for-protecting-adult-social-work.htmThe College of Social Work is attempting to quantify the cost benefits of adult social work interventions, amid growing concern from the workforce about the impact of job cuts on services.Tue, 04 Dec 2012 17:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/12/2012/118747/meet-social-cares-top-bloggers-no.3-the-small-places.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/12/2012/118747/meet-social-cares-top-bloggers-no.3-the-small-places.htmLucy Series, who runs The Small Places blog, on why the Daily Mail's misrepresentation of deprivation of liberty safeguards drove her to start writing about several complex areas of social care.Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2012/118738/sharp-rise-in-adult-abuse-cases-amid-fall-in-social-work-numbers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2012/118738/sharp-rise-in-adult-abuse-cases-amid-fall-in-social-work-numbers.htmThe number of confirmed cases of abuse or neglect rose by 13% last year, provisional figures show, and care staff continue to be the most common perpetrators.Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/11/2012/118737/1.5m-for-personal-health-budgets-rollout-after-positive-evaluation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/11/2012/118737/1.5m-for-personal-health-budgets-rollout-after-positive-evaluation.htmLong-awaited evaluation of government's personal health budget pilots finds benefits are greatest among people with high health needs. Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/11/2012/118733/hunt-picks-former-conservative-party-ceo-as-preferred-candidate-for-cqc-chair.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/11/2012/118733/hunt-picks-former-conservative-party-ceo-as-preferred-candidate-for-cqc-chair.htmFormer Conservative MP and party chief executive likely to takeover as chair of Care Quality Commission after being announced as government's 'preferred candidate'Thu, 29 Nov 2012 15:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/11/2012/118730/making-decisions-in-dementia-care-has-the-mental-capacity-act-helped-social-work-practice-in-england-and-wales.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/11/2012/118730/making-decisions-in-dementia-care-has-the-mental-capacity-act-helped-social-work-practice-in-england-and-wales.htmSocial workers have welcomed the Mental Capacity Act’s clarity and acceptable value base, but not all social care practitioners are well informed about the legislation and their responsibilities. Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/11/2012/118725/ofsted-style-care-home-ratings-tough-to-implement-directors-warn.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/11/2012/118725/ofsted-style-care-home-ratings-tough-to-implement-directors-warn.htmDirectors of adults' services have identified a number of 'clear challenges' in Jeremy Hunt's plans to introduce a new ratings system for care homesWed, 28 Nov 2012 12:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/11/2012/118717/regulator-warns-of-growing-risk-of-poor-care-as-1-in-6-nursing-homes-fail-safeguarding-standards.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/11/2012/118717/regulator-warns-of-growing-risk-of-poor-care-as-1-in-6-nursing-homes-fail-safeguarding-standards.htmAnnual review by Care Quality Commission warns of safeguarding, staffing problems and poor training in social care services.Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/11/2012/118706/how-to-divide-work-between-social-workers-and-non-qualified-staff.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/11/2012/118706/how-to-divide-work-between-social-workers-and-non-qualified-staff.htmWhile there is a consensus that social workers should take on more complex work within adult services, achieving this is no easy task. Gordon Carson looks at how councils are dividing tasks between professionals and non-qualified staff. Thu, 22 Nov 2012 12:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/11/2012/118708/how-investing-in-social-work-helped-cut-delayed-discharges.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/11/2012/118708/how-investing-in-social-work-helped-cut-delayed-discharges.htmThe addition of five social workers to a hospital discharge team helped deliver significant savings by speeding up assessments and discharges. Julia Faulks reports Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/11/2012/118691/clients-praise-personal-budgets-but-criticise-social-worker-input.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/11/2012/118691/clients-praise-personal-budgets-but-criticise-social-worker-input.htmFamilies report improved independence and choice from self-directed support but bemoan lack of social worker continuity and conflicting messages from practitioners, finds three-year study.Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/11/2012/118684/council-breached-equality-duty-in-setting-care-home-fees.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/11/2012/118684/council-breached-equality-duty-in-setting-care-home-fees.htmAuthority to review care home fees after High Court found it failed to consider impact of possible home closures on vulnerable residents.Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/11/2012/118682/how-service-user-watchdog-plans-to-make-impact-on-poor-practice.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/11/2012/118682/how-service-user-watchdog-plans-to-make-impact-on-poor-practice.htmThe chair of Healthwatch England vows that it will be fully independent champion of the most vulnerable that will aim to ensure faster action on poor care practice.Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/11/2012/118676/the-safeguarding-team-that-is-helping-drive-up-care-home-standards.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/11/2012/118676/the-safeguarding-team-that-is-helping-drive-up-care-home-standards.htmHospital admissions from and safeguarding concerns within care homes have reduced in one area thanks to the work of multi-disciplinary safeguarding team, finds Natalie Valios.Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/11/2012/118674/care-home-managers-must-make-safeguarding-everyones-business.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/11/2012/118674/care-home-managers-must-make-safeguarding-everyones-business.htmSafeguarding must permeate everything that care homes do, from the food they prepare to the care they deliver, trainer and consultant Sarah Goodall tells Natalie Valios.Tue, 06 Nov 2012 16:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/11/2012/118668/giving-care-home-residents-control-over-their-lives.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/11/2012/118668/giving-care-home-residents-control-over-their-lives.htmEnabling care home residents to choose how they spend their time may sound unfeasible, but providers using individual service funds are proving that it can be done, says consultant Helen SandersonTue, 06 Nov 2012 09:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/11/2012/118665/council-data-black-hole-risks-inappropriate-care-for-disabled-people.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/11/2012/118665/council-data-black-hole-risks-inappropriate-care-for-disabled-people.htmSue Ryder finds 5% know how many people with neurological conditions they support, and warns data gap means clients could be missing out on the specialist support they need.Sat, 03 Nov 2012 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/11/2012/118666/nursing-homes-may-refuse-continuing-care-cases-due-to-low-nhs-fees.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/11/2012/118666/nursing-homes-may-refuse-continuing-care-cases-due-to-low-nhs-fees.htmProvider associations attack NHS London's 'imposition' of £700 a week fee for continuing care.Fri, 02 Nov 2012 17:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/11/2012/118657/councils-must-be-more-transparent-about-adult-care-performance.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/11/2012/118657/councils-must-be-more-transparent-about-adult-care-performance.htmChair of sector improvement body urges councils to be more open with each other and local people, following concerns that some are not opening themselves up to scrutiny.Thu, 01 Nov 2012 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/10/2012/118652/where-social-workers-are-going-wrong-on-the-mental-capacity-act.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/10/2012/118652/where-social-workers-are-going-wrong-on-the-mental-capacity-act.htmFive years on from the Act's implementation, risk-averse practice is preventing its principles of empowerment and support from being realised, argues social worker and lecturer Elmari Bishop.Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/10/2012/118651/social-workers-could-face-client-tensions-as-councils-take-on-poverty-role.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/10/2012/118651/social-workers-could-face-client-tensions-as-councils-take-on-poverty-role.htmAs the government scraps national poverty payments under the Social Fund and devolves the budget to councils, Mathew Little finds concerns that social workers will be blamed by clients who are refused support.Tue, 30 Oct 2012 12:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/10/2012/118636/few-people-making-plans-for-social-care-should-they-lose-capacity.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/10/2012/118636/few-people-making-plans-for-social-care-should-they-lose-capacity.htmAlzheimer's Society warns people with dementia are missing out on benefits of making a Lasting Power of Attorney for planning their future care needs, after revealing low take-up rates.Mon, 29 Oct 2012 13:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/10/2012/118643/behan-to-tell-cqc-staff-back-new-mission-statement-or-leave.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/10/2012/118643/behan-to-tell-cqc-staff-back-new-mission-statement-or-leave.htmRegulator's chief executive says staff currently have three or four views between them of what CQC should do, which is "unsustainable".Mon, 29 Oct 2012 12:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2012/118640/lamb-scraps-100-personal-budgets-target.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2012/118640/lamb-scraps-100-personal-budgets-target.htmCare minister says councils must have 70% of service users on personal budgets by April 2013, ditching 100% ambition.Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/10/2012/118638/stigma-undermining-care-homes-potential-to-improve-lives-finds-study.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/10/2012/118638/stigma-undermining-care-homes-potential-to-improve-lives-finds-study.htmCulture of negativity isolates care homes from their communities and saps confidence of staff and managers, preventing good practice from being realised for residents, finds My Home Life programme.Thu, 25 Oct 2012 17:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/10/2012/118634/providers-face-financial-regulation-to-avert-southern-cross-repeat.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/10/2012/118634/providers-face-financial-regulation-to-avert-southern-cross-repeat.htmSome large or specialist providers will have to submit contingency plans for continuity of care should they collapse, under Department of Health plans.Thu, 25 Oct 2012 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/10/2012/118637/former-residents-of-winterbourne-view-assaulted-in-new-homes-panorama-to-claim.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/10/2012/118637/former-residents-of-winterbourne-view-assaulted-in-new-homes-panorama-to-claim.htmBBC to claim that ex-patients have been assaulted in services after moving out of Winterbourne View.Thu, 25 Oct 2012 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/10/2012/118628/ministers-inaction-on-care-funding-putting-dignity-of-elderly-at-risk.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/10/2012/118628/ministers-inaction-on-care-funding-putting-dignity-of-elderly-at-risk.htmSocial care leaders say care White Paper has failed to address funding crisis.Wed, 24 Oct 2012 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/10/2012/118630/guide-to-councils-new-deprivation-of-liberty-duties-in-hospitals.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/10/2012/118630/guide-to-councils-new-deprivation-of-liberty-duties-in-hospitals.htmFrom next April councils will have to assess and authorise Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards applications in hospitals. Rachel Griffiths, co-author of forthcoming guidance on the change, explains its implications.Wed, 24 Oct 2012 11:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/10/2012/118627/how-research-on-age-discrimination-in-health-and-social-care-should-inform-social-work-practice.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/10/2012/118627/how-research-on-age-discrimination-in-health-and-social-care-should-inform-social-work-practice.htmResearch suggests older people continue to receive poor care but the introduction of a ban on age discrimination in October 2012 represents a good opportunity for social work to demonstrate practice that challenges the status quo, argues Di Galpin, senior lecturer, safeguarding adults at Bournemouth University.Wed, 24 Oct 2012 10:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/10/2012/118625/austerity-may-derail-legislation-to-transform-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/10/2012/118625/austerity-may-derail-legislation-to-transform-social-care.htmGovernment aim of turning social care into a "well-being service" are doomed without more resources, say council chiefs.Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/10/2012/118605/home-care-market-faces-collapse-without-total-overhaul.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/10/2012/118605/home-care-market-faces-collapse-without-total-overhaul.htmGovernment commissioning advisers offer blueprint to reshape home care to promote client independence and well-being and cut hospital admissions.Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/10/2012/118604/social-care-keeps-people-out-of-hospital-at-end-of-life-finds-study.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/10/2012/118604/social-care-keeps-people-out-of-hospital-at-end-of-life-finds-study.htmNuffield Trust research finds higher social care spending associated with lower hospital costs for patients in last year of life, and boosts case for free care at end of life, say charities.Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2012/118598/most-social-workers-want-powers-of-entry-in-safeguarding-cases.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2012/118598/most-social-workers-want-powers-of-entry-in-safeguarding-cases.htmCollege of Social Work survey finds overwhelming backing from professionals for ability to enter homes to investigate abuse, but BASW finds concerns about potential misuse of power.Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2012/118595/social-work-support-for-people-who-self-neglect-wise-up-on-the-latest-research-to-help-your-practice.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2012/118595/social-work-support-for-people-who-self-neglect-wise-up-on-the-latest-research-to-help-your-practice.htmSelf-neglect cases can be the most alarming and challenging on a social workers’ caseload, writes Elaine Aspinwall-Roberts, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Health and Applied Social Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/10/2012/118596/six-arrested-over-alleged-abuse-of-care-home-residents.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/10/2012/118596/six-arrested-over-alleged-abuse-of-care-home-residents.htmArrests under Mental Capacity Act follow five-month investigation into abuse of residents with dementia, sparked by whistleblower.Fri, 12 Oct 2012 14:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/10/2012/118597/unison-issues-charter-to-end-low-wage-by-the-minute-home-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/10/2012/118597/unison-issues-charter-to-end-low-wage-by-the-minute-home-care.htmUnion urges councils to sign pledge to improve working conditions for home care staff and dignity in care for service users.Thu, 11 Oct 2012 16:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/10/2012/118582/council-wrongly-charged-family-top-up-fees-for-care-home-place.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/10/2012/118582/council-wrongly-charged-family-top-up-fees-for-care-home-place.htmAuthority agrees to compensate family charged almost £200 a week to subsidise place in care home because no place was available at the council's usual rate.Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/10/2012/118584/council-taken-to-court-for-second-time-over-care-home-fees.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/10/2012/118584/council-taken-to-court-for-second-time-over-care-home-fees.htmDevon Council challenged over process for setting care home fees for second time this year, despite increasing rates it pays care homes.Mon, 08 Oct 2012 15:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2012/118575/your-guide-to-national-audit-tool-to-assess-quality-of-dementia-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2012/118575/your-guide-to-national-audit-tool-to-assess-quality-of-dementia-care.htmThe care and support White Paper outlined plans to pilot an audit tool to help residential providers assess the quality of their dementia care. The work is being led by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership; development officer Eve Riley, explains how it will work.Fri, 05 Oct 2012 15:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/10/2012/118572/young-adults-seeking-drug-addiction-treatment-hits-record-low.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/10/2012/118572/young-adults-seeking-drug-addiction-treatment-hits-record-low.htmNumber of 18 to 24 year olds entering treatment for heroin or crack addiction hits lowest recorded level but more over 40s seeking help.Thu, 04 Oct 2012 16:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/10/2012/118483/what-research-says-about-domestic-violence-risk-assessments.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/10/2012/118483/what-research-says-about-domestic-violence-risk-assessments.htmIt is important social workers focus less on the victim’s behavior and more on that of the perpetrator, says Thangam DebbonaireWed, 03 Oct 2012 15:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/10/2012/118563/adult-directors-receive-guidance-on-deploying-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/10/2012/118563/adult-directors-receive-guidance-on-deploying-social-workers.htmAdvice note from Skills for Care and Association of Directors of Adult Social Services designed to help councils get maximum impact from their social work staff.Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/10/2012/118560/burstow-ministers-must-initiate-closure-of-winterbourne-style-units.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/10/2012/118560/burstow-ministers-must-initiate-closure-of-winterbourne-style-units.htmFormer minister also calls for wide-ranging review of social care funding to ensure sector receives sufficient resources in next spending review.Mon, 01 Oct 2012 17:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/09/2012/118550/5m-for-councils-to-safeguard-adults-detained-in-hospitals.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/09/2012/118550/5m-for-councils-to-safeguard-adults-detained-in-hospitals.htmGovernment boosts funding to cover authorities' responsibilities to oversee deprivation of liberty safeguards in hospitals from April 2013.Wed, 26 Sep 2012 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/09/2012/118549/adult-social-workers-need-greater-self-confidence-and-influence.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/09/2012/118549/adult-social-workers-need-greater-self-confidence-and-influence.htmChair of College of Social Work's adults faculty plans to articulate business case for social work to employers amid "difficult times" for practitioners.Wed, 26 Sep 2012 13:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/09/2012/118536/most-older-adults-with-autism-have-not-had-care-assessment.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/09/2012/118536/most-older-adults-with-autism-have-not-had-care-assessment.htmNational Autistic Society finding suggests large-scale contravention of statutory guidance which says autism diagnosis should lead to community care assessment.Wed, 19 Sep 2012 09:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/09/2012/118534/support-for-commissioners-in-meeting-duty-to-boost-care-choice.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/09/2012/118534/support-for-commissioners-in-meeting-duty-to-boost-care-choice.htmCare services minister Norman Lamb launches £700,000 programme to help councils meet proposed duty to promote diverse and high-quality care market.Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/09/2012/118531/social-workers-need-training-in-delivering-personalisation-amid-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/09/2012/118531/social-workers-need-training-in-delivering-personalisation-amid-cuts.htmPractitioners report struggling with rushed assessments, fast-changing council policies and funding panels that overturn their decisions, finds research by In Control.Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/09/2012/118528/prisoners-prevented-from-dying-with-dignity-by-use-of-restraint.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/09/2012/118528/prisoners-prevented-from-dying-with-dignity-by-use-of-restraint.htmOmbudsman's annual report warns of inappropriate restraints of inmates leaving prison for hospital treatment who pose little risk to public.Mon, 17 Sep 2012 17:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/09/2012/118529/postcode-lottery-in-access-to-telecare-revealed-by-national-audit.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/09/2012/118529/postcode-lottery-in-access-to-telecare-revealed-by-national-audit.htmMassive variations in council spending on telecare and in understanding of what constitutes telecare found by national survey.Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2012/118526/scr-murdered-care-leaver-wrongly-denied-adult-care-assessment.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2012/118526/scr-murdered-care-leaver-wrongly-denied-adult-care-assessment.htmCase review also exposes Mental Capacity Act knowledge gap among children's social workers.Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2012/118521/best-interests-assessors-could-face-regular-tests-to-retain-role.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2012/118521/best-interests-assessors-could-face-regular-tests-to-retain-role.htmStrong support for best interests assessors having to show they still have skills for the job in survey by The College of Social Work.Fri, 14 Sep 2012 13:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2012/118520/older-people-missing-out-on-services-to-support-independence.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2012/118520/older-people-missing-out-on-services-to-support-independence.htmLevels of intermediate care would need to more than double to meet demand, finds national audit.Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2012/118522/cqc-chief-sorry-for-very-personal-comments-on-whistleblowers-mental-health.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2012/118522/cqc-chief-sorry-for-very-personal-comments-on-whistleblowers-mental-health.htmWhistleblower attacks CQC chair for publicly airing personal information and giving MPs a "distorted and partial" version of events.Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2012/118519/most-users-happy-with-social-care-but-fewer-receiving-support.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2012/118519/most-users-happy-with-social-care-but-fewer-receiving-support.htmNumber receiving council-funded support falls by 7% from 2010-11 to 2011-12, the first year of the government's deficit reduction programme.Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/09/2012/118500/a-care-managers-guide-to-care-funding-calculator-assessment-tool.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/09/2012/118500/a-care-managers-guide-to-care-funding-calculator-assessment-tool.htmWhile sometimes portrayed as a cost-cutting device, the Care Funding Calculator is an effective and personalised assessment tool that saves practitioners time, says one care managerTue, 11 Sep 2012 16:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/09/2012/118513/advice-for-care-staff-on-cutting-high-rates-of-fire-deaths-among-users.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/09/2012/118513/advice-for-care-staff-on-cutting-high-rates-of-fire-deaths-among-users.htmOne-third of accidental fire-related deaths over past three years involves people using home care, and care staff need to be aware of the warning signs, says London Fire Brigade.Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/09/2012/118466/help-for-social-workers-in-assessing-adults-with-autism.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/09/2012/118466/help-for-social-workers-in-assessing-adults-with-autism.htmIssues with social interaction and communication create challenges for social workers in assessing adults on the autistic spectrum. However, preparation, allowing plenty of time for the assessment and being clear should help overcome these, finds Natalie Valios Mon, 10 Sep 2012 13:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/09/2012/118510/care-quality-commission-chair-jo-williams-resigns.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/09/2012/118510/care-quality-commission-chair-jo-williams-resigns.htmFormer Mencap and social services chief steps down after three years at helm, in which leadership of CQC faced repeated criticisms.Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/09/2012/118508/guidance-for-social-workers-in-supporting-older-problem-drinkers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/09/2012/118508/guidance-for-social-workers-in-supporting-older-problem-drinkers.htmBASW guide calls on social workers to use sensitive questioning and careful observation during home visits to identify and support rising number of older problem drinkers.Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2012/118504/care-homes-to-be-rated-through-survey-of-50000-residents.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2012/118504/care-homes-to-be-rated-through-survey-of-50000-residents.htmCare providers launch their own care rating service to produce annual surveys of care homes, which will lead to published ratings for each service.Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2012/118503/winterbourne-style-services-could-face-more-frequent-inspections.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2012/118503/winterbourne-style-services-could-face-more-frequent-inspections.htmServices like Winterbourne View could be inspected more frequently under Care Quality Commission plans to regulate organisations differently depending on their level of risk for service users.Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/09/2012/118496/burstow-leaves-dream-job-as-adult-social-care-minister.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/09/2012/118496/burstow-leaves-dream-job-as-adult-social-care-minister.htmOutgoing minister expresses pride in his achievements, pays tribute to care professionals and vows to keep arguing for social care reform.Tue, 04 Sep 2012 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/09/2012/118495/reshuffle-jeremy-hunt-replaces-lansley-as-health-secretary.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/09/2012/118495/reshuffle-jeremy-hunt-replaces-lansley-as-health-secretary.htmClearout at Department of Health sees Paul Burstow lose care services minister's post in favour of fellow Lib Dem Norman Lamb. Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/09/2012/118492/social-workers-referring-more-people-to-food-banks-as-cuts-bite.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/09/2012/118492/social-workers-referring-more-people-to-food-banks-as-cuts-bite.htmMore and more families in need of emergency food relief due to welfare cuts, and plans to scrap national Social Fund could increase demand further.Tue, 04 Sep 2012 00:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/08/2012/118478/how-residential-care-can-prepare-disabled-people-for-independence.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/08/2012/118478/how-residential-care-can-prepare-disabled-people-for-independence.htmAn award-winning care home is offering learning disabled people a path to independence by training them in the life skills that they need to move on. Natalie Valios reports.Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/08/2012/118468/cqcs-approach-to-safeguarding-what-providers-need-to-know.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/08/2012/118468/cqcs-approach-to-safeguarding-what-providers-need-to-know.htmThe Care Quality Commission has revised its protocol setting out its approach to safeguarding. Natalie Valios explains the main changes.Thu, 30 Aug 2012 08:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/08/2012/118473/dementia-and-challenging-behaviour-guidance-for-home-care-staff.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/08/2012/118473/dementia-and-challenging-behaviour-guidance-for-home-care-staff.htmHome care workers must stay calm, show understanding and record what they see when dealing with challenging behaviour on the part of a service user with dementia, says Jennifer Roberts of the United Kingdom Home Care Association. Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/08/2012/118469/how-care-home-staff-can-gain-the-end-of-life-care-skills-they-need.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/08/2012/118469/how-care-home-staff-can-gain-the-end-of-life-care-skills-they-need.htmAs a survey shows familes rate end-of-life care in hospices as superior to that in care homes, Paul Clarke of Skills for Care explains how staff can access suitable training to close this gap.Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/08/2012/118467/providers-urged-to-train-the-next-generation-of-social-care-leaders.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/08/2012/118467/providers-urged-to-train-the-next-generation-of-social-care-leaders.htmThe National Skills Academy for Social Care is looking for host organisations for the next cohort of trainees in its national graduate management training programme.Fri, 24 Aug 2012 16:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/08/2012/118461/councils-urged-to-replace-social-workers-with-non-qualified-staff.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/08/2012/118461/councils-urged-to-replace-social-workers-with-non-qualified-staff.htmMoney can be saved without hurting quality if councils with high spending on assessments and reviews used more non-professionally qualified staff instead of social workers, says Audit Commission.Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/08/2012/118457/life-beyond-the-council-meet-the-social-work-pioneers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/08/2012/118457/life-beyond-the-council-meet-the-social-work-pioneers.htmSocial workers in Lambeth have set up their own company. They tell Ruth Smith why it's the future of social work Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/08/2012/118460/failure-to-agree-support-plan-left-man-without-care-for-two-years.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/08/2012/118460/failure-to-agree-support-plan-left-man-without-care-for-two-years.htmDisabled man and mother receive £43,000 in compensation for long delay in receiving support he for which he was deemed eligible.Wed, 22 Aug 2012 15:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/08/2012/118452/surveillance-system-to-identify-failing-social-care-providers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/08/2012/118452/surveillance-system-to-identify-failing-social-care-providers.htmCommissioners and Care Quality Commission to share intelligence on providers that are causing concern through local networks, in move that could address Winterbourne-style failings.Thu, 16 Aug 2012 22:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/08/2012/118441/winterbourne-author-social-workers-must-be-vigilant-to-spot-abuse.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/08/2012/118441/winterbourne-author-social-workers-must-be-vigilant-to-spot-abuse.htm'Concerned curiosity and vigilance' is crucial to effective safeguarding, says author of Winterbourne View serious case review after exposing failure of agencies to expose abuse at learning disability hospital.Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/08/2012/118437/winterbourne-view-a-case-study-in-institutional-abuse.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/08/2012/118437/winterbourne-view-a-case-study-in-institutional-abuse.htmSerious case review diagnoses widespread failings of management, regulation, safeguarding and commissioning and calls for end to use of hospital placements for adults with learning disabilities and autism.Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/08/2012/118431/eleven-former-winterbourne-view-staff-face-jail-for-abuse.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/08/2012/118431/eleven-former-winterbourne-view-staff-face-jail-for-abuse.htmSerious case review into learning disability hospital abuse will be published tomorrow as last of 11 charged former staff members is convicted.Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/08/2012/118429/council-cost-client-100000-in-independent-living-fund-cash.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/08/2012/118429/council-cost-client-100000-in-independent-living-fund-cash.htmLearning disabled man lost seven years' worth of payments after council told ILF that he was in residential care when he was in supported living, finds local government ombudsman.Mon, 06 Aug 2012 08:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2012/118420/unsung-social-care-managers-to-gain-peer-support-network.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2012/118420/unsung-social-care-managers-to-gain-peer-support-network.htmPlans unveiled to set up community of practice to provide peer support for registered managers after National Skills Academy survey finds many are isolated and lack support.Thu, 02 Aug 2012 15:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2012/118422/social-workers-more-generous-to-clients-in-high-threshold-councils.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2012/118422/social-workers-more-generous-to-clients-in-high-threshold-councils.htmBig variations in the way care managers assess clients against Fair Access to Care Services eligibility thresholds, finds government-funded research.Thu, 02 Aug 2012 08:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/07/2012/118409/how-mental-capacity-act-responsibilities-go-beyond-duty-of-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/07/2012/118409/how-mental-capacity-act-responsibilities-go-beyond-duty-of-care.htmWhen it comes to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA), social care practitioners can be confused by the difference between doing something in an individual’s ‘best interests’ and having a ‘duty of care’. In this article, reproduced with kind permission from the English Community Care Association newsletter, Rachel Griffiths explains the difference. Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/07/2012/118410/lansley-rejects-call-to-sack-whistleblowing-cqc-board-member.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/07/2012/118410/lansley-rejects-call-to-sack-whistleblowing-cqc-board-member.htmHealth secretary decides Kay Sheldon should remain on the Care Quality Commission board. Sheldon says that the CQC's chair wrote to Lansley calling for her removal after she decided to openly criticise the regulator's leadership.Tue, 31 Jul 2012 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/07/2012/118407/is-this-the-future-of-residential-care-for-people-with-dementia.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/07/2012/118407/is-this-the-future-of-residential-care-for-people-with-dementia.htmA new care home for people with dementia has the air of a luxury hotel and the latest in dementia-specific design. But, says its manager, it also has challenging ambitions of delivering truly person-centred care.Mon, 30 Jul 2012 15:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/07/2012/118405/how-social-care-staff-can-improve-their-communication.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/07/2012/118405/how-social-care-staff-can-improve-their-communication.htmThe United Kingdom Homecare Association has published a guide to communication for social care workers. Author Kim Grove, the UKHCA's head of resources and events, summarises its key points.Fri, 27 Jul 2012 11:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/07/2012/118404/social-workers-need-cultural-competence-training.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/07/2012/118404/social-workers-need-cultural-competence-training.htmLack of cultural awareness among professionals a key barrier to support for learning disabled people from black and minority ethnic communities and their families, finds government-funded study.Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/07/2012/118400/moderate-clients-to-lose-support-as-council-plans-eligibility-hike.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/07/2012/118400/moderate-clients-to-lose-support-as-council-plans-eligibility-hike.htmAlmost 200 people at risk of losing support as council proposes to raise care eligibility threshold from moderate to substantial.Wed, 25 Jul 2012 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/07/2012/118399/care-quality-plan-to-raise-staff-wages-and-expose-poor-providers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/07/2012/118399/care-quality-plan-to-raise-staff-wages-and-expose-poor-providers.htmTougher monitoring of care providers, naming and shaming poor performers and raising wages for care staff are part of a package of measures put forward by one council to raise quality.Tue, 24 Jul 2012 09:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/07/2012/118388/empowering-social-workers-to-sign-off-personal-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/07/2012/118388/empowering-social-workers-to-sign-off-personal-budgets.htmMost councils vest responsibility for signing off personal budgets with managers or panels. But giving social workers the responsibility has clear benefits for service users, the council and practitioners.Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/07/2012/118385/private-equity-a-benefit-not-a-threat-to-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/07/2012/118385/private-equity-a-benefit-not-a-threat-to-social-care.htmPrivate equity has not led to service disruption in social care and could prove vital source of investment in future years, finds report by market analysts Laing & Buisson for private equity industry.Tue, 17 Jul 2012 10:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/07/2012/118382/big-drop-in-antipsychotic-drug-use-for-dementia-patients.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/07/2012/118382/big-drop-in-antipsychotic-drug-use-for-dementia-patients.htmThe number of people with dementia prescribed antipsychotic drugs by GPs halved between 2008 and 2011 but large regional variations persist, finds research for government.Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/07/2012/118378/reablement-service-outsourced-to-council-owned-company.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/07/2012/118378/reablement-service-outsourced-to-council-owned-company.htmOne hundred care staff to transfer as council contracts out its reablement service to company owned by fellow local authority in first deal of its kind.Mon, 16 Jul 2012 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/07/2012/118380/what-the-social-care-white-paper-means-for-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/07/2012/118380/what-the-social-care-white-paper-means-for-social-workers.htmSocial workers are being encouraged to set up social enterprises to deliver assessments and do more community development work by the government's social care White Paper.Fri, 13 Jul 2012 17:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/07/2012/118376/council-funding-cap-risks-institutionalising-disabled-people.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/07/2012/118376/council-funding-cap-risks-institutionalising-disabled-people.htmCouncil proposal to cap spending on community care packages at the cost of a care home place will infringe people's human rights, says disability campaign group.Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2012/118374/councils-to-get-independent-living-fund-cash-after-2015-abolition.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2012/118374/councils-to-get-independent-living-fund-cash-after-2015-abolition.htmConcerns raised that disabled people will lose out after government launches consultation on abolition of ILF and distribution of £330m budget to councils.Thu, 12 Jul 2012 15:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2012/118372/ministers-bid-to-end-home-care-contracting-by-the-minute.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2012/118372/ministers-bid-to-end-home-care-contracting-by-the-minute.htmWhite Paper pledge will be achieved by spreading good practice rather than outright ban and accompanies several measures to raise the quality of providers.Thu, 12 Jul 2012 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/07/2012/118371/powers-of-entry-to-stop-abuse-mooted-for-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/07/2012/118371/powers-of-entry-to-stop-abuse-mooted-for-social-workers.htmMinisters consult on giving professionals power to enter premises to see adults at risk where entry is barred by a third party and coercion is suspected.Wed, 11 Jul 2012 18:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/07/2012/118370/sector-slams-lack-of-funding-solution-in-care-white-paper.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/07/2012/118370/sector-slams-lack-of-funding-solution-in-care-white-paper.htmSocial care leaders warn of pressures on providers, NHS and carers and ongoing unmet need for vulnerable due to lack of funding in White Paper.Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/07/2012/118367/care-assessments-to-be-outsourced-under-white-paper-plans.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/07/2012/118367/care-assessments-to-be-outsourced-under-white-paper-plans.htmGovernment White Paper proposes appointment of principal social workers in every council and consultation on giving practitioners power to enter homes where abuse is suspected, but offers little money to address funding crisis.Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/07/2012/118350/why-support-planning-doesnt-have-to-be-social-work-led.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/07/2012/118350/why-support-planning-doesnt-have-to-be-social-work-led.htmWhile most councils leave support planning to their care managers, one authority is seeking to externalise the process in order to empower service users to shape their support.Tue, 10 Jul 2012 12:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/07/2012/118355/how-social-workers-can-deliver-person-centred-reviews.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/07/2012/118355/how-social-workers-can-deliver-person-centred-reviews.htmSocial workers need to ensure that they take the review process as seriously as support planning or assessment under personalisation, says Hartlepool Council, which has put this approach into practice.Tue, 10 Jul 2012 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/07/2012/118362/deafblind-people-lack-access-to-specialist-care-assessments.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/07/2012/118362/deafblind-people-lack-access-to-specialist-care-assessments.htmDeafblind people are missing out on the specialist social care assessments to which they are entitled, leading to inadequate support, the charity Sense has warned in a report.Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/07/2012/118361/ministers-to-back-care-funding-cap-but-delay-implementation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/07/2012/118361/ministers-to-back-care-funding-cap-but-delay-implementation.htmGovernment to back cap on individuals' lifetime care costs but not set figure nor timetable for implementation, sparking concern from social care leaders.Mon, 09 Jul 2012 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/07/2012/118341/more-social-care-assessments-done-through-call-centres.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/07/2012/118341/more-social-care-assessments-done-through-call-centres.htmQuarter of social care professionals say initial assessments are carried out through call centres, while there has been an apparent fall in face-to-face assessments, finds Community Care's annual personalisation survey.Mon, 09 Jul 2012 09:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2012/118358/care-home-managers-offered-tool-to-personalise-dementia-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2012/118358/care-home-managers-offered-tool-to-personalise-dementia-care.htmA self-assessment tool has been produced to help care home managers measure how well they are progressing towards personalisation.Fri, 06 Jul 2012 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2012/118345/culling-excessive-paperwork-from-personal-budget-assessments.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2012/118345/culling-excessive-paperwork-from-personal-budget-assessments.htmWhile social workers report excessive paperwork in the personal budgets assessment process, some authorities are succeeding in slimming down the process.Fri, 06 Jul 2012 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2012/118339/service-users-to-benefit-from-personalisation-but-involvement-lacking.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2012/118339/service-users-to-benefit-from-personalisation-but-involvement-lacking.htmHalf of social care professionals expect personal budgets to be good for service users but most say users not involved in making personalisation happen, finds Community Care survey.Fri, 06 Jul 2012 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/07/2012/118356/most-home-care-visits-30-minutes-or-less-say-providers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/07/2012/118356/most-home-care-visits-30-minutes-or-less-say-providers.htmMost home care visits commissioned by councils are of 30 minutes or less, compromising user dignity and depressing staff pay, finds a survey of providers. However, council chiefs have questioned the findings.Thu, 05 Jul 2012 18:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/07/2012/118336/cuts-hurting-personalisation-warn-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/07/2012/118336/cuts-hurting-personalisation-warn-social-workers.htmBudget reductions are limiting chioce for users and resources are not allocated in line with need , say professionals responding to Community Care's annual survey on personalisation.Thu, 05 Jul 2012 00:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/07/2012/118340/personal-budgets-increasingly-bureaucratic-say-professionals.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/07/2012/118340/personal-budgets-increasingly-bureaucratic-say-professionals.htmOver 80% of social care practitioners say personalisation has led to more bureaucracy in their role, an increase on last year, finds Community Care's annual personalisation survey.Wed, 04 Jul 2012 00:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/07/2012/118347/call-to-trust-social-workers-judgement-over-personal-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/07/2012/118347/call-to-trust-social-workers-judgement-over-personal-budgets.htmScotland has been urged not to follow the same 'bureaucratic' path as England in designing resource allocation systems for personal budgets, and to place greater trust in professional judgement. Tue, 03 Jul 2012 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/07/2012/118348/care-homes-lag-behind-hospices-on-end-of-life-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/07/2012/118348/care-homes-lag-behind-hospices-on-end-of-life-care.htmCare homes perform less well than hospices but better than hospitals in delivering end-of-life care, according to the first national survey of bereaved people on the topic.Tue, 03 Jul 2012 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/07/2012/118343/social-care-assessments-must-include-dementia-checks.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/07/2012/118343/social-care-assessments-must-include-dementia-checks.htmSocial workers must ask questions designed to detect dementia where they suspect a person is at risk and know where to refer them for a formal diagnosis, says report by MPs and peers.Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/06/2012/118333/big-care-providers-to-start-publishing-performance-data.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/06/2012/118333/big-care-providers-to-start-publishing-performance-data.htmNine large care providers, including Barchester Healthcare and Bupa, have pledged to produce information on performance as part of an initiative to help service users make decisions about their care.Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/06/2012/118331/support-for-tomorrows-leaders-in-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/06/2012/118331/support-for-tomorrows-leaders-in-social-care.htmThe National Skills Academy for Social Care has launched a programme to help prepare people to take on leadership roles to deal with the challenges this brings.Thu, 28 Jun 2012 09:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/06/2012/118329/medicines-management-biggest-problem-for-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/06/2012/118329/medicines-management-biggest-problem-for-social-care.htmIncrease in the number of service users with multiple and complex conditions leading to problems for providers in managing medicines, says the Care Quality Commission.Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/06/2012/118320/rising-care-costs-leave-councils-facing-16.5bn-black-hole.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/06/2012/118320/rising-care-costs-leave-councils-facing-16.5bn-black-hole.htmFunding gap underlines need for government to urgently reform adult social care funding, says Local Government Association.Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/06/2012/118321/narrow-reablement-services-urged-to-improve-social-support.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/06/2012/118321/narrow-reablement-services-urged-to-improve-social-support.htmReablement is failing to deliver maximum impact because of shortcomings including a "narrow" focus on suppoting people within their own home, says report from Demos.Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/06/2012/118318/private-learning-disability-hospitals-perform-far-worse-than-nhs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/06/2012/118318/private-learning-disability-hospitals-perform-far-worse-than-nhs.htmIndependent hospitals for people with learning disabilities more likely to fail in areas including use of restraint and responding to abuse than NHS services, finds Care Quality Commission inspections triggered by Winterbourne View scandal.Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/06/2012/118319/ministers-response-to-winterbourne-will-fail-to-deliver-change.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/06/2012/118319/ministers-response-to-winterbourne-will-fail-to-deliver-change.htmLack of government direction will undermine ministers' ambitions to significantly reduce number of learning disabled people placed in Winterbourne View-style hospitals, say experts.Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/06/2012/118307/direct-payment-numbers-stall-amid-hike-in-personal-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/06/2012/118307/direct-payment-numbers-stall-amid-hike-in-personal-budgets.htmSurvey of directors finds personal budget numbers rose by 40% from 2011-12 but direct payment levels stalled for the second year running, despite evidence cash payments deliver better outcomes for users.Mon, 25 Jun 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2012/118309/paying-providers-by-the-hour-stifles-quality-say-council-heads.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2012/118309/paying-providers-by-the-hour-stifles-quality-say-council-heads.htmCommissioning services by time is hampering a shift to outcomes-based commissioining, say council members and officers.Fri, 22 Jun 2012 12:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2012/118310/councils-cut-bonus-payments-for-high-quality-care-homes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2012/118310/councils-cut-bonus-payments-for-high-quality-care-homes.htmCouncils have cut back on schemes to reward high-quality care homes while fees have continued to lag behind inflation, according to research from Laing & Buisson.Fri, 22 Jun 2012 08:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/06/2012/118305/providers-must-adapt-end-of-life-care-to-needs-of-gay-people.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/06/2012/118305/providers-must-adapt-end-of-life-care-to-needs-of-gay-people.htmServices adviced on ensuring lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are treated with dignity and respect at the end of life by National End of Life Care Programme guidance.Thu, 21 Jun 2012 00:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/06/2012/118301/approved-mental-health-professionals-secure-deal-to-cut-ambulance-delays.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/06/2012/118301/approved-mental-health-professionals-secure-deal-to-cut-ambulance-delays.htmNew protocol for ambulance response to Mental Health Act assessments has helped "improve" response times, the London ambulance service saidWed, 20 Jun 2012 12:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/06/2012/118299/personal-health-budgets-bring-benefits-and-bureaucracy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/06/2012/118299/personal-health-budgets-bring-benefits-and-bureaucracy.htmService users are benefiting from personal health budgets but are facing difficulties in accessing them, finds research. Tue, 19 Jun 2012 13:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/06/2012/118296/boost-status-of-care-home-managers-to-improve-dignity.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/06/2012/118296/boost-status-of-care-home-managers-to-improve-dignity.htmCare home managers must be recognised as 'experts in their field' if dignity in care is to improve, a major inquiry has concluded.Mon, 18 Jun 2012 17:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/06/2012/118292/personal-budgets-for-older-people-to-be-reviewed.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/06/2012/118292/personal-budgets-for-older-people-to-be-reviewed.htmThink Local Act Personal probe to address concerns that personal budgets are not working as well for older people as other groups.Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/06/2012/118290/councils-cutting-2bn-from-adult-care-over-two-years.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/06/2012/118290/councils-cutting-2bn-from-adult-care-over-two-years.htmAssociation of Directors of Adult Social Services urges government to put in place sustainable funding system as survey finds £890m due to be taken out of care budgets this year.Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/06/2012/118286/community-practitioners-can-end-crisis-based-care-system.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/06/2012/118286/community-practitioners-can-end-crisis-based-care-system.htmCall for local area co-ordinators to provide support for older and disabled people without eligibility restrictions to promote independence and reverse social care's crisis emphasis.Thu, 14 Jun 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/06/2012/118281/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-training-unaffordable.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/06/2012/118281/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-training-unaffordable.htmCuts to councils and the NHS mean the training necessary to ensure social workers can effectively apply the deprivation of liberty safeguards will be unaffordable for the foreseeable future, says the Mental Health Alliance.Tue, 12 Jun 2012 12:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/06/2012/118277/regulating-social-work-students-the-different-approaches.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/06/2012/118277/regulating-social-work-students-the-different-approaches.htmTo find out why there is such a split in opinion over whether social work students in England should be registered, Jackie Cosh looks at the approach taken by the rest of the UK, as well as further afield in Australia and New Zealand.Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2012/118276/cuts-drive-inequalities-in-care-home-provision-say-providers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2012/118276/cuts-drive-inequalities-in-care-home-provision-say-providers.htmSurvey of providers for Labour Party finds care home investment being directed into wealtheir areas with more self-funders on the back of social care cuts.Fri, 08 Jun 2012 12:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2012/118275/david-behan-made-chief-executive-of-care-quality-commission.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2012/118275/david-behan-made-chief-executive-of-care-quality-commission.htmAppointment of top Department of Health social care civil servant marks return to helm of care regulation.Fri, 08 Jun 2012 11:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/06/2012/118257/social-workers-may-need-powers-of-entry-to-stop-abuse.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/06/2012/118257/social-workers-may-need-powers-of-entry-to-stop-abuse.htmAction on Elder Abuse has launched a consultation on whether professionals need powers to enter homes and intervene where they suspect a vulnerable adult is being abused and access to them is blocked. Wed, 06 Jun 2012 13:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2012/118266/approved-mental-health-professionals-need-bespoke-qualification.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2012/118266/approved-mental-health-professionals-need-bespoke-qualification.htmStandardised qualification for social workers completing AMHP modules would help address "enormous" variation in training, says regulator.Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/05/2012/118259/assessment-failings-left-disabled-mother-without-support.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/05/2012/118259/assessment-failings-left-disabled-mother-without-support.htmA council has agreed to pay out over £13,000 to a registered blind mother with serious epilepsy for failures, including an unjustified 13-month delay in access to support that she needed with parenting.Thu, 31 May 2012 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/05/2012/118261/supreme-court-councils-must-justify-personal-budget-totals.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/05/2012/118261/supreme-court-councils-must-justify-personal-budget-totals.htmCouncils must demonstrate how personal budgets generated by resource allocation systems can meet a service user's eligible needs by providing clients with a costed list of relevant services.Thu, 31 May 2012 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/05/2012/118258/safeguarding-body-issues-guide-to-preventing-user-abuse.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/05/2012/118258/safeguarding-body-issues-guide-to-preventing-user-abuse.htmA number of warning signs can help employers prevent the sexual and financial abuse of children and vulnerable adults, says the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).Wed, 30 May 2012 17:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/05/2012/118256/cqc-polls-users-and-families-on-quality-of-home-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/05/2012/118256/cqc-polls-users-and-families-on-quality-of-home-care.htmThe Care Quality Commission is using surveys of users and carers to inform a national review of home care services.Wed, 30 May 2012 15:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/05/2012/118253/call-to-overhaul-access-to-care-to-end-gatekeeping-culture.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/05/2012/118253/call-to-overhaul-access-to-care-to-end-gatekeeping-culture.htmSupport planning would be available to adults regardless of their eligibility for formal care services under plans to overhaul access to social care issued today by sector leaders.Wed, 30 May 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/05/2012/118249/home-care-staff-quizzed-on-working-conditions.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/05/2012/118249/home-care-staff-quizzed-on-working-conditions.htmUnison is surveying home care staff on issues including pay, sick leave and whether they are being placed on zero-hour contracts.Mon, 28 May 2012 16:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/05/2012/118243/engaging-the-public-on-how-to-improve-residential-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/05/2012/118243/engaging-the-public-on-how-to-improve-residential-care.htmCare homes are being asked to invite the public into their premises to discuss what makes residential care and how services can be improved, in a month-long campaign.Thu, 24 May 2012 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/05/2012/118242/social-worker-struck-off-for-stealing-from-elderly-woman.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/05/2012/118242/social-worker-struck-off-for-stealing-from-elderly-woman.htmRaymond Patcha used his position as a social worker to obtain information about the vulnerable service user’s financial situation.Thu, 24 May 2012 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/05/2012/118227/open-university-press-launches-guides-to-help-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/05/2012/118227/open-university-press-launches-guides-to-help-social-workers.htmOpen University Press has published a new series of social work pocket-size textbooks.Wed, 23 May 2012 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/05/2012/118237/cqc-asked-lansley-to-sack-whistleblowing-board-member.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/05/2012/118237/cqc-asked-lansley-to-sack-whistleblowing-board-member.htmHealth secretary Andrew Lansley was asked to remove CQC board member Kay Sheldon after she gave highly critical evidence about the regulator's leadership, a Labour peer has alleged.Wed, 23 May 2012 13:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/05/2012/118236/knowledge-gap-puts-social-workers-at-risk-of-breaking-law.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/05/2012/118236/knowledge-gap-puts-social-workers-at-risk-of-breaking-law.htmChildren's social workers lack knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, meaning they could be breaching the legislation in child protection cases involving parents with learning disabilities, warn experts.Wed, 23 May 2012 11:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/05/2012/118234/integrated-teams-required-to-deliver-healthcare-in-care-homes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/05/2012/118234/integrated-teams-required-to-deliver-healthcare-in-care-homes.htmMulti-disciplinary teams should be set up to ensure that care home residents get the healthcare services that they need, says Professor Finbarr Martin, president of the British Geriatrics Society.Tue, 22 May 2012 15:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/05/2012/118231/filling-the-gap-for-learning-disabled-people-with-dementia.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/05/2012/118231/filling-the-gap-for-learning-disabled-people-with-dementia.htmThe number of people with learning disabilities who develop dementia is growing fast, but there is a lack of specialist support, says psychiatrist Shekhar Mukherji, director of Mentaur Ltd, which has just opened a service for the client group.Tue, 22 May 2012 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/05/2012/118229/surge-in-calls-to-mental-health-helplines.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/05/2012/118229/surge-in-calls-to-mental-health-helplines.htmCharity warns of "huge demand" for mental health support as impact of welfare cuts and recession bites.Tue, 22 May 2012 12:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/05/2012/118228/social-worker-posed-in-underwear-for-service-user.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/05/2012/118228/social-worker-posed-in-underwear-for-service-user.htmDebra Archer was struck off after the General Social Care Council found she had engaged in a year-long sexual relationship with a man in her care.Tue, 22 May 2012 09:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/05/2012/118226/social-worker-banned-over-relationship-with-abuse-victim.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/05/2012/118226/social-worker-banned-over-relationship-with-abuse-victim.htmNoel O’Reilly admitted socialising with the young woman and staying overnight at her house Mon, 21 May 2012 17:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/05/2012/118224/social-workers-promised-reduced-information-burden.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/05/2012/118224/social-workers-promised-reduced-information-burden.htmSocial workers would be able to spend more time with clients under plans to improve data sharing with the NHS, set out in a 10-year information strategy today.Mon, 21 May 2012 16:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/05/2012/118222/test-case-could-outlaw-critical-threshold-for-adult-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/05/2012/118222/test-case-could-outlaw-critical-threshold-for-adult-care.htmCouncils could be prevented from restricting adult social care to meeting people's 'critical' care needs by a legal challenge brought on behalf of five disabled people.Mon, 21 May 2012 09:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/05/2012/118221/half-of-learning-disability-services-not-meeting-core-standards.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/05/2012/118221/half-of-learning-disability-services-not-meeting-core-standards.htmHalf of the learning disability services inspected by the Care Quality Commission in the wake of Winterbourne View are not meeting essential standards on safeguarding residents and caring for them. The CQC said the findings were a cause for concern.Fri, 18 May 2012 14:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/05/2012/118220/burstow-urges-social-workers-to-overhaul-crisis-care-system.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/05/2012/118220/burstow-urges-social-workers-to-overhaul-crisis-care-system.htmThe care services minister has put social workers at the heart of his plans to transform social care from a "high-dependency service" to one that supports people to stay independent. Fri, 18 May 2012 12:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/05/2012/118216/the-ups-and-downs-of-a-32-year-career-in-social-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/05/2012/118216/the-ups-and-downs-of-a-32-year-career-in-social-work.htmIan Baker was awarded the Social Worker of the Year 2011 lifetime achievement award for his work helping people with disabilities. He tells Community Care what kept him motivated until he retired last year.Tue, 15 May 2012 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/05/2012/118209/concern-as-government-disbands-safeguarding-advisory-body.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/05/2012/118209/concern-as-government-disbands-safeguarding-advisory-body.htmThe Department of Health risks losing out on vital sector expertise on adult safeguarding after it 'disbanded' a key advisory group, weeks before the publication of reforms to the system. The DH denies the claims.Tue, 15 May 2012 15:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/05/2012/118213/social-workers-could-enter-prisons-on-safeguarding-probes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/05/2012/118213/social-workers-could-enter-prisons-on-safeguarding-probes.htmSocial workers could be asked to go into prisons to respond to suspected abuse cases under moves to help inmates receive similar levels of protection to people living in the community.Tue, 15 May 2012 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/05/2012/118195/from-social-worker-to-entrepreneur.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/05/2012/118195/from-social-worker-to-entrepreneur.htmSocial workers wanting to start their own business should be preapred for long hours, meticulous planning and setbacks. But it's worth it, says practitioner-turned-entrepreneur John Byrne. Thu, 10 May 2012 17:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/05/2012/118200/social-workers-to-gain-bigger-role-in-planning-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/05/2012/118200/social-workers-to-gain-bigger-role-in-planning-services.htmSocial workers will have a bigger service planning role and adult social care funding will be increased under proposals to merge health and social care in Scotland, claims the country's government.Thu, 10 May 2012 12:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/05/2012/118198/social-workers-will-gain-freedom-to-innovate-from-care-law.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/05/2012/118198/social-workers-will-gain-freedom-to-innovate-from-care-law.htmSocial workers would be given the freedom to innovate in supporting clients under a draft bill announced in the Queen's speech, but no pledges have been made on reforming care funding.Wed, 09 May 2012 12:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/05/2012/118194/in-defence-of-local-authority-social-work-with-adults.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/05/2012/118194/in-defence-of-local-authority-social-work-with-adults.htmDespite claims for the liberating potential of independent practices for social workers and services users, innovation, flexibility and social work values continue to thrive in local authorities, says council practitioner Carl O'Riordan. Mon, 07 May 2012 17:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/05/2012/118189/training-managers-to-deliver-more-for-less-in-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/05/2012/118189/training-managers-to-deliver-more-for-less-in-social-care.htmA new training programme will help social care managers improve services and deliver more for less, says National Skills Academy for Social Care head of membershp and engagement Debbie Sorkin. Fri, 04 May 2012 15:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/05/2012/118192/social-care-managers-committed-yet-undervalued-finds-poll.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/05/2012/118192/social-care-managers-committed-yet-undervalued-finds-poll.htmRegistered managers are highly committed to their roles but most do not feel valued, a National Skills Academy for Social Care survey has found. Fri, 04 May 2012 14:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/05/2012/118184/how-one-care-home-handled-challenging-pressure-sore-case.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/05/2012/118184/how-one-care-home-handled-challenging-pressure-sore-case.htmCare home nurse Sandra Hambett reflects on how she dealt with a seemingly intractable case involving a resident who had developed pressure sores but refused painkillers that would have helped her treat them.Fri, 04 May 2012 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/05/2012/118185/social-worker-of-the-year-awards-open-for-entries.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/05/2012/118185/social-worker-of-the-year-awards-open-for-entries.htmSocial work practitioners throughout England are being encouraged to gain recognition for their hard work by entering the Social Worker of the Year Awards 2012, which are now open for applications. Thu, 03 May 2012 10:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/05/2012/118180/invest-in-social-care-to-revive-economy-government-told.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/05/2012/118180/invest-in-social-care-to-revive-economy-government-told.htmBoosting investment in social care through tax breaks and incentives to start up new providers could help revive the economy's flagging fortunes, the government was told today. Wed, 02 May 2012 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/05/2012/118178/more-client-time-and-autonomy-life-in-a-social-work-practice.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/05/2012/118178/more-client-time-and-autonomy-life-in-a-social-work-practice.htmSocial worker Hannah Preece says moving out of the local authority into an independent social work practice has benefited practitioners and service users alike.Tue, 01 May 2012 14:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/05/2012/118176/stroke-survivors-let-down-by-professionals-lack-of-knowledge.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/05/2012/118176/stroke-survivors-let-down-by-professionals-lack-of-knowledge.htmStroke survivors' recovery is being hindered a lack of knowledge among health and social care professionals and poor access to assessments, care plans and reviews, the Stroke Association warned today. Tue, 01 May 2012 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/04/2012/118175/private-equity-firm-buys-up-uks-biggest-care-home-provider.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/04/2012/118175/private-equity-firm-buys-up-uks-biggest-care-home-provider.htmA private equity firm has bought up the country's biggest care home provider, Four Seasons Health Care, in a move that will "significantly reduce" the company's £780m debt burden. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/04/2012/118171/what-service-users-want-from-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/04/2012/118171/what-service-users-want-from-social-workers.htmWhat do service users want from social workers? Social work academic and mental health service user Peter Beresford says that research points to four crucial qualities.Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/04/2012/118169/home-care-services-face-unannounced-inspections.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/04/2012/118169/home-care-services-face-unannounced-inspections.htmThe Care Quality Commission started its three-month programme of unannounced inspections of 250 home care providers this week, which is designed to garner much more information from service users than previous probes of domiciliary agencies. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/04/2012/118168/ex-cqc-inspector-arrested-over-alleged-provider-bribery.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/04/2012/118168/ex-cqc-inspector-arrested-over-alleged-provider-bribery.htmA former Care Quality Commission inspector was arrested today on suspicion of pressurising care providers to pay for favourable inspection reports. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/04/2012/118165/concerns-for-social-care-as-council-job-cuts-accelerate.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/04/2012/118165/concerns-for-social-care-as-council-job-cuts-accelerate.htmConcerns have been raised over the future of the adult social care system after it was revealed that councils in England and Wales sliced £1.4 billion from their annual pay bill in 2011-12, largely by reducing staff numbers.Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/04/2012/118166/families-to-challenge-practitioners-on-mental-capacity-act.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/04/2012/118166/families-to-challenge-practitioners-on-mental-capacity-act.htmFamilies are being supported to challenge professionals who exclude them from decisions taken on behalf of their loved-ones under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/04/2012/118160/social-workers-reluctant-to-refer-clients-to-user-organisations.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/04/2012/118160/social-workers-reluctant-to-refer-clients-to-user-organisations.htmSocial workers fear referring clients to user-led organisations for support in using direct payments because of concerns ULOs will challenge practitioners’ decisions. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/04/2012/118157/training-social-workers-to-spot-telecare-needs-will-cut-costs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/04/2012/118157/training-social-workers-to-spot-telecare-needs-will-cut-costs.htmCouncils can generate big savings from telecare so long as they improve training for social workers in identifying appropriate options for clients during assessment, says a study out this week. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/04/2012/118156/social-care-staff-gain-professional-body-to-represent-them.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/04/2012/118156/social-care-staff-gain-professional-body-to-represent-them.htmSocial care workers in Wales will have a professional body to represent them with the announcement today of the launch of the Academy of Care Practitioners.Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/04/2012/118155/specialist-social-worker-posts-maintained-in-face-of-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/04/2012/118155/specialist-social-worker-posts-maintained-in-face-of-cuts.htmSpecialist social worker posts have been largely maintained for people with HIV/Aids despite significant cuts in funding for the client group.Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/04/2012/118150/care-providers-challenged-to-stop-bidding-for-low-fee-tenders.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/04/2012/118150/care-providers-challenged-to-stop-bidding-for-low-fee-tenders.htmCare providers should cease bidding for council contracts at prices they feel are too low to deliver the specified service, incoming Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Sarah Pickup has said. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/04/2012/118151/care-worker-jailed-for-abuse-of-vulnerable-dementia-sufferer.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/04/2012/118151/care-worker-jailed-for-abuse-of-vulnerable-dementia-sufferer.htmA care worker who was secretly filmed physically abusing an 80-year-old woman with dementia has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/04/2012/118149/adult-social-workers-still-have-big-role-says-new-adass-chief.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/04/2012/118149/adult-social-workers-still-have-big-role-says-new-adass-chief.htmSocial workers have a big role to play in adult services but should no longer be deployed in roles where their skills are not required, says Sarah Pickup, the new president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/04/2012/118147/care-managers-polled-on-working-lives-and-support-needs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/04/2012/118147/care-managers-polled-on-working-lives-and-support-needs.htmThe National Skills Academy for Social Care wants to hear from registered managers about the issues they face and their support needs. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/04/2012/118137/care-home-managers-must-not-be-hidden-behind-office-door.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/04/2012/118137/care-home-managers-must-not-be-hidden-behind-office-door.htmResidential care managers must provide visible leadership for staff and residents, rather than be "hidden behind an office door", to ensure good practice, says a guide to the role published by the Social Care Association. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/04/2012/118046/good-leadership-key-to-high-quality-social-care-says-sector.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/04/2012/118046/good-leadership-key-to-high-quality-social-care-says-sector.htmNinety four per cent of people working in adult social care link the quality of leadership to the quality of care, a National Skills Academy survey has found.Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/04/2012/118127/social-workers-urged-to-help-halt-forced-marriage-visas.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/04/2012/118127/social-workers-urged-to-help-halt-forced-marriage-visas.htmBorder staff are to ask social workers to carry out assessments of learning disabled people's capacity to consent to marry in order to stop visas being granted to foreign spouses in such cases. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/04/2012/118128/improving-the-skills-of-social-care-commissioners.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/04/2012/118128/improving-the-skills-of-social-care-commissioners.htmThe National Skills Academy for Social Care outlines its new programme to help commissioners of social care services, at all levels – Commissioning Now. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/04/2012/118129/recognising-excellence-in-social-care-training.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/04/2012/118129/recognising-excellence-in-social-care-training.htmNational Skills Academy for Social Care is relaunching the Endorsement Framework for adult social care training providers to recognise and badge excellent learning and development. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/04/2012/118125/cqc-staff-demoralised-by-workloads-and-lack-of-training.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/04/2012/118125/cqc-staff-demoralised-by-workloads-and-lack-of-training.htmCare Quality Commission staff have been left demoralised and concerned for the safety of services by high workloads and inadequate training, a survey of Unison members has found. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/04/2012/118119/burstow-u-turn-lowers-proposed-adult-safeguarding-threshold.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/04/2012/118119/burstow-u-turn-lowers-proposed-adult-safeguarding-threshold.htmPaul Burstow has reversed plans to limit adult protection interventions to people at risk of "significant harm", just days after they were announced and sparked concerns they would leave some adults unprotected. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/04/2012/118121/nhs-safeguarding-training-squeezed-by-anti-terrorism-strategy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/04/2012/118121/nhs-safeguarding-training-squeezed-by-anti-terrorism-strategy.htmNHS training in safeguarding is being squeezed by requirements to train staff in identifying adults at risk of becoming terrorists, it has been claimed. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/03/2012/118110/hospital-visits-lower-for-care-home-than-home-care-clients.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/03/2012/118110/hospital-visits-lower-for-care-home-than-home-care-clients.htmCare home residents are less likely to end up in hospital than users of intensive home care, research has revealed. (Image: Alamy) Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/03/2012/118115/social-work-numbers-maintained-amid-wider-adult-care-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/03/2012/118115/social-work-numbers-maintained-amid-wider-adult-care-cuts.htmThe number of adults social workers employed by councils remained stable last year despite widespread fears over job cuts and a drop of almost 10 per cent in the overall adult care workforce.Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/03/2012/118109/massive-variations-in-personal-budget-take-up-across-councils.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/03/2012/118109/massive-variations-in-personal-budget-take-up-across-councils.htmMassive variations in personal budget take-up persist between councils and regions, the latest official figures show. Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/03/2012/118107/how-to-check-whether-your-services-are-good-enough.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/03/2012/118107/how-to-check-whether-your-services-are-good-enough.htmProviders must ensure their internal compliance mechanisms go beyond checklists to avoid poor practice, says consultant and former Care Quality Commission inspector Sughra Nazir.Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/03/2012/118101/cqc-care-homes-failing-to-train-staff-in-deprivation-of-liberty.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/03/2012/118101/cqc-care-homes-failing-to-train-staff-in-deprivation-of-liberty.htmMany care homes have failed to provide staff with appropriate deprivation of liberty safeguards training, leading to poor practice and human rights breaches, the Care Quality Commission warned today. (Image: Rex) Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/03/2012/118103/social-worker-deprivation-of-liberty-assessments-unmonitored.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/03/2012/118103/social-worker-deprivation-of-liberty-assessments-unmonitored.htmThe Care Quality Commission has raised concerns over the protection of vulnerable adults because of its inability to monitor deprivation of liberty assessments by social workers and other professionals. (Image: Milton Montenegro/Photodisc/Getty Images) Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/03/2012/118099/cameron-pledges-improved-dementia-care-and-research.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/03/2012/118099/cameron-pledges-improved-dementia-care-and-research.htmDavid Cameron has pledged to boost dementia research funding and improve care and support for people with the condition, in a major speech today. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/03/2012/118097/social-workers-urged-to-tackle-exclusion-of-dementia-patients.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/03/2012/118097/social-workers-urged-to-tackle-exclusion-of-dementia-patients.htmSocial care professionals have been urged to help connect dementia patients with their communities after an Alzheimer's Society survey revealed widespread social exclusion for the group. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/03/2012/118096/cqc-forced-to-shelve-non-urgent-tasks-to-do-abortion-checks.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/03/2012/118096/cqc-forced-to-shelve-non-urgent-tasks-to-do-abortion-checks.htmThe Care Quality Commission has been forced to sideline non-urgent activities after the government ordered it to carry out snap inspections of 320 abortion clinics. Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/03/2012/118095/social-workers-marginal-to-integrated-care-pilots.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/03/2012/118095/social-workers-marginal-to-integrated-care-pilots.htmSocial care professionals were 'marginal' to flagship government pilots designed to integrate support for people with long-term conditions, an evaluation has concluded. Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/03/2012/118091/safeguarding-threshold-risks-leaving-adults-unprotected.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/03/2012/118091/safeguarding-threshold-risks-leaving-adults-unprotected.htmAdult protection legislation risks leaving people unprotected by setting too high a threshold for intervention, a safeguarding expert has warned. (Image: Fotex/Rex).Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/03/2012/118085/dilnot-assessment-plans-risk-bureaucracy-for-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/03/2012/118085/dilnot-assessment-plans-risk-bureaucracy-for-social-workers.htmDilnot commission plans to overhaul social care assessments and eligibility risk loading extra bureaucracy on to social workers without delivering on their promise of fairer access to care. (Image: Rex) Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/03/2012/118066/how-service-users-are-leading-response-to-winterbourne-view.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/03/2012/118066/how-service-users-are-leading-response-to-winterbourne-view.htmIn the wake of Winterbourne View, the Care Quality Commission employed 27 adults with learning disabilities to act as ‘experts by experience’ in the teams inspecting 150 learning disability services. Two of them discuss their experiences.Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/03/2012/118082/wales-faces-radical-shake-up-of-social-work-regulation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/03/2012/118082/wales-faces-radical-shake-up-of-social-work-regulation.htmThe proposed Social Services (Wales) Bill promises a radical shake up of social services in Wales, particularly in extending the regulation of social work.Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/03/2012/118078/overhaul-personal-budgets-for-older-people-says-adass.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/03/2012/118078/overhaul-personal-budgets-for-older-people-says-adass.htmPersonal budgets must be overhauled to ensure older people, particularly those with dementia, can benefit from them, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services said today. (Image: Rex Features) Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/03/2012/118075/missed-and-rushed-care-visits-place-elderly-at-risk.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/03/2012/118075/missed-and-rushed-care-visits-place-elderly-at-risk.htmAn investigation by Which? has found that older people are being put at serious risk from missed and rushed home care visits.Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/03/2012/118074/end-of-life-care-services-let-down-lgbt-people.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/03/2012/118074/end-of-life-care-services-let-down-lgbt-people.htmLesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people are being let down by end of life care services, charities have warned. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/03/2012/118070/care-homes-struggle-to-provide-good-care-for-sick-residents.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/03/2012/118070/care-homes-struggle-to-provide-good-care-for-sick-residents.htmCare homes are struggling to provide high quality care for residents with complex medical conditions, a report by the Royal College of Nursing has warned. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/03/2012/118069/social-justice-strategy-could-leave-families-worse-off.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/03/2012/118069/social-justice-strategy-could-leave-families-worse-off.htmSocial work organisations have warned that the government's new social justice strategy could leave vulnerable families and children worse off. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/03/2012/118064/tasks-to-be-reserved-for-social-workers-in-legal-shake-up.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/03/2012/118064/tasks-to-be-reserved-for-social-workers-in-legal-shake-up.htmKey social services tasks will be reserved for social workers under plans to overhaul the law in Wales, announced today. (Image: Rex) Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/03/2012/118063/where-social-workers-go-wrong-in-assessing-mental-capacity.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/03/2012/118063/where-social-workers-go-wrong-in-assessing-mental-capacity.htmSocial workers need to work harder to enable service users to make decisions for themselves, says independent mental capacity advocate and consultant Natalie Saunders. (Image: Purestock/Getty Images) Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/03/2012/118059/complex-care-training-key-to-good-quality-home-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/03/2012/118059/complex-care-training-key-to-good-quality-home-care.htmHome care providers must train up their workforces to support the rising number of clients with complex care needs, says Rebekah Newton, clinical director at Ark Complex Care. Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/03/2012/118061/care-home-scoops-top-award-at-skills-for-care-accolades.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/03/2012/118061/care-home-scoops-top-award-at-skills-for-care-accolades.htmA learning disability care home has won the top award at the annual Skills for Care Accolades, which celebrate the best social care employers in England. Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2012/118051/social-care-worker-struck-off-register-for-theft.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2012/118051/social-care-worker-struck-off-register-for-theft.htmA home care worker in Wrexham has been struck off the social care register after being cautioned by police for theft and charged with gross misconduct. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2012/118054/personalisation-central-to-social-care-management-standards.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2012/118054/personalisation-central-to-social-care-management-standards.htmPersonalisation should be at the heart of good management in social care according to revised management induction standards launched today by Skills for Care. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2012/118050/1750-disabled-people-face-redundancy-from-remploy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2012/118050/1750-disabled-people-face-redundancy-from-remploy.htmOver 1750 disabled people are facing redundancy from Remploy after the government announced plans to slash its subsidy for the company. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2012/118047/care-home-residents-lack-access-to-healthcare.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2012/118047/care-home-residents-lack-access-to-healthcare.htmCare home residents are struggling to get access to GPs and routine medicines, and more than half of primary care trusts do not offer access to the full range of health services residents may need, a report warns today. (Image: Rex Features) Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2012/118049/skills-academy-offers-support-to-social-cares-top-leaders.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2012/118049/skills-academy-offers-support-to-social-cares-top-leaders.htmThe National Skills Academy for Social Care has launched a programme to help social care's senior leaders succeed in meeting the many challenges that face them.Wed, 07 Mar 2012 11:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2012/118041/why-social-work-is-crucial-to-turning-round-troubled-council.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2012/118041/why-social-work-is-crucial-to-turning-round-troubled-council.htmInvestment in social work is crucial to turning round the performance of Wirral Council’s department of adult social services, which has faced multiple criticisms in recent years. That was the message from director Graham Hodkinson, two months into an already turbulent period in charge. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/03/2012/118040/social-care-staff-consider-strike-over-pay-cut-plan.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/03/2012/118040/social-care-staff-consider-strike-over-pay-cut-plan.htmSocial care staff at a charity that supports adults with learning difficulties in Lancashire are considering strike action after being told they could face pay cuts. Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/03/2012/118039/poor-staffing-levels-undermine-human-rights-in-nursing-homes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/03/2012/118039/poor-staffing-levels-undermine-human-rights-in-nursing-homes.htmPoor staffing levels are undermining human rights in nursing homes by creating an "accepted indignity" in which residents are left wet or soiled for lengthy periods until staff become available. (Image: Alamy) Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/03/2012/118036/help-for-home-care-staff-in-using-the-mental-capacity-act.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/03/2012/118036/help-for-home-care-staff-in-using-the-mental-capacity-act.htmMel Palmer explains how home care staff should apply the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in the case of a service user who is self-neglecting and refusing to take his medicationMon, 05 Mar 2012 11:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/03/2012/118001/how-smart-phones-can-improve-home-care-for-users-and-staff.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/03/2012/118001/how-smart-phones-can-improve-home-care-for-users-and-staff.htmSmart phones are helping home care staff improve support and stay safe while delivering efficiency savings for their employers. Fri, 02 Mar 2012 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2012/118031/scotland-legislates-to-give-users-right-to-personal-budget.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2012/118031/scotland-legislates-to-give-users-right-to-personal-budget.htmService users will have the right to a personal budget but will also be able to leave their care management in the hands of their local authority, under legislation issued by the Scottish government today. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2012/118030/monitor-providers-finances-to-stop-another-southern-cross.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2012/118030/monitor-providers-finances-to-stop-another-southern-cross.htmThe Scottish government should consider introducing financial health checks on larger social care providers to prevent another Southern Cross-style collapse, Audit Scotland said today. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2012/118028/independent-living-for-disabled-at-risk-from-cuts-say-mps.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2012/118028/independent-living-for-disabled-at-risk-from-cuts-say-mps.htmIndependent living for disabled people is being put at risk by the combined impact of cuts to social care and benefits, MPs and peers warned today. (Image: Fotex/Rex) Thu, 01 Mar 2012 07:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/02/2012/118024/post-cqc-care-standards-regime-needs-government-cash.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/02/2012/118024/post-cqc-care-standards-regime-needs-government-cash.htmAnnual government funding is needed to support the sector-led adult care performance regime that has replaced Care Quality Commission assessments of councils, says the man charged with implementing it. (Picture: Image Source) Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/02/2012/118002/advocate-and-applicant-therapist-and-bureaucrat-the-stress-of-the-amhp.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/02/2012/118002/advocate-and-applicant-therapist-and-bureaucrat-the-stress-of-the-amhp.htmJanine Hudson explains the rationale behind the National AMHP Survey 2012Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/02/2012/118022/boost-status-of-care-staff-and-managers-says-dignity-inquiry.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/02/2012/118022/boost-status-of-care-staff-and-managers-says-dignity-inquiry.htmThe status of care home managers and staff must be boosted to improve dignity for older people, an inquiry into the issue has concluded. (Image: Alamy)Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/02/2012/118025/many-deprived-of-liberty-without-safeguards-warn-experts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/02/2012/118025/many-deprived-of-liberty-without-safeguards-warn-experts.htmMany vulnerable service users are being deprived of their liberty without safeguards because of the narrow scope of the law, experts have warned. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/02/2012/118021/fundamental-change-needed-to-improve-elderly-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/02/2012/118021/fundamental-change-needed-to-improve-elderly-care.htmResidents and relatives should be given a direct say in the running of care homes, according to a report examining how care for the elderly could be improved. (Image: Rex Features) Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2012/118009/social-worker-banned-for-inappropriate-conduct-towards-carers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2012/118009/social-worker-banned-for-inappropriate-conduct-towards-carers.htmA social worker has been struck off the social care register for misconduct that included inappropriate and sexually motivated behaviour towards two carers. Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2012/118005/care-quality-commission-chief-cynthia-bower-resigns.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2012/118005/care-quality-commission-chief-cynthia-bower-resigns.htmCynthia Bower, the chief executive of the Care Quality Commission, has resigned. Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/02/2012/117997/reablement-success-leads-to-social-work-job-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/02/2012/117997/reablement-success-leads-to-social-work-job-cuts.htmA council is cutting social work jobs on the back of its success in helping service users regain independence through reablement. (Image: Rex Features).Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/02/2012/117992/overhaul-training-for-best-interests-assessors-burstow-told.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/02/2012/117992/overhaul-training-for-best-interests-assessors-burstow-told.htmThe 'rudimentary' level of training provided to best interests assessors (BIAs) must be significantly improved to protect service users under the deprivation of liberty safeguards (Dols), Paul Burstow has been told. (Image: Purestock/Getty Images) Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/02/2012/117991/mps-disabled-people-to-lose-out-from-medical-model-reform.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/02/2012/117991/mps-disabled-people-to-lose-out-from-medical-model-reform.htmDisabled people risk losing out because government benefit reforms are overly based on the medical model of disability, MPs have warned in a report. Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2012/117986/care-homes-urged-to-share-good-practice.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2012/117986/care-homes-urged-to-share-good-practice.htmCare homes are being urged to share examples of good practice to help shape wider improvements to services. Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/02/2012/117985/safeguarding-failings-left-disabled-couple-at-mercy-of-abuser.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/02/2012/117985/safeguarding-failings-left-disabled-couple-at-mercy-of-abuser.htmSafeguarding failings by social work staff left a learning disabled couple at the mercy of a relative who used power of attorney to abuse them for six years, an investigation has found.Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/02/2012/117983/council-leader-ejected-following-damning-adult-services-report.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/02/2012/117983/council-leader-ejected-following-damning-adult-services-report.htmWirral Council's leadership has been forced out by a vote of confidence called in response to a damning report into adult social services, sparked by a social worker whistleblower. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/02/2012/117980/how-care-home-staff-can-improve-research-into-dementia.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/02/2012/117980/how-care-home-staff-can-improve-research-into-dementia.htmCare home staff and residents need to become more involved in research if the quality of life of people with dementia is to improve, and a new toolkit shows them how they can, says Jill Manthorpe. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/02/2012/117979/care-worker-jailed-for-abusing-dementia-patients.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/02/2012/117979/care-worker-jailed-for-abusing-dementia-patients.htmA care home worker has been jailed for one year for abusing four residents with dementia. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/02/2012/117977/lga-steps-in-to-tackle-councils-adult-safeguarding-failings.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/02/2012/117977/lga-steps-in-to-tackle-councils-adult-safeguarding-failings.htmThe Local Government Association has stepped in to address adult safeguarding failings at Wirral Council by setting up a board to drive improvement. (Picture: Image Source) Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/02/2012/117974/how-telecare-can-defuse-chronic-conditions-timebomb.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/02/2012/117974/how-telecare-can-defuse-chronic-conditions-timebomb.htmWalsall is making telecare a default component of care packages to boost independence for people with chronic conditions and manage the rising costs of supporting this group, says council adult care director Paul Davies. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/02/2012/117965/supreme-court-to-rule-on-councils-right-to-limit-care-funding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/02/2012/117965/supreme-court-to-rule-on-councils-right-to-limit-care-funding.htmThe Supreme Court is to rule on councils' right to take resources into account in determining the levels of care they will fund for users, in a case that could have significant implications for social care funding. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/02/2012/117971/nhs-must-protect-lives-of-all-psychiatric-patients-at-risk.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/02/2012/117971/nhs-must-protect-lives-of-all-psychiatric-patients-at-risk.htmPsychiatric hospitals risk breaching human rights law if they do not take action to protect the lives of patients admitted informally, the Supreme Court has ruled in a landmark judgement today. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/02/2012/117969/cqc-personalisation-lacking-in-winterbourne-style-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/02/2012/117969/cqc-personalisation-lacking-in-winterbourne-style-services.htmMany learning disability hospitals and care homes are failing to provide person-centred care, the Care Quality Commission has found in its national review triggered by the Winterbourne View case. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/02/2012/117964/mps-unify-health-and-social-care-to-tackle-funding-shortfall.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/02/2012/117964/mps-unify-health-and-social-care-to-tackle-funding-shortfall.htmAdult care and health should be brought under a single commissioner in each area to improve support for older people and help solve social care's funding crisis, the health select committee, chaired by Stephen Dorrell (pictured), said today.Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/02/2012/117962/adult-social-workers-pessimistic-but-proud-finds-college.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/02/2012/117962/adult-social-workers-pessimistic-but-proud-finds-college.htmAdult social workers feel pessimistic about the future of their practice because of bureaucracy and care management, but still believe they make a difference, The College of Social Work has found. (Photo: Rex Features) Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/02/2012/117953/improving-access-to-social-care-for-adults-with-autism.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/02/2012/117953/improving-access-to-social-care-for-adults-with-autism.htmNew support from the Social Care Institute for Excellence Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/02/2012/117955/burstow-social-work-to-be-at-heart-of-care-white-paper.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/02/2012/117955/burstow-social-work-to-be-at-heart-of-care-white-paper.htmSocial work will be at the heart of the government's forthcoming adult care White Paper, with the profession's role expected to switch from rationing care to community development, Paul Burstow has said. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/01/2012/117952/social-workers-need-better-mental-capacity-act-training.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/01/2012/117952/social-workers-need-better-mental-capacity-act-training.htmSocial workers need more effective training and guidance in applying the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to take decisions on behalf of service users and support them to make decisions for themselves. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/01/2012/117948/social-care-funding-gap-has-widened-by-500m-says-age-uk.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/01/2012/117948/social-care-funding-gap-has-widened-by-500m-says-age-uk.htmThe gap between social care funding and need has grown by £500m for older people in England in 2011-12, compounding a situation in which 800,000 pensioners were already going without services. (Image: Rex Features). Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/01/2012/117942/how-one-council-boosted-social-works-quality-and-status.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/01/2012/117942/how-one-council-boosted-social-works-quality-and-status.htmSocial work performance management has become associated with bureaucracy, a negligible impact on quality and poor morale. However, one council says that it has designed and implemented a system that has delivered precisely the opposite. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/01/2012/117944/social-workers-urged-to-support-distressed-cancer-carers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/01/2012/117944/social-workers-urged-to-support-distressed-cancer-carers.htmSocial care professionals have been urged to increase assessment levels for carers of cancer patients after a survey found half were receiving no support and a similar proportion were experiencing mental distress. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2012/117941/council-staff-reluctant-to-signpost-clients-to-equity-release.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2012/117941/council-staff-reluctant-to-signpost-clients-to-equity-release.htmCouncil staff have proved reluctant to signpost older clients to equity release schemes to fund low-level support at home, research has found. (Image: Rex Features) Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/01/2012/117940/nhs-must-spend-more-on-adult-social-care-say-mps.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/01/2012/117940/nhs-must-spend-more-on-adult-social-care-say-mps.htmThe NHS should spend more on adult social care to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of support for people with long-term conditions, MPs said today. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2012/117938/independent-negotiators-to-restart-baswcollege-talks.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2012/117938/independent-negotiators-to-restart-baswcollege-talks.htmThe British Association of Social Workers (BASW) and the College of Social Work are to reopen talks on a possible merger. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/01/2012/117931/the-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-are-not-dead.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/01/2012/117931/the-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-are-not-dead.htmA recent Court of Appeal judgement was described as the death of the deprivation of liberty safeguards. However, best interests assessor Lorraine Currie disagrees, and says Lord Justice Munby's ruling provides useful tools for practitioners.Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/01/2012/117933/care-provider-fined-for-leaving-staff-at-risk-of-violence.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/01/2012/117933/care-provider-fined-for-leaving-staff-at-risk-of-violence.htmA care provider has been fined £14,000 for leaving staff at risk of violence from a client (Image: Rex).Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/01/2012/117932/basw-workloads-undermining-ethical-social-work-practice.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/01/2012/117932/basw-workloads-undermining-ethical-social-work-practice.htmUnmanageable caseloads are making it impossible for social workers to practice ethically, the British Association of Social Workers warned today as it issued a revised version of its code of ethics. (Image: Rex Features). Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/01/2012/117928/500000-to-lose-out-on-disability-living-allowance.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/01/2012/117928/500000-to-lose-out-on-disability-living-allowance.htmHalf a million disabled people would lose out on benefits through the government's reform to disability living allowance, it revealed today. (Pic: Voisin/Phanie/Rex Features) Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/01/2012/117926/government-waters-down-disability-living-allowance-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/01/2012/117926/government-waters-down-disability-living-allowance-cuts.htmThe government has watered down its controversial cuts to disabilty living allowance (DLA) by dropping plans to double the period after the onset of disability before which people can qualify for the benefit (Image: Rex). Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/01/2012/117923/900-adult-care-staff-join-nhs-in-biggest-integration-deal-yet.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/01/2012/117923/900-adult-care-staff-join-nhs-in-biggest-integration-deal-yet.htmNine hundred adult social care staff, including social workers, will be transferred to the NHS to create the biggest integrated health and social care provider in the UK, it was confirmed today. (Image: Rex Features). Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/01/2012/117924/user-received-misguided-care-before-he-killed-grandfather.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/01/2012/117924/user-received-misguided-care-before-he-killed-grandfather.htmProfessionals missed six opportunities to assess a patient under the Mental Health Act (MHA) and provided him with 'misguided care' in the three months before he killed his grandfather, a review has concluded. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/01/2012/117922/should-you-join-the-college-of-social-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/01/2012/117922/should-you-join-the-college-of-social-work.htmLast week’s launch of The College of Social Work has posed each of England’s approximately 85,000 social workers with a simple question: to join or not to join? Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/01/2012/117920/debt-ridden-social-workers-turning-to-payday-loans.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/01/2012/117920/debt-ridden-social-workers-turning-to-payday-loans.htmGrowing numbers of social workers are falling financial difficulties, with some resorting to high-interest payday loans, according to a support charity. (Pic: Image Source/Rex Features)Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/01/2012/117915/government-concealed-scale-of-opposition-to-benefit-reform.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/01/2012/117915/government-concealed-scale-of-opposition-to-benefit-reform.htmCampaigners have accused the government of giving a misleading account of the true extent of opposition to disability benefit reform (Pic: Voisin/Phanie/Rex Features)Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/01/2012/117907/social-workers-must-join-renewed-effort-to-integrate-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/01/2012/117907/social-workers-must-join-renewed-effort-to-integrate-care.htmSocial care professionals should be at the heart of multi-disciplinary teams in every area to manage the care of people with long-term conditions and make a reality of integrated care, the government has been told. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/01/2012/117905/legalise-assisted-suicide-for-terminally-ill-says-inquiry.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/01/2012/117905/legalise-assisted-suicide-for-terminally-ill-says-inquiry.htmAssisted dying should be legalised for terminally ill people so long as they are not put under pressure to end their lives and palliative care is much improved, a major inquiry has concluded (Image: Alamy). Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/01/2012/117904/disabled-social-worker-wins-mbe-after-nomination-by-client.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/01/2012/117904/disabled-social-worker-wins-mbe-after-nomination-by-client.htmAmong the 984 people honoured in the New Year list was sensory impairment social worker Henry Mayne, whose MBE is the result of a nomination from a client he worked with a few years ago. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/01/2012/117903/carers-disproportionately-hit-by-government-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/01/2012/117903/carers-disproportionately-hit-by-government-cuts.htmCarers will be disproportionately hit by government benefit cuts over the coming years, research published today shows. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/01/2012/117902/social-care-staff-urged-to-blow-the-whistle-on-abuse.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/01/2012/117902/social-care-staff-urged-to-blow-the-whistle-on-abuse.htmSocial care staff and employers are being urged to blow the whistle on abuse and poor practice through a helpline formerly open to NHS staff only. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/01/2012/117900/munro-leads-new-year-roll-of-honour-in-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/01/2012/117900/munro-leads-new-year-roll-of-honour-in-social-care.htmProfessor Eileen Munro has been awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours List following her review into child protection, which last year called for sweeping reforms to assessments and performance management. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/01/2012/117901/approved-mental-health-professionals-polled-over-stress.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/01/2012/117901/approved-mental-health-professionals-polled-over-stress.htmA survey to measure burnout among approved mental health professionals (AMHPs) has been launched by researchers at King's College London.Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/12/2011/117891/community-cares-predictions-for-social-care-in-2012.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/12/2011/117891/community-cares-predictions-for-social-care-in-2012.htmCare funding deadlock, industrial strife and a change of leadership at a key agency. We gaze into our crystal ball to predict what 2012 might hold for social care (Pic: Everett Collection/Rex Features )Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/12/2011/117890/top-five-victories-against-social-care-cuts-of-2011.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/12/2011/117890/top-five-victories-against-social-care-cuts-of-2011.htmWhile cuts have dominated social care in 2011 some proposed funding reductions and organisational closures have been successfully reversed. Here are our top five victories against the cuts. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/12/2011/117889/carers-uk-names-age-uk-director-as-new-chief.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/12/2011/117889/carers-uk-names-age-uk-director-as-new-chief.htmCarers UK has named Heléna Herklots as its new chief executive. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/12/2011/117887/hospital-dementia-care-blighted-by-inadequate-staff-training.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/12/2011/117887/hospital-dementia-care-blighted-by-inadequate-staff-training.htmInadequate staff training and an impersonal approach to care is blighting the experiences of dementia patients in hospitals, a major national study has concluded. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/12/2011/117885/key-long-term-conditions-policy-branded-a-failure-by-nao.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/12/2011/117885/key-long-term-conditions-policy-branded-a-failure-by-nao.htmOutcomes for people with long-term neurological conditions have stalled or deteriorated, six years on from a key policy to improve support for the group and despite significantly increased funding for care. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/12/2011/117883/book-review-working-with-adults-at-risk-of-harm.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/12/2011/117883/book-review-working-with-adults-at-risk-of-harm.htmThis is an interesting book that considers the common characteristics between different states of vulnerability, which may occur within a range of contexts, particularly health, social and community care, writes Bridget Penhale.Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/12/2011/117881/domestic-violence-definition-to-include-victims-aged-under-18.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/12/2011/117881/domestic-violence-definition-to-include-victims-aged-under-18.htmCampaigners have hailed government proposals to widen the definition of domestic violence to include victims aged under 18 and those who have experienced ongoing controlling behaviour from partners. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/12/2011/117839/financial-abuse-of-dementia-sufferers-is-rife-warns-charity.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/12/2011/117839/financial-abuse-of-dementia-sufferers-is-rife-warns-charity.htmSocial care professionals have been urged to look out for indicators of financial abuse among people with dementia after Alzheimer's Society warned that the problem was rife among the client group. (Image: REX features) Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/12/2011/117879/adult-social-care-and-health-to-be-integrated-in-scotland.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/12/2011/117879/adult-social-care-and-health-to-be-integrated-in-scotland.htmAdult social care and health will be integrated in Scotland to help tackle delayed discharged from hospital and cost-shunting between councils and the NHS, under plans outlined yesterday by the country's government (Image: REX features). Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/12/2011/117878/book-review-crossing-the-acts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/12/2011/117878/book-review-crossing-the-acts.htmThe risks faced by adults with mental disorder are greater in degree and type than those of other adults and as such require a different approach to the management of and response to risk and harm, writes Iain McDonald. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/12/2011/117877/book-review-reminiscence-and-life-story-work-a-practice-guide.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/12/2011/117877/book-review-reminiscence-and-life-story-work-a-practice-guide.htmThis book would prove to be an invaluable tool to anyone involved in reminiscence work, from paid carers or family members to trained professionals, writes Ian Taylor. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/12/2011/117874/dh-orders-probe-into-cqc-following-board-members-criticisms.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/12/2011/117874/dh-orders-probe-into-cqc-following-board-members-criticisms.htmThe Department of Health has ordered a probe into the Care Quality Commission following significant criticisms of its leadership from board member Kay Sheldon. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/12/2011/117873/burstow-users-to-shape-new-online-care-ratings-system.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/12/2011/117873/burstow-users-to-shape-new-online-care-ratings-system.htmUsers and carers' opinions on care services will be published alongside ratings of their quality on an online "good care guide" designed to replace the star ratings scrapped last year, Paul Burstow has said. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/12/2011/117870/1.5bn-cut-for-councils-with-social-care-responsibilities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/12/2011/117870/1.5bn-cut-for-councils-with-social-care-responsibilities.htmCouncils responsible for social care in England will have £1.5bn taken out of their budgets next year, the government has said. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/12/2011/117871/staff-cuts-and-overcrowding-blight-care-for-detained-patients.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/12/2011/117871/staff-cuts-and-overcrowding-blight-care-for-detained-patients.htmStaff cuts and overcrowded wards are blighting the care of detained mental health patients, the Care Quality Commission has warned. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2011/117866/cqc-finds-leadership-gap-in-learning-disability-hospitals.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2011/117866/cqc-finds-leadership-gap-in-learning-disability-hospitals.htmLeadership and governance need to be stronger in learning disabilities hospitals and care homes, the Care Quality Commission has said. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2011/117864/council-job-cuts-near-150000-for-the-year.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2011/117864/council-job-cuts-near-150000-for-the-year.htmCouncils across England have shed 145,000 jobs over the past year and the number is set to rise, according to a report published today by the Audit Commission. Unison head of local government Heather Wakefield (pictured), said: "Councils have already made far more job cuts than they said would be necessary. This report shows that the worst is yet to come.” Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2011/117863/ageing-workforce-poses-problems-for-palliative-social-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2011/117863/ageing-workforce-poses-problems-for-palliative-social-work.htmPalliative care social work faces recruitment problems in England after a survey revealed almost half of specialist practitioners were aged over 50. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/12/2011/117859/hsbc-faces-40m-bill-for-mis-selling-care-products-to-elderly.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/12/2011/117859/hsbc-faces-40m-bill-for-mis-selling-care-products-to-elderly.htmHSBC faces a £40m bill for mis-selling investment products to fund long-term care to elderly customers and their families. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/12/2011/117858/council-prevented-social-worker-from-visiting-dying-mother.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/12/2011/117858/council-prevented-social-worker-from-visiting-dying-mother.htmA children's social care worker who was unlawfully prevented from seeing her mother in a care home before she died has been awarded £5,000 after Leeds Council was found guilty of maladministration. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/12/2011/117852/mps-warn-ministers-of-new-care-home-crisis-risk.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/12/2011/117852/mps-warn-ministers-of-new-care-home-crisis-risk.htmThe Department of Health must "get to grips with the very real risks to the social care market" to avoid another Southern Cross-style failure, an influential group of MPs warned today. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/12/2011/117856/government-wants-mass-roll-out-of-telecare-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/12/2011/117856/government-wants-mass-roll-out-of-telecare-services.htmThe government is bidding to roll out telecare or telehealth devices to three million people with long-term conditions after a large-scale evaluation found they could significantly cut death rates and costs for the NHS. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/12/2011/117854/practice-issues-in-adult-safeguarding-at-a-time-of-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/12/2011/117854/practice-issues-in-adult-safeguarding-at-a-time-of-cuts.htmAdult safeguarding consultant Patrick Worthington (pictured) examines the key practice issues facing social care professionals in keeping adults at risk safe at a time of austerity and changeMon, 05 Dec 2011 14:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/12/2011/117853/second-council-ordered-to-review-care-fees-for-providers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/12/2011/117853/second-council-ordered-to-review-care-fees-for-providers.htmCouncils have been warned that they face having care cuts reversed in the courts after a second authority was ordered to review a decision to freeze fees.Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2011/117847/almost-50-of-carers-made-ill-by-money-worries.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2011/117847/almost-50-of-carers-made-ill-by-money-worries.htmA survey of more than 4,000 carers by Carers UK for Carers Rights Day today has found that almost 47% were being made ill by money worries. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2011/117848/wider-remit-risks-diverting-cqc-from-regulating-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2011/117848/wider-remit-risks-diverting-cqc-from-regulating-care.htmThe Care Quality Commission risks being distracted from its core role of regulating health and adult social care services by government plans to extend its responsibilities, the National Audit Office warned today. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2011/117845/social-workers-must-address-service-users-poor-hygiene.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2011/117845/social-workers-must-address-service-users-poor-hygiene.htmPeter Bates argues that more attention needs to be paid to poor personal hygiene and its contribution to social exclusionThu, 01 Dec 2011 11:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/11/2011/117842/government-grants-cqc-request-for-cash-to-fund-inspections.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/11/2011/117842/government-grants-cqc-request-for-cash-to-fund-inspections.htmThe Department of Health has granted the Care Quality Commission's request for greater funding to finance annual inspections of adult care services and others it regulates. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/11/2011/117837/adult-care-was-being-trimmed-before-coalition-cuts-started.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/11/2011/117837/adult-care-was-being-trimmed-before-coalition-cuts-started.htmSocial care services were being trimmed in England even before the coalition's major programme of cuts kicked in this year, figures published today indicate. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/11/2011/117836/social-care-faces-deeper-cuts-on-back-of-osborne-plan.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/11/2011/117836/social-care-faces-deeper-cuts-on-back-of-osborne-plan.htmSocial care will face deeper cuts lasting until 2017 on the back of chancellor George Osborne's Autumn Statement issued yesterday. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/11/2011/117831/ministers-defend-college-of-social-works-tie-up-with-unison.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/11/2011/117831/ministers-defend-college-of-social-works-tie-up-with-unison.htmGovernment ministers have defended the College of Social Work’s tie-up with Unison following criticism from the education select committee earlier this month. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/11/2011/117832/osborne-extends-public-sector-pay-squeeze-until-2015.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/11/2011/117832/osborne-extends-public-sector-pay-squeeze-until-2015.htmPublic sector pay will be squeezed until 2015 and cuts to services will continue until 2017, chancellor George Osborne announced today in his Autumn Statement (Image: Steve Back). Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/11/2011/117830/cqc-board-member-calls-for-chief-cynthia-bower-to-resign.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/11/2011/117830/cqc-board-member-calls-for-chief-cynthia-bower-to-resign.htmA Care Quality Commission board member has called for the resignation of chief executive Cynthia Bower (pictured) over a lack of leadership capability at the regulator. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/11/2011/117829/ten-charged-with-abuse-at-winterbourne-view.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/11/2011/117829/ten-charged-with-abuse-at-winterbourne-view.htmTen people have been charged with abusing or neglecting patients at Winterbourne View Hospital for people with learning disabilities. (Image from BBC Panorama). Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/11/2011/117827/government-u-turn-on-scrapping-mobility-allowance-expected.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/11/2011/117827/government-u-turn-on-scrapping-mobility-allowance-expected.htmThe government looks set to back down from controversial plans to remove up to £50 a week in mobility benefits from disabled people in care homes. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2011/117821/checks-on-sickness-benefit-awards-to-ensure-fairness.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2011/117821/checks-on-sickness-benefit-awards-to-ensure-fairness.htmThe government is to introduce checks on decisions to award sickness benefits to ensure fairness and consistency, following the publication of the second independent review of the work capability assessment today. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2011/117824/spend-on-carers-down-2.4m.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2011/117824/spend-on-carers-down-2.4m.htmPrimary care trust spending on carers has fallen by £2.4m over the past year despite additional government investment, an investigation by two carers organisations has found.Thu, 24 Nov 2011 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2011/117818/burstow-toughens-requirements-on-nhs-to-fund-carers-breaks.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2011/117818/burstow-toughens-requirements-on-nhs-to-fund-carers-breaks.htmThe government has toughened requirements on the NHS to fund carers' services after admitting funding allocated for the purpose was not being spent as desired.Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2011/117817/deafblind-people-failed-by-revamped-dla-test.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2011/117817/deafblind-people-failed-by-revamped-dla-test.htmDeafblind people risk being failed by the government's overhaul of disability living allowance after service users found a trial of the assessment process "stressful" and "inconsistent".Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2011/117822/council-slammed-for-using-untrained-staff-for-care-reviews.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2011/117822/council-slammed-for-using-untrained-staff-for-care-reviews.htmNorthamptonshire Council has been slammed for failing to carry out required reviews of care packages and using unqualified staff to do so, in a damning report into two cases from the local government ombudsman today.Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2011/117819/untrained-practitioners-delivering-psychological-therapies.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2011/117819/untrained-practitioners-delivering-psychological-therapies.htmTherapists are delivering psychological therapies they are not trained to provide to people with anxiety and depression, according to a national audit published today by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2011/117812/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-not-fit-for-purpose.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2011/117812/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-not-fit-for-purpose.htmThe deprivation of liberty safeguards must be "drastically revised" or replaced according to the findings of a Mental Health Alliance draft report, which has concluded that they are "not fit for purpose", writes Helen Mooney. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2011/117813/extra-care-housing-better-than-care-homes-finds-report.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2011/117813/extra-care-housing-better-than-care-homes-finds-report.htmExtra care housing delivers better outcomes at less cost than residential care for people with the same needs, an independent report is expected to conclude next month. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/11/2011/117820/skills-for-care-develops-careers-e-tool.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/11/2011/117820/skills-for-care-develops-careers-e-tool.htmSkills for Care has created an interactive career pathways e-tool for people considering starting in social care and those already working in the sector who are keen to see what their career development opportunities might be.Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/11/2011/117814/care-worker-who-gave-child-alcohol-struck-off.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/11/2011/117814/care-worker-who-gave-child-alcohol-struck-off.htmA residential child care worker who poured alcohol into a 15-year-old service user's soft drink and applied fake tan to another child's torso has been struck off for breaching professional boundaries. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/11/2011/117797/human-rights-act-must-be-extended-to-private-home-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/11/2011/117797/human-rights-act-must-be-extended-to-private-home-care.htmHuman rights protections should be extended to publicly-funded users of private home care services, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has urged after finding widespread abuses in the sector. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/11/2011/117808/nhs-and-council-ignored-learning-disabled-mans-human-rights.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/11/2011/117808/nhs-and-council-ignored-learning-disabled-mans-human-rights.htmA council and NHS trust have been slammed for "ignoring the basic human rights" of a man with Down's syndrome. “Mr J's rights, best interests, and family relationships were not taken into account when the trust and the council made plans for his care,” said health service ombudsman Ann Abraham (pictured) Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/11/2011/117723/helping-care-home-managers-navigate-the-dols.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/11/2011/117723/helping-care-home-managers-navigate-the-dols.htmWhat must care home managers bear in mind when residents might be deprived of their liberty? Manager Kathryn McGuirk discusses her experience of the deprivation of liberty safeguards.Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/11/2011/117804/cqc-to-probe-standards-of-home-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/11/2011/117804/cqc-to-probe-standards-of-home-care.htmStandards of home care in England will be investigated by the Care Quality Commission to shine a light on services that operate "behind closed doors", says chief executive Cynthia Bower (pictured). Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/11/2011/117779/are-riot-related-social-housing-evictions-just-empty-threats.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/11/2011/117779/are-riot-related-social-housing-evictions-just-empty-threats.htmSocial housing providers talked tough after the summer street disturbances. Samantha Thorp asks whether they were empty threats Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/11/2011/117742/why-a-specialist-aspergers-team-is-the-way-forward-for-one-council.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/11/2011/117742/why-a-specialist-aspergers-team-is-the-way-forward-for-one-council.htmThe challenge of supporting adults with high-functioning autism, including the need for in-depth assessment, has convinced one council to set up a specialist team to cater for them, writes Natalie Valios Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/11/2011/117798/care-home-arts-activities-at-risk-from-council-cuts-warns-provider-chief.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/11/2011/117798/care-home-arts-activities-at-risk-from-council-cuts-warns-provider-chief.htm Arts activities are at risk of being cut back as local authorities cut care home funding, the National Care Forum chief executive has warned. Despite...Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/11/2011/117772/charity-mind-sounds-alarm-over-crisis-mental-health-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/11/2011/117772/charity-mind-sounds-alarm-over-crisis-mental-health-services.htmThere need to be more mental health services for people on the edge of crisis care, according to the charity Mind's year-long investigation into the state of acute and crisis care services for people with urgent mental health needs. Sat, 19 Nov 2011 12:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/11/2011/117780/is-supported-living-delivering-on-its-promises-of-choice-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/11/2011/117780/is-supported-living-delivering-on-its-promises-of-choice-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmSupported living is the way forward for people with learning disabilities but the world of rents and benefits is a harsh one that may see them forced to live away from their social networks. Molly Garboden reports Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/11/2011/117787/the-impact-of-competitive-tendering-on-social-services-and-service-users.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/11/2011/117787/the-impact-of-competitive-tendering-on-social-services-and-service-users.htmMark Drinkwater reports on how competitive tendering of services can leave staff, and service users, feeling all at sea Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/11/2011/117790/nlgn-government-must-rethink-personal-budgets-target.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/11/2011/117790/nlgn-government-must-rethink-personal-budgets-target.htmThe government must relax its 2013 target for 100% take-up of personal budgets in adult social care, according to the New Local Government Network.Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/11/2011/117786/research-multiple-exclusion-homelessness.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/11/2011/117786/research-multiple-exclusion-homelessness.htmMichelle Cornes and Jill Manthorpe summarise the findings of the Multiple Exclusion Homelessness Research Programme outlining the key practice implications for social workers Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/11/2011/117783/mental-health-payment-by-results-tariff-stalled.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/11/2011/117783/mental-health-payment-by-results-tariff-stalled.htmCreating an NHS payment by results tariff for mental health services remains a challenge which mental health trusts and service commissioners have failed to address, according to the NHS Confederation. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/11/2011/117782/how-retro-styling-homes-can-help-elderly-people-with-dementia-feel-more-comfortable.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/11/2011/117782/how-retro-styling-homes-can-help-elderly-people-with-dementia-feel-more-comfortable.htmRetro-decorating can help people with dementia to stay at home for longer by placing familiar items from their past in their home to reduce anxiety and to trigger memories. Jeremy Dunning reports Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/11/2011/117776/boost-council-commissioning-transparency-says-adass-chief.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/11/2011/117776/boost-council-commissioning-transparency-says-adass-chief.htmLocal authority commissioning should be more transparent and outcomes more minutely measured to help increase the number of providers in the social care market, said Peter Hay, president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/11/2011/117757/people-with-dementia-being-denied-direct-payments.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/11/2011/117757/people-with-dementia-being-denied-direct-payments.htmPeople with dementia are not reaping the benefits of personal budgets because of a lack of information and knowledge among social care professionals, and tightening eligibility criteria, an Alzheimer's Society report warns today (Thursday). Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/11/2011/117773/skills-for-care-launches-guide-for-social-care-employers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/11/2011/117773/skills-for-care-launches-guide-for-social-care-employers.htmSkills for Care has launched a practical guide to the Principles of Workforce Redesign to help adult social care employers manage the changes the sector is facing. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/11/2011/117771/ukhca-warns-councils-over-care-funding-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/11/2011/117771/ukhca-warns-councils-over-care-funding-cuts.htmCare agencies are increasingly willing to use the courts to address home care funding issues, the United Kingdom Homecare Association has warned councils. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/11/2011/117743/tracy-ryan-the-countrys-first-dignity-co-ordinator.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/11/2011/117743/tracy-ryan-the-countrys-first-dignity-co-ordinator.htmThe UK's first dignity in care co-ordinator tells Jeremy Dunning how her role has benefited service users and practitioners alike Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/11/2011/117755/serious-case-review-of-womans-death-reveals-support-gaps.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/11/2011/117755/serious-case-review-of-womans-death-reveals-support-gaps.htmMajor gaps in support for vulnerable adults with undiagnosed learning disabilities have been exposed by the exploitation and murder of Gemma Hayter (pictured), who was beaten to death in August 2010 by people she considered her friends, a serious case review has found. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/11/2011/117746/research-supported-housing-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/11/2011/117746/research-supported-housing-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmReducing the number of people with learning disabilities in residential care requires a creative, personalised approach, writes Dr Trish Hafford-Letchfield Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/11/2011/117744/helping-people-with-learning-disabilities-take-control-of-their-lives.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/11/2011/117744/helping-people-with-learning-disabilities-take-control-of-their-lives.htmA project to help learning disabled people take charge of their support is helping Cornwall shed its legacy of abuse, reports Maria Ahmed Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/11/2011/117753/care-homes-jubilant-as-council-agrees-to-review-fees.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/11/2011/117753/care-homes-jubilant-as-council-agrees-to-review-fees.htmCare home leaders are celebrating after a council ordered a review of its fees for providers under threat of a judicial review challenge.Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/11/2011/117752/unlawful-threshold-rise-sends-message-to-councils-on-care-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/11/2011/117752/unlawful-threshold-rise-sends-message-to-councils-on-care-cuts.htmThe Isle of Wight Council's increase in eligibility thresholds for adult care this year was unlawful, it was ruled today, in a judgement today that "sends a very clear message" to other councils considering cuts. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/11/2011/117747/social-works-most-influential-thinkers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/11/2011/117747/social-works-most-influential-thinkers.htmWho are the people whose ideas have done the most to shape the nature of social work? Community Care profiles some of the profession's most influential brain boxes Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/11/2011/117741/judge-orders-council-to-rethink-care-provider-fee-freeze.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/11/2011/117741/judge-orders-council-to-rethink-care-provider-fee-freeze.htmA judge has ordered a council to rethink its decision to freeze fees to residential care providers. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/11/2011/117739/burstow-bid-to-use-dols-to-curb-antipsychotics-use-draconian.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/11/2011/117739/burstow-bid-to-use-dols-to-curb-antipsychotics-use-draconian.htmConcerns have been raised over "draconian" proposals from care services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) to use the deprivation of liberty safeguards to crack down on inappropriate prescriptions of antipsychotic drugs to sedate people with dementia. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/11/2011/117736/statutory-watchdog-needed-to-resolve-care-funding-crisis.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/11/2011/117736/statutory-watchdog-needed-to-resolve-care-funding-crisis.htmSocial care's funding crisis can only be tackled through the creation of a statutory watchdog tasked with holding ministers to account for underfunding.Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/11/2011/117737/councils-boost-reablement-services-with-cash-from-nhs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/11/2011/117737/councils-boost-reablement-services-with-cash-from-nhs.htmReablement services are being expanded significantly across England on the back of £648m transferred from the NHS to local authorities this year. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/11/2011/117735/mps-hear-scie-chief-call-basw-unethical-in-college-row.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/11/2011/117735/mps-hear-scie-chief-call-basw-unethical-in-college-row.htmThe row over the creation of the College of Social Work deepened today as the British Association of Social Workers was accused of "unethical" and "unprincipled" behaviour by Allan Bowman (pictured), the chair of the Social Care Institute for Excellence. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/11/2011/117732/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-guide-for-care-homes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/11/2011/117732/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-guide-for-care-homes.htmCare homes sometimes find it difficult to identify when they are depriving a resident of their liberty. Here deprivation of liberty safeguards expert John Leighton sets out what they need to look out for.Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/11/2011/117731/social-workers-failed-to-monitor-elderly-man-murdered-by-son.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/11/2011/117731/social-workers-failed-to-monitor-elderly-man-murdered-by-son.htmSocial workers failed to monitor the circumstances of a direct payments user who was murdered by his son, a serious case review has found. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/11/2011/117730/provider-to-import-us-style-small-scale-elderly-care-homes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/11/2011/117730/provider-to-import-us-style-small-scale-elderly-care-homes.htmOne of the UK's biggest care providers is planning to introduce a US model for replacing "factory-style" care homes for older people with smaller units. US geriatrician Dr Bill Thomas (pictured) visited the UK last week to promote the idea. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2011/117724/employers-fail-to-refer-abusive-care-workers-to-watchdog.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2011/117724/employers-fail-to-refer-abusive-care-workers-to-watchdog.htmHealth and social care employers are failing to report cases of staff found to have harmed or abused service users, the Independent Safeguarding Authority has warned, after figures revealed the extent of abuse within services. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2011/117718/laraine-bruce-a-care-checker-on-the-side-of-users.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2011/117718/laraine-bruce-a-care-checker-on-the-side-of-users.htmAn organisation has recruited an army of "care checkers" to visit settings so that service users are heard. Mithran Samuel reports Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2011/117714/community-care-moves-to-an-online-future.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2011/117714/community-care-moves-to-an-online-future.htmCommunity Care takes the difficult decision to close the print magazine and focus all its energy and resources on supporting social care professionals online. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2011/117720/centrepoint-staff-to-stage-strikes-this-month-over-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2011/117720/centrepoint-staff-to-stage-strikes-this-month-over-cuts.htmUnite members at Centrepoint are to go on strike three times this month in response to the homelessness charity's plans to cut staff salaries. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2011/117713/30000-cases-of-abuse-of-vulnerable-adults-last-year.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2011/117713/30000-cases-of-abuse-of-vulnerable-adults-last-year.htmCouncils identifed over 30,000 cases of abuse of vulnerable adults last year, according to official figures from the NHS Information Centre Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2011/117715/social-workers-confused-over-college-and-gscc-roles.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2011/117715/social-workers-confused-over-college-and-gscc-roles.htmDespite the imminent formation of the College of Social Work many social workers and social work students do not know the difference between a regulator and a professional body. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2011/117709/service-cuts-increase-isolation-among-elderly-finds-survey.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2011/117709/service-cuts-increase-isolation-among-elderly-finds-survey.htmOlder people believe their well-being is under attack through a combination of cuts to community services, poor care at home services and failings in hospital care, putting an overstretched NHS under even greater pressure, research from the WRVS released today shows. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/11/2011/117703/lord-low-government-should-not-remove-dla-mobility-benefit.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/11/2011/117703/lord-low-government-should-not-remove-dla-mobility-benefit.htmRemoving mobility benefits for disabled people living in residential care would be "a serious step backwards for disability rights", according to Lord Low's review of the issue. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/11/2011/117702/how-a-board-game-is-helping-social-care-staff-implement-personalisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/11/2011/117702/how-a-board-game-is-helping-social-care-staff-implement-personalisation.htmA board game that helps staff, providers and service users understand personalisation has succeeded in changing the culture in some organisations, reports Louise HuntWed, 02 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/11/2011/117701/campaign-to-boost-status-of-care-service-managers-launched.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/11/2011/117701/campaign-to-boost-status-of-care-service-managers-launched.htmA campaign has been launched to raise the "disappointing" status of registered care managers to ensure they are regarded as "recognised professionals" on a par with doctors, nurses and social workers. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/11/2011/117694/inquiry-launched-into-outcomes-for-people-with-schizophrenia.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/11/2011/117694/inquiry-launched-into-outcomes-for-people-with-schizophrenia.htmAn inquiry into why outcomes for people with schizophrenia remain so poor has been launched today, 100 years after the illness was identified. Rethink Mental Illness chief executive Paul Jenkins (pictured) said that people with the condition are too often "forgotten and end up with a low quality of life".Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/10/2011/117692/charities-should-take-mental-health-care-co-ordinator-role.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/10/2011/117692/charities-should-take-mental-health-care-co-ordinator-role.htmThe co-ordination of mental healthcare for users should be outsourced from social workers and NHS colleagues to the third sector to improve the independence and creativity of support.Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/10/2011/117685/making-personalisation-work-in-residential-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/10/2011/117685/making-personalisation-work-in-residential-care.htmPersonalisation can work for people in residential care, but it needs a new culture that can bring challenges for both service users and staff. Natalie Valios reports Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/10/2011/117686/care-complaints-in-elderly-care-treble-in-wales.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/10/2011/117686/care-complaints-in-elderly-care-treble-in-wales.htmThe number of referrals to the Care Council for Wales (CCW) involving student social workers has fallen over the past two years, according to latest figures. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/10/2011/117681/hike-in-number-of-rough-sleepers-with-mental-health-issues.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/10/2011/117681/hike-in-number-of-rough-sleepers-with-mental-health-issues.htmIncreasing numbers of people with mental health problems are sleeping rough due to cuts to mental health services, homelessness outreach workers have warned. (Picture: Rex, model released)Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/10/2011/117683/merged-user-led-disability-charity-to-have-more-clout.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/10/2011/117683/merged-user-led-disability-charity-to-have-more-clout.htmA new super-charity led by disabled people will have more influence on policy and greater fundraising clout than its three predecessor organisations put together.Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2011/117673/book-review-of-learning-difficulties-and-sexual-vulnerability.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2011/117673/book-review-of-learning-difficulties-and-sexual-vulnerability.htmI found this book thought-provoking and a welcome challenge to established ideas about vulnerability, writes Beth Billington. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2011/117675/legal-update-latest-adult-social-care-cases-including-learning-disabilities-and-personalisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2011/117675/legal-update-latest-adult-social-care-cases-including-learning-disabilities-and-personalisation.htmEd Mitchell looks at some important recent adult services cases that have not been widely publicised. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2011/117672/what-is-best-for-a-couple-with-dementia.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2011/117672/what-is-best-for-a-couple-with-dementia.htmFamilies and partners can often be a source of support, but there are times when the individual needs of couples can be in conflict with each other, paricularly in cases of dementiaWed, 26 Oct 2011 16:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2011/117670/lansley-500-nursing-homes-face-dignity-and-nutrition-probes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2011/117670/lansley-500-nursing-homes-face-dignity-and-nutrition-probes.htmNutrition and patient dignity standards at 500 nursing homes are to be checked over the next six months, health secretary Andrew Lansley (pictured) said today.Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2011/117674/book-review-hearing-the-person-with-dementia.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2011/117674/book-review-hearing-the-person-with-dementia.htmRecent policy initiatives such as the dementia strategy for England have encouraged an increasing awareness of the needs of people with dementia, writes Dr Elaine Argyle. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2011/117667/supporting-people-cuts-put-people-at-risk-and-shunt-costs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2011/117667/supporting-people-cuts-put-people-at-risk-and-shunt-costs.htmSupporting People cuts will put vulnerable people at risk and shunt costs on to other parts of the care and support system, councils have warned. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/10/2011/117654/should-scrs-be-mandatory-when-vulnerable-adults-are-killed.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/10/2011/117654/should-scrs-be-mandatory-when-vulnerable-adults-are-killed.htmCalls to mandate serious case reviews when adults at risk are murdered fail to recognise there are other ways of learning lessons, finds Natalie Valios Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/10/2011/117658/dilnot-proposals-will-not-deliver-insurance-market-for-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/10/2011/117658/dilnot-proposals-will-not-deliver-insurance-market-for-care.htmThe insurance industry is unlikely to back the Dilnot Commission's proposals to reform adult care funding, according to a think-tank chief.Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/10/2011/117652/mentoring-project-helps-anxiety-sufferers-towards-recovery.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/10/2011/117652/mentoring-project-helps-anxiety-sufferers-towards-recovery.htmA peer mentoring project is providing positive outcomes for people with anxiety, reports Louise HuntMon, 24 Oct 2011 11:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/10/2011/117641/families-denied-information-on-ex-southern-cross-homes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/10/2011/117641/families-denied-information-on-ex-southern-cross-homes.htmFamilies will struggle to judge the quality of former Southern Cross care homes because they cannot access information on past performance, it has emerged. Care Quality Commission chief executive Cynthia Bower (left) has promised to look into the issue.Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/10/2011/117644/lansley-nhs-cash-has-stabilised-care-eligibility-thresholds.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/10/2011/117644/lansley-nhs-cash-has-stabilised-care-eligibility-thresholds.htmCouncils have stabilised eligibility thresholds and put in place services to cut hospital admissions with money transferred from the NHS this year, health secretary Andrew Lansley said today.Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/10/2011/117636/councils-dont-know-how-to-identify-carers-says-charity-chief.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/10/2011/117636/councils-dont-know-how-to-identify-carers-says-charity-chief.htmMany councils are failing to support carers effectively because they do not know how to find them, outgoing Carers UK chief executive Imelda Redmond has warmed.Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/10/2011/117630/adass-chief-urges-ministers-to-close-care-funding-gap.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/10/2011/117630/adass-chief-urges-ministers-to-close-care-funding-gap.htmMinisters were urged today to close the resource gap for adult social care today in order to secure financial security and dignity for current and future service users. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2011/117377/the-role-of-the-social-care-broker.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2011/117377/the-role-of-the-social-care-broker.htmPersonalisation and personal budgets have brought new skills and jobs in social care, including brokerage. But it is unclear what this role involves and who should be doing it. Steve Dowson argues it is best done independently of the local authority rather than by council care managers Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2011/117629/make-clients-apple-of-your-eye-public-services-urged.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2011/117629/make-clients-apple-of-your-eye-public-services-urged.htmPublic services should think more like technology giant Apple and make client needs the top priority, Sir Michael Bichard, told the National Children and Adult Services Conference in London.Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2011/117628/care-home-staff-feel-untrusted-by-adult-safeguarding-system.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2011/117628/care-home-staff-feel-untrusted-by-adult-safeguarding-system.htmCare home staff feel "under pressure" and "not trusted" because of the number of adult safeguarding alerts providers feel they have to make, sometimes for trivial issues.Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2011/117625/personal-budgets-emphasis-risks-excluding-complex-needs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2011/117625/personal-budgets-emphasis-risks-excluding-complex-needs.htmThe emphasis on providing personal budgets for all risks failing to deliver personalised care for people with the most complex needs, a report from Demos warns today.Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2011/117618/councils-urged-to-sign-up-to-new-personalisation-indicators.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2011/117618/councils-urged-to-sign-up-to-new-personalisation-indicators.htmCouncils and providers have been urged to sign up to a new suite of indicators on personalisation and publish details of their progress against them. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2011/117619/cut-social-workers-planning-role-to-empower-users.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2011/117619/cut-social-workers-planning-role-to-empower-users.htmSocial workers' role in support planning should be radically reduced to enable service users to take control of deciding how to spend their personal budgets, an influential paper said this week. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2011/117620/cut-bureaucracy-for-service-users-councils-told.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2011/117620/cut-bureaucracy-for-service-users-councils-told.htmRestrictions on how service users spend personal budgets should be lifted, say sector leaders. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2011/117623/councils-on-track-for-2013-target-of-personal-budgets-for-all.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2011/117623/councils-on-track-for-2013-target-of-personal-budgets-for-all.htmCouncils are on track to meet the government's target of having all service users on personal budgets by 2013, a survey has found. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2011/117624/supply-of-extra-care-housing-drying-up.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2011/117624/supply-of-extra-care-housing-drying-up.htmThe supply of extra care housing is drying up because of a lack of government funding and the poor state of the housing market, experts have concluded.Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/10/2011/117580/monitoring-duplication-blights-care-home-managers-lives.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/10/2011/117580/monitoring-duplication-blights-care-home-managers-lives.htmCare home managers are finding their time increasingly taken up by multiple information requests as councils, primary care trusts and the Care Quality Commission each look to monitor standards. Jeremy Dunning reports Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/10/2011/117599/liberating-social-work-from-the-shackles-of-care-management.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/10/2011/117599/liberating-social-work-from-the-shackles-of-care-management.htmThere's light at the end of the tunnel for social workers and service users fed up with the bureaucracy surrounding the design of personal budgets. Mithran Samuel reports Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/10/2011/117615/direct-payments-not-reaching-mental-health-service-users.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/10/2011/117615/direct-payments-not-reaching-mental-health-service-users.htmPeople with mental health problems are being denied the benefits of direct payments because of a lack of staff knowledge and inadequate information from councils, a Rethink Mental Illness report has warned. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/10/2011/117613/cqc-failing-to-protect-adults-abused-or-neglected-in-hospital.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/10/2011/117613/cqc-failing-to-protect-adults-abused-or-neglected-in-hospital.htmThe Care Quality Commission is failing to protect adults experiencing abuse or neglect in hospitals, Action on Elder Abuse has claimed in a damning report.Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2011/117663/pcts-facing-more-appeals-against-continuing-care-decisions.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2011/117663/pcts-facing-more-appeals-against-continuing-care-decisions.htmThe NHS faced more appeals against decisions to deny people continuing healthcare funding last year and a greater proportion were successful, Community Care research shows. (Picture: Rex, posed by model)Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/10/2011/117610/overcoming-social-work-barriers-to-person-centred-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/10/2011/117610/overcoming-social-work-barriers-to-person-centred-care.htmSome social care staff struggle to deliver person-centred care. But a report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation offers advice on how many of the perceived barriers can be overcome with the right attitude and commitment Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/10/2011/117608/vital-role-of-appropriate-adult-to-help-vulnerable-people.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/10/2011/117608/vital-role-of-appropriate-adult-to-help-vulnerable-people.htmSocial workers have much to offer and to gain from becoming an appropriate adult to help vulnerable people in criminal investigations. Gordon Carson looks at the role Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2011/117607/how-to-contribute-to-adult-safeguarding-meetings.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2011/117607/how-to-contribute-to-adult-safeguarding-meetings.htmChris Russell offers advice on how to make the best of every opportunity a safeguarding meeting provides. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2011/117601/research-working-with-fathers-with-a-history-of-domestic-violence.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2011/117601/research-working-with-fathers-with-a-history-of-domestic-violence.htmSocial work academic Dr Kieron Hatton examines research on social work with fathers who have carried out domestic violence Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2011/117600/head-to-head-do-we-need-independent-brokers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2011/117600/head-to-head-do-we-need-independent-brokers.htmWould a network of independent brokers help service users make the most of their personal budgets? Steve Dowson says yes. Simon Duffy disagrees Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2011/117595/patients-stripped-of-dignity-in-hospitals-warns-cqc.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2011/117595/patients-stripped-of-dignity-in-hospitals-warns-cqc.htmPatients are being "stripped of their dignity" on many hospital wards because of poor staff attitudes, inadequate leadership and stretched resources, the Care Quality Commission warned today. (Picture posed by model, Rex) Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2011/117597/compulsory-community-mental-health-care-hailed-a-success.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2011/117597/compulsory-community-mental-health-care-hailed-a-success.htmCompulsory community mental health treatment in Scotland has benefited most service users, allaying fears that it would be used simply to enforce compliance with treatment. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/10/2011/117591/psychiatrists-want-nhs-reforms-to-be-scrapped.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/10/2011/117591/psychiatrists-want-nhs-reforms-to-be-scrapped.htmJust 12% of psychiatrists believe the government's NHS reforms will lead to better patient care, as legislation to enact them enters the House of Lords today. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/10/2011/117565/benefits-of-home-care-reablement-in-the-long-term.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/10/2011/117565/benefits-of-home-care-reablement-in-the-long-term.htmReablement is popular with service users and although not the cheapest option, may have longer term benefits. Jill Manthorpe reviews the evidence Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/10/2011/117584/government-will-not-prop-up-failing-care-providers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/10/2011/117584/government-will-not-prop-up-failing-care-providers.htmThe government will not prop up care providers whose businesses have failed, in the wake of the Southern Cross case. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/10/2011/117586/criminalising-forced-marriage-could-push-it-further-underground.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/10/2011/117586/criminalising-forced-marriage-could-push-it-further-underground.htmMaking forced marriage a criminal offence risks "pushing the issue further underground", an expert has warned as David Cameron (left) announced a consultation on the idea today. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/10/2011/117573/book-review-community-development-a-critical-approach.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/10/2011/117573/book-review-community-development-a-critical-approach.htmThe coalition government is vigorously engaged in reducing the role of the state in the delivery of services in education, including schools and universities, the health service and services traditionally delivered by local authorities, writes Keith Popple.Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/10/2011/117582/20m-boost-for-campaign-to-tackle-mental-health-stigma.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/10/2011/117582/20m-boost-for-campaign-to-tackle-mental-health-stigma.htmCare services minister Paul Burstow has announced a £20m boost for the Time to Change campaign to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/10/2011/117577/lansleys-continuing-care-plan-could-save-300m-a-year.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/10/2011/117577/lansleys-continuing-care-plan-could-save-300m-a-year.htmHealth secretary Andrew Lansley's (pictured) plans to extend personal health budgets (PHBs) to people receiving continuing healthcare could save £300m a year nationally.Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/10/2011/117578/southern-cross-to-close-home-at-centre-of-abuse-inquiry.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/10/2011/117578/southern-cross-to-close-home-at-centre-of-abuse-inquiry.htmSouthern Cross is to close a nursing home at the centre of an abuse inquiry weeks before its transfer to a new provider, it announced today. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/10/2011/117576/benefit-reforms-threaten-vulnerable-peoples-independence.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/10/2011/117576/benefit-reforms-threaten-vulnerable-peoples-independence.htmPlanned housing benefit reforms may force vulnerable people to leave supported housing settings for residential care or to return to their families, says a coalition of charities. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/10/2011/117574/book-review-using-the-law-in-social-work-5th-edition.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/10/2011/117574/book-review-using-the-law-in-social-work-5th-edition.htmFor new social work students, the fifth edition of Using the Law in Social Work gives a good basic introductory overview of the main legal issues. It is not designed or suitable for detailed legal reference, but has good suggestions for further reading, writes Linda Naylor Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/10/2011/117571/drug-addiction-recovery-rates-on-the-up.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/10/2011/117571/drug-addiction-recovery-rates-on-the-up.htmThe number of people recovering from drug addiction in England rose by 18% last year, according to the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA).Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/10/2011/117567/how-a-uk-council-is-helping-a-remote-atlantic-island-deliver-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/10/2011/117567/how-a-uk-council-is-helping-a-remote-atlantic-island-deliver-social-care.htmThe island associated with Napoleon's exile has forged a relationship with a Scottish council to improve its social care. Natalie Valios reports Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/10/2011/117561/drugs-service-gives-misusers-confidence-to-deal-with-habit.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/10/2011/117561/drugs-service-gives-misusers-confidence-to-deal-with-habit.htm A walk-in drugs service is giving people the self-confidence to confront and tackle their drug habits, reports Natalie Valios Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2011/117550/council-to-halt-placements-in-third-of-care-homes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2011/117550/council-to-halt-placements-in-third-of-care-homes.htmOne in three of Newcastle-upon-Tyne's care homes will not receive any more council-funded places after a year-long row over funding.Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2011/117559/housing-support-staff-require-more-personalisation-training.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2011/117559/housing-support-staff-require-more-personalisation-training.htmSupported housing staff need significant extra training in personalisation to help the people they support make the most of personal budgets.Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2011/117558/arrests-over-suspected-ill-treatment-at-southern-cross-home.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2011/117558/arrests-over-suspected-ill-treatment-at-southern-cross-home.htmTwo current or former staff at a Southern Cross nursing home have been arrested and bailed on suspicion of ill-treating or neglecting residents.Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2011/117552/personal-budgets-boost-for-continuing-care-clients.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2011/117552/personal-budgets-boost-for-continuing-care-clients.htmPeople with continuing healthcare needs will have the right to request a personal health budget by April 2014, health secretary Andrew Lansley (pictured) has told the Conservative Party conference. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/10/2011/117553/imelda-redmond-steps-down-from-helm-of-carers-uk.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/10/2011/117553/imelda-redmond-steps-down-from-helm-of-carers-uk.htmCarers UK chief executive Imelda Redmond is to step down after 12 years at the organisation. She is moving to become director of policy and public affairs at Marie Curie Cancer Care. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/10/2011/117545/prison-bullying-linked-to-suicides-in-custody.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/10/2011/117545/prison-bullying-linked-to-suicides-in-custody.htmMore effective reporting and recording of bullying among prisoners must be implemented to reduce the number of suicides within custody, according to a report issued today. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/10/2011/117544/patchy-care-home-advocacy-provision-prompts-review-in-wales.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/10/2011/117544/patchy-care-home-advocacy-provision-prompts-review-in-wales.htmA review has been launched into advocacy arrangements for older people living in care homes in Wales, following growing evidence of inconsistent provision across the country. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2011/117543/care-providers-demand-return-to-star-ratings-style-system.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2011/117543/care-providers-demand-return-to-star-ratings-style-system.htmSocial care leaders have called for a similar system to the quality ratings scheme scrapped last year to be introduced to assess adult providers after plans to introduce an excellence award were scrappedFri, 30 Sep 2011 18:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2011/117494/how-to-improve-nutritional-standards-in-care-homes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2011/117494/how-to-improve-nutritional-standards-in-care-homes.htmA care home in Wimbledon has become an academy of nutrition as it responds constantly to residents' food fancies while maintaining quality, reports Jeremy DunningFri, 30 Sep 2011 18:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2011/117535/research-assessing-risk-in-domestic-violence-cases.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2011/117535/research-assessing-risk-in-domestic-violence-cases.htmCommunity Care Inform looks at the implications of research into specialist domestic violence risk assessment for safeguarding and family court work. By Thangam DebbonaireFri, 30 Sep 2011 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2011/117541/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-costs-well-above-estimates.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2011/117541/deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-costs-well-above-estimates.htmDeprivation of Liberty Safeguards (Dols) cases are costing at least twice the government's estimates, raising doubts about the adequacy of funding for local authorities to carry them out.Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2011/117492/research-protecting-adults-at-risk-across-council-boundaries.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2011/117492/research-protecting-adults-at-risk-across-council-boundaries.htmThe Social Care Institute for Excellence has worked with London councils, the police and the NHS to produce guidelines on safeguarding adults Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2011/117514/social-care-providers-excellence-award-to-be-ditched.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2011/117514/social-care-providers-excellence-award-to-be-ditched.htmThe government is to drop the planned excellence award for social care providers after it was universally rejected by the sector. Care Quality Commission chair Jo Williams (pictured) has said that she saw no prospect of the scheme going ahead.Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2011/117526/personalisation-are-personal-budgets-improving-outcomes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2011/117526/personalisation-are-personal-budgets-improving-outcomes.htmResearch published this year found personal budgets were improving outcomes for users. Consultant Colin Slasberg (pictured left) claims the positive effects are not the work of personal budgets but of funding levels. In a response, research author Chris Hatton (right) says his findings are robust Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/09/2011/117531/care-chiefs-to-discuss-how-to-cut-fees-without-damaging-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/09/2011/117531/care-chiefs-to-discuss-how-to-cut-fees-without-damaging-care.htmTalks are to start with councils to relieve the pressure on care home providers which are required to maintain service quality despite real-terms fee cuts.Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/09/2011/117530/safeguarding-adult-boards-struggling-to-secure-resources.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/09/2011/117530/safeguarding-adult-boards-struggling-to-secure-resources.htmSafeguarding adult boards are struggling to secure sufficient resources and the participation of key agencies in their work, a Department of Health-commissioned study finds today. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/09/2011/117528/good-social-work-not-targets-needed-in-self-neglect-cases.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/09/2011/117528/good-social-work-not-targets-needed-in-self-neglect-cases.htmPerformance targets and resource pressures could be undermining the "good social work" that is key to improving the lives of people who neglect themselves, finds research published today.Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/09/2011/117525/welfare-rights-cuts-to-contributory-esa.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/09/2011/117525/welfare-rights-cuts-to-contributory-esa.htmStand by for some worried clients in the next few weeks, writes Gary Vaux. The Department for Work and Pensions is writing to 100,000 people telling them that from April 2012, they might lose their right to benefit.Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/09/2011/117524/supporting-service-users-to-become-employers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/09/2011/117524/supporting-service-users-to-become-employers.htmCommunity Care and Unison's 2011 personalisation survey found social workers needed advice on supporting service users to employ a personal assistant. Independent social worker Kelly Hicks offers some guidanceWed, 28 Sep 2011 15:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/09/2011/117520/practice-panel-isolated-woman-with-learning-disabilities-risks-her-health-by-overeating.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/09/2011/117520/practice-panel-isolated-woman-with-learning-disabilities-risks-her-health-by-overeating.htmExperts offer advice on supporting a learning disabled woman whose health is at risk because she will not leave her mother Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/09/2011/117511/carers-back-call-for-extended-visiting-times-in-hospitals.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/09/2011/117511/carers-back-call-for-extended-visiting-times-in-hospitals.htmRelatives should be more involved in supplying care for their loved ones in hospital as long as it does not replace NHS support, a carers group has said.Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/09/2011/117509/antidepressant-usage-rises-in-scotland.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/09/2011/117509/antidepressant-usage-rises-in-scotland.htmThe number of people prescribed anti-depressants in Scotland has continued to rise in the past year, despite a government pledge to reduce usage.Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/09/2011/117461/research-findings-on-improving-dementia-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/09/2011/117461/research-findings-on-improving-dementia-care.htmDr Mary Pat Sullivan and colleagues examine key research findings on dementia Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/09/2011/117465/safeguarding-adult-hub-promises-easier-access-to-information-for-practitioners.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/09/2011/117465/safeguarding-adult-hub-promises-easier-access-to-information-for-practitioners.htmA website is about to be launched that could radically improve professionals' access to information when handling adult protection cases. Mithran Samuel reports Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/09/2011/117495/what-future-for-adult-social-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/09/2011/117495/what-future-for-adult-social-work.htmThe future of adult social work is in question due to cuts, the legacy of care management and the focus on child protection. This week, the College of Social Work starts a project to bolster adult social work's standing. How will it achieve this?Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/09/2011/117504/limited-uptake-of-personal-budgets-in-scottish-pilot-areas.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/09/2011/117504/limited-uptake-of-personal-budgets-in-scottish-pilot-areas.htmJust 150 new personal budget arrangements were set up in three Scottish self-directed support pilot sites over the past two years despite “significant investment from the Scottish government”, a study has found. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/09/2011/117500/poor-grasp-of-mental-capacity-act-impeding-outcomes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/09/2011/117500/poor-grasp-of-mental-capacity-act-impeding-outcomes.htmPeople with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) have too little say over their lives because professionals lack understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, says Mencap. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/09/2011/115421/graduate-training-scheme-for-adult-social-care-management.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/09/2011/115421/graduate-training-scheme-for-adult-social-care-management.htmArmed with a degree but no practical experience, the next generation of adult care leaders is being trained for a rapid rise through the ranks, reports Kirsty Mc GregorThu, 22 Sep 2011 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/09/2011/117487/how-social-care-can-prevent-fire-deaths.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/09/2011/117487/how-social-care-can-prevent-fire-deaths.htmFire chief Rita Dexter explains how social care staff can minimise risks to older service usersThu, 22 Sep 2011 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/09/2011/117488/councils-must-beware-legal-limits-of-contracting-out.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/09/2011/117488/councils-must-beware-legal-limits-of-contracting-out.htmThe law has a habit of lagging behind innovative ways of providing services for disabled people, writes Ed Mitchell Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/09/2011/117485/scots-councils-face-6-cut-amid-boost-to-older-peoples-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/09/2011/117485/scots-councils-face-6-cut-amid-boost-to-older-peoples-care.htmCouncils in Scotland face a 6% real-terms cut in central funding over the next three years though additional money is being made available to improve care for older people in 2012-13, the Scottish government announced today.Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/09/2011/117481/college-of-social-work-to-launch-without-basw.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/09/2011/117481/college-of-social-work-to-launch-without-basw.htmThe College of Social Work will formally launch on 3 January next year, without the support of the British Association of Social Workers. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/09/2011/117482/social-workers-fail-to-signpost-service-users-to-support.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/09/2011/117482/social-workers-fail-to-signpost-service-users-to-support.htmSocial workers risk failing to signpost service users to valuable sources of support from peers and community organisations because of a lack of awareness.Wed, 21 Sep 2011 07:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/09/2011/117472/reassessments-of-users-subject-to-care-cuts-were-tokenistic.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/09/2011/117472/reassessments-of-users-subject-to-care-cuts-were-tokenistic.htmService users subject to cuts say reassessments of their needs were a "rubberstamping exercise", says a report on a council that has raised eligibility thresholds. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/09/2011/117468/homelessness-staff-rough-sleepers-being-lured-into-slavery.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/09/2011/117468/homelessness-staff-rough-sleepers-being-lured-into-slavery.htmHomeless workers have reported a growing problem of gangs luring rough sleepers into enforced labour by preying on their desperation. Sun, 18 Sep 2011 09:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/09/2011/117456/nursing-homes-are-least-compliant-with-cqc-standards.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/09/2011/117456/nursing-homes-are-least-compliant-with-cqc-standards.htmNursing homes are less compliant with Care Quality Commission standards overall than other social care services, according to early findings from inspections under the new regulatory system introduced last year. Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/09/2011/117450/using-volunteers-to-support-people-on-personal-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/09/2011/117450/using-volunteers-to-support-people-on-personal-budgets.htmLive-in volunteers are helping people with disabilities pursue independent lives, reports Daniel Lombard Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/09/2011/117464/scotland-toughens-up-care-home-inspection-regime.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/09/2011/117464/scotland-toughens-up-care-home-inspection-regime.htmScottish care homes will get at least one unannounced inspection a year, under plans to toughen up scrutiny of services announced today by health secretary Nicola Sturgeon. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/09/2011/117448/burstow-calls-on-sector-to-shape-social-care-reforms.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/09/2011/117448/burstow-calls-on-sector-to-shape-social-care-reforms.htmCare services minister Paul Burstow has called on the social care sector to help shape its forthcoming White Paper in a three-month consultation launched today. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/09/2011/117442/personalisation-councils-urged-to-boost-user-choice.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/09/2011/117442/personalisation-councils-urged-to-boost-user-choice.htmThe roll-out of personal budgets will only deliver personal value for money if councils take steps to increase choice for users in the social care market, the National Audit Office said today. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2011/117444/employer-of-social-worker-kidnapped-in-kenya-tells-of-shock.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2011/117444/employer-of-social-worker-kidnapped-in-kenya-tells-of-shock.htmKidnapped social worker Judith Tebbutt's employers have spoken of their shock after she was taken hostage while holidaying in Kenya. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2011/117443/burstow-announces-10m-boost-for-dementia-memory-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2011/117443/burstow-announces-10m-boost-for-dementia-memory-services.htmThe government has announced a £10m boost for dementia memory services to improve earlier diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2011/117441/professionals-at-odds-over-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2011/117441/professionals-at-odds-over-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards.htmSocial workers need much clearer guidance about the deprivation of liberty safeguards (Dols) after a study found widespread disagreement between professionals about what constituted a deprivation.Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2011/117439/mps-blame-lack-of-cqc-inspections-on-distorted-priorities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2011/117439/mps-blame-lack-of-cqc-inspections-on-distorted-priorities.htmThe Care Quality Commission’s “distorted priorities” were responsible for a recent fall in inspections of adult social care services, MPs have said.Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2011/117440/70000-more-families-with-disabled-children-hit-by-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2011/117440/70000-more-families-with-disabled-children-hit-by-cuts.htmSeventy thousand more families with disabled children than first thought will see their benefits slashed under Welfare Reform Bill plans, government figures have revealed. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/09/2011/117436/scie-launches-mental-health-tool-for-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/09/2011/117436/scie-launches-mental-health-tool-for-social-workers.htmThe Social Care Institute for Excellence (Scie) has released a training package to help social workers better understand the needs of parents with mental health problems. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/09/2011/117427/slavery-victims-receiving-social-care-after-police-raid.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/09/2011/117427/slavery-victims-receiving-social-care-after-police-raid.htmTwenty-four alleged victims of slavery have been provided with social care support today after being rescued from a Bedfordshire traveller site. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/09/2011/117423/extra-care-housing-delivers-better-outcomes-than-home-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/09/2011/117423/extra-care-housing-delivers-better-outcomes-than-home-care.htmSocial care professionals have been told to give users more information and advice on extra care housing after research found that it led to better outcomes and reduced costs compared with home care alone. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/09/2011/117424/vulnerable-lose-out-on-advocacy-as-cuts-and-demand-take-toll.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/09/2011/117424/vulnerable-lose-out-on-advocacy-as-cuts-and-demand-take-toll.htmAccess to advocacy for vulnerable groups is to fall significantly due to a combination of rising demand and substantial funding cuts, sector umbrella group Action for Advocacy has found.Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2011/117430/council-gives-social-workers-more-time-to-reassess-users.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2011/117430/council-gives-social-workers-more-time-to-reassess-users.htmSocial workers have been given longer to assess service users at risk from cuts in West Sussex to ensure their needs are thoroughly reviewed. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2011/117432/cqc-to-slim-down-inspections-of-care-providers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2011/117432/cqc-to-slim-down-inspections-of-care-providers.htmCare providers will face slimmed down inspections under reforms to the Care Quality Commission's regulation regime. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2011/117428/councils-cant-blame-cuts-for-decline-in-disability-provision.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2011/117428/councils-cant-blame-cuts-for-decline-in-disability-provision.htmCouncils cannot blame government cuts for their failure to protect social care services, according to research that found some authorities were maintaining provision despite deep cuts. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2011/117418/social-workers-need-more-awareness-of-exhausted-older-carers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2011/117418/social-workers-need-more-awareness-of-exhausted-older-carers.htmSocial care professionals have been urged to become more aware of the needs of older carers after a survey found two-thirds had long-term health problems.Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2011/117422/social-care-urged-to-intervene-early-to-prevent-homelessness.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2011/117422/social-care-urged-to-intervene-early-to-prevent-homelessness.htmSocial care agencies have a major role to play in preventing homelessness after research published today found that nearly half of people who have been homeless have a combined history of substance misuse, institutional care and street activities like begging.Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2011/117410/care-home-workers-take-part-in-the-worldskills-competition.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2011/117410/care-home-workers-take-part-in-the-worldskills-competition.htmTwo care assistants are representing the UK at this year's WorldSkills competition. Kirsty McGregor finds out about their ambitions and the training involved Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2011/117420/call-to-make-scrs-mandatory-for-murders-of-adults-at-risk.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/09/2011/117420/call-to-make-scrs-mandatory-for-murders-of-adults-at-risk.htmSerious case reviews should be mandatory when vulnerable adults are murdered to help address the failure of public agencies to tackle disability hate crime. The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s inquiry into the issue highlighted the SCR of murdered learning disabled man Steven Hoskin (pictured) in 2006 as one that had enabled agencies to learn lessons.Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/09/2011/117421/concern-over-lack-of-transparency-in-personal-budget-setting.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/09/2011/117421/concern-over-lack-of-transparency-in-personal-budget-setting.htmSector leaders have raised concerns over the transparency of personal budgets after research found councils could not provide information on how their resource allocation systems converted assessments into budgets. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/09/2011/117417/how-do-you-help-homeless-people-who-refuse-your-support.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/09/2011/117417/how-do-you-help-homeless-people-who-refuse-your-support.htmA group of women who sleep rough in London refuse help, seeing homelessness as their choice. They do not take drugs or abuse alcohol but may have undiagnosed mental health issues. We asked three College of Social Work representatives what they would do in response to two such cases Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/09/2011/117416/court-allows-challenge-to-councils-rise-in-care-threshold.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/09/2011/117416/court-allows-challenge-to-councils-rise-in-care-threshold.htmThe High Court has allowed a legal challenge against Isle of Wight Council's decision to raise eligibility thresholds for adult care, limiting access to those substantial needs. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/09/2011/117400/community-care-launches-website-for-adult-care-practitioners.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/09/2011/117400/community-care-launches-website-for-adult-care-practitioners.htmResidential and domiciliary care staff are an important part of the social care universe but it is too easy for their needs to be ignored. Community Care has set out to address this problem with the launch of the latest addition to www.communitycare.co.uk - You Care. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/09/2011/117402/council-pays-out-9000-for-failing-carer-and-disabled-man.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/09/2011/117402/council-pays-out-9000-for-failing-carer-and-disabled-man.htmA council has agreed to pay a carer £9,000 for assessment failings that made it more difficult for her to request support in caring for her severely disabled son. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2011/117394/cuts-damaging-viability-of-rural-home-care-visits.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2011/117394/cuts-damaging-viability-of-rural-home-care-visits.htmRural home care services are becoming unviable become of the combined impact of cuts and journey times between visits, according to the United Kingdom Home Care Association. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2011/117393/home-care-staff-face-worsening-pay-and-reduced-safety.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2011/117393/home-care-staff-face-worsening-pay-and-reduced-safety.htmHome care staff are facing reduced pay and conditions and are being put at risk because of council cuts to providers, a United Kingdom Homecare Association survey has found. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2011/117398/learning-disability-hospital-inspections-soar.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2011/117398/learning-disability-hospital-inspections-soar.htmInspections of independent learning disability healthcare services have rocketed since the exposure of alleged abuse at Winterbourne View hospital (pictured) at the end of May.Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/09/2011/117397/supreme-court-to-rule-on-council-care-worker-pay-bias.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/09/2011/117397/supreme-court-to-rule-on-council-care-worker-pay-bias.htmThe Supreme Court will decide next month whether Sheffield Council discriminated against female care workers by excluding them from a bonus system available to staff in roles largely occupied by men. Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/09/2011/117392/service-users-at-risk-as-home-care-cuts-shorten-visits.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/09/2011/117392/service-users-at-risk-as-home-care-cuts-shorten-visits.htmService users' safety and dignity are being put at risk due to council home care cuts, sector leaders have warned after a survey revealed service shortcomings. Mon, 05 Sep 2011 15:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/09/2011/117390/tackling-abuse-against-carers-what-social-workers-should-do.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/09/2011/117390/tackling-abuse-against-carers-what-social-workers-should-do.htmAlthough abuse of carers by the people they care for is rare, social workers need to be able to spot the risk factors. A recent good practice paper from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (Adass) said practitioners operated a "rule of optimism", whereby they overestimated families' ability to care, which can lead to them missing this form of abuse. Denial, guilt and fear on carers' part can also account for abuse going unnoticed. Below, Natalie Valios looks at four indicators of possible abuse highlighted by Adass and what social workers should do when confronted with them Fri, 02 Sep 2011 22:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/09/2011/117388/another-council-faces-legal-action-over-care-threshold.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/09/2011/117388/another-council-faces-legal-action-over-care-threshold.htmIsle of Wight Council faces a legal challenge over its decision to raise eligibility thresholds for adult care, limiting access to those with substantial needs. The case will be heard next Thursday at the High Court (pictured) in London.Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2011/116931/southern-cross-crisis-prompts-call-for-regulator.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2011/116931/southern-cross-crisis-prompts-call-for-regulator.htmThe Southern Cross Healthcare case has highlighted the need for an economic regulator to monitor the finances of larger private care providers, experts have said.Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2011/117379/improving-social-workers-end-of-life-care-skills.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2011/117379/improving-social-workers-end-of-life-care-skills.htmSocial workers taking part in specialist end-of-life care training are gaining new skills and more confidence, writes Maria Ahmed Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2011/117376/how-councils-can-implement-personalisation-without-bureaucracy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2011/117376/how-councils-can-implement-personalisation-without-bureaucracy.htmPersonalisation has made lives more difficult for the people it is supposed to help while adding red tape to the process, writes social care consultant Andrew TysonThu, 01 Sep 2011 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/08/2011/117371/benefit-cut-will-see-disabled-people-lose-out-on-essentials.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/08/2011/117371/benefit-cut-will-see-disabled-people-lose-out-on-essentials.htmMost disabled people would have to cut back on food and transport if they lost out on disability living allowance under plans to cut the benefit, a survey has found. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/08/2011/117369/half-of-councils-failed-to-carry-out-12-week-consultations.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/08/2011/117369/half-of-councils-failed-to-carry-out-12-week-consultations.htmMore than half of councils failed to comply with the government's recommended 12-week period for consultation in setting their adult social care budgets for 2011-12. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/08/2011/117366/one-in-10-council-adult-social-care-budgets-may-be-illegal.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/08/2011/117366/one-in-10-council-adult-social-care-budgets-may-be-illegal.htmOne in 10 councils may have breached equality laws by failing to consult properly on cuts to adult care this year, an investigation by Community Care has revealed. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/08/2011/117368/legal-claims-on-council-social-care-policies-up-by-45.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/08/2011/117368/legal-claims-on-council-social-care-policies-up-by-45.htmThe number of legal challenges to council social care policies rose by 45% last year and more are being successful, an investigation by Community Care has revealed. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/08/2011/117362/social-care-providers-sound-alarm-over-council-fee-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/08/2011/117362/social-care-providers-sound-alarm-over-council-fee-cuts.htmCare quality will suffer in Leeds' residential and nursing homes on the back of recommendations to cut fees to the independent sector, providers have warned. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/08/2011/117357/bleak-prospects-for-reforming-winterbourne-style-provision.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/08/2011/117357/bleak-prospects-for-reforming-winterbourne-style-provision.htmThe prospects for reducing the use of outmoded learning disability hospitals such as Winterbourne View are bleak because of a lack of incentives to change from providers, commissioners and the regulator.Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/08/2011/117352/unsustainable-social-care-services-face-overhaul.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/08/2011/117352/unsustainable-social-care-services-face-overhaul.htmSocial care services in Northern Ireland face an overhaul after the country's health minister today declared them "unsustainable in their current form". Edwin Poots said he wanted service users to live more independently.Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/08/2011/117353/council-halts-placements-at-care-home-investigated-by-police.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/08/2011/117353/council-halts-placements-at-care-home-investigated-by-police.htmEssex Council has stopped placing people at a care home at the centre of a police investigation after the unexplained deaths of two elderly women this month. The pair, aged 89 and 80, had been living at the Partridge Care Centre (pictured) in Harlow. Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/08/2011/117348/disability-web-forum-to-be-reinstated-after-talks-with-atos.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/08/2011/117348/disability-web-forum-to-be-reinstated-after-talks-with-atos.htmThe Carer Watch discussion forum is to be reinstated after the campaign group reached an agreement with Atos Healthcare regarding allegedly libellous posts about the disability assessment company. Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/08/2011/117346/hiv-specialist-social-workers-and-their-importance.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/08/2011/117346/hiv-specialist-social-workers-and-their-importance.htmHIV specialist social workers are vital in supporting the client group but, as their posts are cut, generic practitioners will have to learn how to emulate them. Natalie Valios reports Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/08/2011/117341/winterbourne-view-sparks-extra-scrutiny-of-care-settings.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/08/2011/117341/winterbourne-view-sparks-extra-scrutiny-of-care-settings.htmLearning disability and other hospital providers are facing extra scrutiny in light of the alleged abuse exposed at Winterbourne View (pictured).Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/08/2011/117338/agencies-ignoring-400-suicides-a-year-by-terminally-ill.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/08/2011/117338/agencies-ignoring-400-suicides-a-year-by-terminally-ill.htmMore than 400 people with terminal or chronic illnesses commit suicide each year, but the issue is being neglected by government and health services, says think-tank Demos.Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/08/2011/117337/distress-for-disabled-after-legal-threat-shuts-web-forum.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/08/2011/117337/distress-for-disabled-after-legal-threat-shuts-web-forum.htmDisabled people and carers have been caused "fear and distress" after an internet forum they use was taken down after disability assessment firm Atos Healthcare threatened to sue for libel.Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/08/2011/117336/councils-withdrawing-social-workers-from-mental-health-teams.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/08/2011/117336/councils-withdrawing-social-workers-from-mental-health-teams.htmMental health services risk becoming fragmented and put under increased pressure by councils withdrawing social workers from integrated teams, NHS leaders have warned. Steve Shrubb (pictured), director of the NHS Confederation's Mental Health Network, is one who has voiced his concern that more councils will follow.Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/08/2011/117328/women-present-new-homelessness-and-mental-health-problem.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/08/2011/117328/women-present-new-homelessness-and-mental-health-problem.htmHomelessness agencies in London are facing a problem of middle-aged and older women with undiagnosed mental health problems sleeping rough but refusing offers of help. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/08/2011/117326/council-strips-social-workers-union-of-recognition.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/08/2011/117326/council-strips-social-workers-union-of-recognition.htmPlymouth Council has stripped local Unison officials of their negotiating powers after the two organisations failed to reach a collective agreement on new terms and conditions, which will affect social workers. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/08/2011/117323/third-castlebeck-service-to-close-after-safeguarding-failings.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/08/2011/117323/third-castlebeck-service-to-close-after-safeguarding-failings.htmA third Castlebeck learning disability service will close after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) identified serious failings in areas, including safeguarding and staff recruitment. Castlebeck chief executive Lee Reed (pictured) said the provider was working to ensure that there was "minimum disruption" to the care of residents at the Solihull setting.Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/08/2011/117322/most-social-workers-have-seen-abuse-in-residential-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/08/2011/117322/most-social-workers-have-seen-abuse-in-residential-care.htmEight in 10 social workers have witnessed abuse in adult residential care homes, a British Association of Social Workers (BASW) survey has discovered. Many described it as "extreme abuse", which BASW said suggested the scenes filmed by Panorama at Winterbourne View (pictured).Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/08/2011/117318/councils-slash-home-care-jobs-under-impact-of-personalisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/08/2011/117318/councils-slash-home-care-jobs-under-impact-of-personalisation.htmCouncils slashed in-house home care jobs by 9% last year on the back of the increase in personal budgets and the long-term trend to commission services from the independent sector, research shows.Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/08/2011/117310/gp-style-practices-for-adult-care-a-turn-off-for-councils.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/08/2011/117310/gp-style-practices-for-adult-care-a-turn-off-for-councils.htmFewer than one in 10 councils in England expressed an interest in outsourcing adults' services to controversial GP-style social work practices, Community Care can reveal. Birmingham Council (pictured), whose application to become one of the pilots was successful, was among the few that bucked the trend. Picture: Rex FeaturesTue, 16 Aug 2011 10:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2011/117306/book-review-the-short-guide-to-gender.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2011/117306/book-review-the-short-guide-to-gender.htmConsidering its small size and the title, this little gem of a book offers a surprisingly comprehensive introduction to the key ­theoretical concepts, developments and critical debates in gender studies, writes Lynn Baxter. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2011/117305/book-review-longcare-survivors-the-biography-of-a-care-scandal.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2011/117305/book-review-longcare-survivors-the-biography-of-a-care-scandal.htmLongcare Survivors starts gently with a look at the history of care until the present day and includes referencing and further reading, writes Ian Taylor. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2011/117307/book-review-visions-trips-and-crowded-rooms-who-and-what-you-see-before-you-die.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2011/117307/book-review-visions-trips-and-crowded-rooms-who-and-what-you-see-before-you-die.htmYou have to be in the right mood to read this book, writes Bernard Moss.Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2011/117304/potential-conflict-emerges-over-use-of-housing-benefit.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2011/117304/potential-conflict-emerges-over-use-of-housing-benefit.htmRecent test cases have thrown up a potential problem for councils that use housing benefit to support people in the community, writes Gary VauxFri, 12 Aug 2011 16:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2011/117300/nhs-cuts-put-pressure-on-social-workers-over-assessments.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2011/117300/nhs-cuts-put-pressure-on-social-workers-over-assessments.htmCouncil social care professionals are facing increased workload pressures and disputes with NHS colleagues as primary care trusts seek to cut funding for NHS continuing care.Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2011/117299/disability-benefits-that-can-be-life-changing.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2011/117299/disability-benefits-that-can-be-life-changing.htmThe value to recipients of disability living allowance and attendance allowance is assessed in a new study, reviewed by Jo Rees Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2011/117291/service-users-doubtful-over-nhs-personal-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2011/117291/service-users-doubtful-over-nhs-personal-budgets.htmPersonal health budgets are at risk of failure in mental health after service users joined professionals in voicing doubts about the flagship policy to boost choice in NHS.Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/08/2011/117292/house-of-lords-to-be-social-worker-awards-venue.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/08/2011/117292/house-of-lords-to-be-social-worker-awards-venue.htmSocial workers will be honoured at the Houses of Parliament on 16 December when the House of Lords hosts the Social Worker of the Year Awards.Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/08/2011/117286/detained-mental-health-patients-treated-without-authorisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/08/2011/117286/detained-mental-health-patients-treated-without-authorisation.htmDetained mental health patients in Scotland are being treated without proper authorisation or consent, exposing a lack of training for staff in psychiatric wards. Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/08/2011/117282/rioters-stop-social-workers-doing-their-jobs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/08/2011/117282/rioters-stop-social-workers-doing-their-jobs.htmThe London riots have prevented mental health social workers carrying out planned assessments because police have been unavailable to help them as they are called away to deal with the disturbances.Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/08/2011/117280/councils-face-mounting-pressures-as-pcts-cut-continuing-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/08/2011/117280/councils-face-mounting-pressures-as-pcts-cut-continuing-care.htmAdult social services are facing increased pressures and families higher care bills due to NHS cuts to continuing healthcare, warn social care leaders.Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/08/2011/117279/the-seven-things-that-providers-must-report-to-cqc.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/08/2011/117279/the-seven-things-that-providers-must-report-to-cqc.htmSome incidents are unavoidable in care settings, but which ones must be reported to the Care Quality Commission? Vern Pitt reports Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/08/2011/117281/second-castlebeck-facility-to-close.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/08/2011/117281/second-castlebeck-facility-to-close.htmA second learning disability service run by Castlebeck is to shut after safeguarding concerns, in the wake of the Winterbourne View abuse scandal and significant criticisms of the company's management and safety standards. The provider's chief executive, Lee Reed (pictured) insisted the closure was for "operational reasons" only.Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/08/2011/117278/helping-stroke-survivors-through-fishing.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/08/2011/117278/helping-stroke-survivors-through-fishing.htmAn angling project is casting a new lifeline to people disabled by strokes, reports Natalie Valios Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/08/2011/117274/many-mental-health-patients-unaware-of-their-care-co-ordinator.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/08/2011/117274/many-mental-health-patients-unaware-of-their-care-co-ordinator.htmAn increasing number of mental health patients do not know who their care co-ordinator is, according to the Care Quality Commission's latest survey of people using community mental health services. CQC chief executive Cynthia Bower (pictured) raised concerns that many service users felt some of their needs were not being met.Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/08/2011/117272/10-point-guide-to-housing-benefit-changes-and-what-they-mean-for-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/08/2011/117272/10-point-guide-to-housing-benefit-changes-and-what-they-mean-for-social-care.htmThere are few issues that unite the Archbishop of Canterbury, Boris Johnson, the Council of Mortgage Lenders and the National Housing Federation. But the impact of housing benefit changes on tenants and landlords has managed to unify this disparate bunch, with dramatic warnings of "social cleansing" coming from the Mayor of London and the CML pondering whether providing funding for housing associations is a good idea in future. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/08/2011/117264/ministers-under-pressure-to-ditch-adult-care-excellence-award.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/08/2011/117264/ministers-under-pressure-to-ditch-adult-care-excellence-award.htmMinisters and the Care Quality Commission are coming under pressure to ditch the planned "excellence award" scheme for adult care providers after the idea was universally condemned by sector bodies in a consultation.Sat, 06 Aug 2011 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/112730/jrf-project-identifies-eight-pillars-of-a-good-care-home.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/112730/jrf-project-identifies-eight-pillars-of-a-good-care-home.htmA Joseph Rowntree Foundation project has identified eight "pillars" of best practice in care homes to ensure good quality of life for residents.Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/115058/aspirations-of-older-people-living-in-residential-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/115058/aspirations-of-older-people-living-in-residential-care.htmThe Joseph Rowntree Foundation offers a stern critique of current services and a blueprint for how older people can enjoy a better life, as Melanie Henwood found Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/116911/councils-slammed-for-curbing-use-of-personal-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/116911/councils-slammed-for-curbing-use-of-personal-budgets.htmCouncils have been slammed for denying clients choice and control after Community Care's personalisation survey found restrictions being placed on the use of personal budgets for items including holidays and computer equipment.Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/114837/barchester-healthcares-apprenticeships-scheme-for-care-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/114837/barchester-healthcares-apprenticeships-scheme-for-care-workers.htmBarchester Healthcare's commitment to apprenticeships is paying off with lower than average staff turnover and, now, a national award. Sally Gillen reports Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/114921/how-pulse-independent-living-provides-integrated-health-and-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/114921/how-pulse-independent-living-provides-integrated-health-and-social-care.htmStaff agency Pulse offers an independent living service for which workers are trained to meet individual service users' specific health and social care needs. Natalie Valios reports Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/116873/how-bureaucracy-is-derailing-personalisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/116873/how-bureaucracy-is-derailing-personalisation.htmAs our survey finds social workers are facing ever more red tape, Jeremy Dunning asks why bureaucracy is derailing personalisation and what can be done to rescue the policy Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/114689/ms-society-closes-respite-centres-in-response-to-personalisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/114689/ms-society-closes-respite-centres-in-response-to-personalisation.htm The MS Society has decided to stop providing residential respite services in response to the personalisation agenda. The charity's board of trustees...Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/116913/hard-to-reach-groups-still-face-personal-budgets-barriers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/116913/hard-to-reach-groups-still-face-personal-budgets-barriers.htmSeveral client groups, including older people and those with mental health problems, continue to face barriers in gaining personal budgets, say social care professionals. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/117012/cqc-did-not-check-learning-disability-hospitals-for-months.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/117012/cqc-did-not-check-learning-disability-hospitals-for-months.htmThe Care Quality Commission (CQC) did not inspect independent learning disability hospitals, such as Winterbourne View, where the BBC's Panorama revealed significant abuse recently, for four months last winter.Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/116925/panorama-burstow-orders-probe-into-cqc-and-council-failings.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/116925/panorama-burstow-orders-probe-into-cqc-and-council-failings.htmCare services minister Paul Burstow has ordered investigations into regulatory and safeguarding failings by the Care Quality Commission and local authorities in relation to the abuse of learning disabled people uncovered by Panorama yesterday. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/117039/home-care-breaches-human-rights-finds-equality-watchdog.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/117039/home-care-breaches-human-rights-finds-equality-watchdog.htmHome care services in the UK are breaching older people’s human rights, the Equality and Human Rights Commission warned today. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/116740/cqc-delivers-poor-value-for-money-says-provider-leader.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/116740/cqc-delivers-poor-value-for-money-says-provider-leader.htmThe Care Quality Commission has been accused of offering poor value after it raised providers' fees while slashing the number of inspections it carries out.Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/115302/research-scie-best-practice-on-minimising-the-use-of-restraint-in-care-homes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/115302/research-scie-best-practice-on-minimising-the-use-of-restraint-in-care-homes.htmFollowing a study into the use of restraint in care homes the Social Care Institute for Excellence (Scie) launched its Managing Risk, Minimising Restraint guidelines outlining approaches to minimise its use Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/116923/panorama-cqc-inspection-regime-slammed-following-abuse.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2011/116923/panorama-cqc-inspection-regime-slammed-following-abuse.htmThe Care Quality Commission's risk-based approach to regulating care services has been called into question, following revelations of abuse of people with learning disabilities in a specialist hospital. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/08/2011/117266/social-care-staff-freed-from-registering-cars-as-minicabs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/08/2011/117266/social-care-staff-freed-from-registering-cars-as-minicabs.htmOlder and disabled people will be able to "get out of their houses for the first time in years" under moves to free social care staff from registering their private cars as minicabs.Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/08/2011/117254/prisoners-provide-social-care-governors-admit.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/08/2011/117254/prisoners-provide-social-care-governors-admit.htmMore than one-third of prison governors believe the quality of social care in their prison is below average or poor, research by Community Care has revealed. In a Prison Governors Association (PGA) survey, 40% of respondents also said prisoners provided social care in their prison. Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/08/2011/117260/safeguarding-against-another-winterbourne-a-providers-view.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/08/2011/117260/safeguarding-against-another-winterbourne-a-providers-view.htmIn a response to the Winterbourne View case, autism and mental health hospital manager Mark Goldsborough discusses some of the challenges of safeguarding vulnerable adults in hospital settings and how they can be overcome. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2011/117221/working-with-families-affected-by-imprisonment.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2011/117221/working-with-families-affected-by-imprisonment.htmWhen a parent is sent to prison one of the first casualties is their relationship with their family, says the project manager of Circle Scotland's Families Affected By Imprisonment (Fabi) programme, Marina Shaw. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2011/117249/isle-of-wight-prisons-where-social-work-is-making-inroads.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2011/117249/isle-of-wight-prisons-where-social-work-is-making-inroads.htmThe giant grey walls topped with barbed wire surrounding HMP Isle of Wight's three sites, Parkhurst, Albany and Camp Hill, do not exactly say "caring environment". Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2011/117257/social-worker-who-threw-case-file-at-manager-can-reregister.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2011/117257/social-worker-who-threw-case-file-at-manager-can-reregister.htmA stressed social worker who was struck off after throwing a case file at his manager is to be allowed to rejoin the register. (Picture: Isopix/Rex Features)Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2011/117256/cqc-inspections-up-one-third-in-past-three-months.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2011/117256/cqc-inspections-up-one-third-in-past-three-months.htmInspections by the Care Quality Commission have risen by a third in the past three months, marking a partial reversal of the sharp drop in site visits in the past year, official figures show. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/08/2011/117255/mental-health-leaders-slam-move-to-scrap-depression-targets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/08/2011/117255/mental-health-leaders-slam-move-to-scrap-depression-targets.htmPeople with depression could face "damaging consequences" from "reckless" plans to remove three performance indicators designed to encourage GPs to identify and treat people with the condition. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/08/2011/117252/castlebeck-chief-promises-to-overhaul-management.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/08/2011/117252/castlebeck-chief-promises-to-overhaul-management.htmCastlebeck is to overhaul its management in the wake of the abuse scandal at Winterbourne View (pictured), chief executive Lee Reed has pledged in an exclusive interview with Community Care.Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/07/2011/117233/thousands-of-care-homes-have-no-registered-manager.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/07/2011/117233/thousands-of-care-homes-have-no-registered-manager.htmMore than 3,000 care homes in England do not have a registered manager, reflecting a crisis of quality in the sector, Action on Elder Abuse warns today.Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/07/2011/117248/commissioners-withdraw-residents-from-castlebeck-facilities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/07/2011/117248/commissioners-withdraw-residents-from-castlebeck-facilities.htmCommissioners have withdrawn people with learning disabilities from Castlebeck facilities following safety concerns after the uncovering of alleged abuse at the provider's Winterbourne View hospital.Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/07/2011/117245/why-social-care-in-prisons-falls-short.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/07/2011/117245/why-social-care-in-prisons-falls-short.htmAlthough some prisons appreciate the benefits of social care, many lack care levels that are taken for granted outside, leading to severe hardship for prisoners, reports Vern Pitt Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/07/2011/117241/ex-priory-boss-southern-cross-home-operators-face-battle.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/07/2011/117241/ex-priory-boss-southern-cross-home-operators-face-battle.htmOperators taking over Southern Cross homes face a long battle to earn the trust of residents and relatives, ex-Priory Group boss Dr Chai Patel (left) has admitted as he prepares to take over one-third of the homes. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/07/2011/117237/carers-uk-chief-asked-to-lead-social-care-quality-probe.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/07/2011/117237/carers-uk-chief-asked-to-lead-social-care-quality-probe.htmCarers UK chief executive Imelda Redmond (pictured) has been asked by ministers to examine how the quality of social care can be raised, in the light of concerns sparked by cases including Winterbourne View.Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/07/2011/117234/cqc-half-of-castlebeck-services-not-meeting-standards.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/07/2011/117234/cqc-half-of-castlebeck-services-not-meeting-standards.htmNearly half of Castlebeck services are failing to meet essential standards of quality and safety, a report by the Care Quality Commission, sparked by the Winterbourne View case (pictured), has revealed. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/07/2011/117230/government-promises-training-for-personal-assistants.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/07/2011/117230/government-promises-training-for-personal-assistants.htmPersonal assistants will have access to minimum levels of training, and service users given guaranteed support in employing them as part of a framework for PAs published today. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/07/2011/117229/care-advice-body-counsel-and-care-saved-by-charity-merger.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/07/2011/117229/care-advice-body-counsel-and-care-saved-by-charity-merger.htmCare advice organisation Counsel and Care has been saved from closing its services through a merger with another older people's charity, it announced today. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/07/2011/117227/reducing-reoffending-among-the-mentally-ill-with-drug-and-alcohol-problems.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/07/2011/117227/reducing-reoffending-among-the-mentally-ill-with-drug-and-alcohol-problems.htmA project in Manchester is cutting reoffending among mentally ill offenders by helping them engage with mental health and substance misuse services, reports Mithran Samuel Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/07/2011/117224/mps-slam-major-failings-in-disability-benefit-assessments.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/07/2011/117224/mps-slam-major-failings-in-disability-benefit-assessments.htm"Unacceptable" failings by the government's disability benefit assessment company have led to people being without benefits for months, MPs have said. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/07/2011/117216/pay-cut-council-may-outsource-adult-care-provision.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/07/2011/117216/pay-cut-council-may-outsource-adult-care-provision.htmSouthampton Council is considering proposals to outsource its adult social care services, weeks after introducing a pay cut for most staff. Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/07/2011/117214/dont-blame-it-systems-for-bureaucracy-in-personalisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/07/2011/117214/dont-blame-it-systems-for-bureaucracy-in-personalisation.htmIT company Face's managing director, Dr Paul Clifford responds to the accusation that personalisation assessment process has led to more bureaucracy Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/07/2011/117215/social-workers-must-be-more-wary-of-family-carer-abuse.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/07/2011/117215/social-workers-must-be-more-wary-of-family-carer-abuse.htmSocial workers must not place undue confidence in families' ability to care for service users if they are to identify abuse perpetrated by and against informal carers, directors have warned. Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/07/2011/117212/cuts-will-damage-social-care-service-levels-finance-expert.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/07/2011/117212/cuts-will-damage-social-care-service-levels-finance-expert.htmSocial care departments will struggle to maintain "decent levels of services" without extra government funding, a finance expert has warned. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/07/2011/117195/southern-cross-worker-lands-top-caring-award.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/07/2011/117195/southern-cross-worker-lands-top-caring-award.htmA Southern Cross employee has become the second winner of the WorldSkills UK Caring Competition.Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/07/2011/117204/hiv-patients-lose-out-from-cuts-to-specialist-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/07/2011/117204/hiv-patients-lose-out-from-cuts-to-specialist-social-workers.htmPeople with HIV are losing out on vital social care support due to cuts to specialist social worker roles and rising eligibility thresholds. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/07/2011/117202/burstow-tells-southern-cross-landlords-to-reassure-residents.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/07/2011/117202/burstow-tells-southern-cross-landlords-to-reassure-residents.htmCare services minister Paul Burstow today urged Southern Cross landlords to quickly set out their plans for the future of the failed company's 752 care homes Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/07/2011/117196/bid-to-let-families-buy-unregulated-care-with-personal-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/07/2011/117196/bid-to-let-families-buy-unregulated-care-with-personal-budgets.htmFamilies would be freer to purchase unregulated domiciliary care services on behalf of loved-ones who hold personal budgets under government plans issued today to cut red tape. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/07/2011/117198/patients-left-in-learning-disability-hospitals-for-years.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/07/2011/117198/patients-left-in-learning-disability-hospitals-for-years.htmNearly one in five people in learning disability hospitals such as Winterbourne View have been there for more than five years, Community Care has found. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/07/2011/117197/pcts-accused-of-failing-to-monitor-their-clients.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/07/2011/117197/pcts-accused-of-failing-to-monitor-their-clients.htmPrimary care trusts are visiting learning disability hospital patients only twice a year on average, despite concerns about the client group’s vulnerability, Community Care can reveal. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/07/2011/117201/charities-launch-review-of-disability-benefit-cut.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/07/2011/117201/charities-launch-review-of-disability-benefit-cut.htmCharities have launched a review of government proposals to remove up to £50 a week in mobility benefits from disabled people in care homes. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/07/2011/117190/biggest-southern-cross-landlord-to-set-up-firm-to-run-homes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/07/2011/117190/biggest-southern-cross-landlord-to-set-up-firm-to-run-homes.htmNHP, the biggest landlord of failing care home provider Southern Cross, confirmed today it will pump £14m into a new company to run 249 of its properties.Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/07/2011/117188/castlebeck-misled-cqc-over-winterbourne-view-abuse.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/07/2011/117188/castlebeck-misled-cqc-over-winterbourne-view-abuse.htmCastlebeck could face fines for “misleading” the Care Quality Commission about the alleged abuse of people with learning disabilities at Winterbourne View hospital, an inspection report has concluded. Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/07/2011/117185/cqc-to-double-inspections-of-adult-care-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/07/2011/117185/cqc-to-double-inspections-of-adult-care-services.htmAdult social care services would be inspected at least once a year under Care Quality Commission plans to call time on "light-touch" regulation. Currently, services are inspected at least once every two years. Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/07/2011/117184/more-assessments-for-social-workers-if-dilnot-plans-are-taken-up.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/07/2011/117184/more-assessments-for-social-workers-if-dilnot-plans-are-taken-up.htmDilnot's proposals for adult care could see social workers undertaking an increasing number of assessments, reports Mithran Samuel Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/07/2011/117182/southern-cross-homes-left-in-rack-and-ruin.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/07/2011/117182/southern-cross-homes-left-in-rack-and-ruin.htmMany Southern Cross homes have been left in a state of "rack and ruin", it has been claimed.Fri, 15 Jul 2011 11:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/07/2011/117165/college-of-social-work-dont-let-cuts-derail-dilnot-social-care-plans.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/07/2011/117165/college-of-social-work-dont-let-cuts-derail-dilnot-social-care-plans.htmHealth secretary Andrew Lansley has warned that the Dilnot commission's £1.7bn proposals to reform adult social care funding could prove too costly to implement in full. But we urge the government to act on Dilnot .Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/07/2011/117178/social-workers-failings-left-dementia-sufferer-in-squalor.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/07/2011/117178/social-workers-failings-left-dementia-sufferer-in-squalor.htmSocial workers have been criticised for allowing an elderly woman with dementia to be left in filthy conditions.Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/07/2011/117177/complaints-against-adults-services-soar.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/07/2011/117177/complaints-against-adults-services-soar.htmComplaints about councils' adult social care provision have soared by 73% in the past year, the Local Government Ombudsman's annual report shows. Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/07/2011/117176/government-cant-agree-on-dilnot-social-care-reform-funding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/07/2011/117176/government-cant-agree-on-dilnot-social-care-reform-funding.htmThe coalition government cannot agree on how to find the extra funding needed for adult social care reform, the care services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) has admitted.Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/07/2011/117170/burstow-slams-pcts-for-failing-carers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/07/2011/117170/burstow-slams-pcts-for-failing-carers.htmCare minister Paul Burstow has slammed primary care trusts for failing carers after a survey revealed more than 90% had failed to produce plans on spending their share of an additional £400m of government cash for carers' breaks.Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/07/2011/117173/more-care-homes-on-the-brink-of-closure-as-fees-fall.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/07/2011/117173/more-care-homes-on-the-brink-of-closure-as-fees-fall.htmMany more care home providers across the UK will follow Southern Cross into administration this year because of cuts to care home fees, a study by sector analysts Laing and Buisson predicts. Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/07/2011/117168/is-reunification-of-childrens-and-adults-social-services-departments-right-for-families.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/07/2011/117168/is-reunification-of-childrens-and-adults-social-services-departments-right-for-families.htmSome local authorities are bringing adults' and children's social care back under the watch of a single director. It is not what Eileen Munro envisaged, reports Molly Garboden Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/07/2011/117164/research-improving-social-care-services-for-vulnerable-adults.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/07/2011/117164/research-improving-social-care-services-for-vulnerable-adults.htmTo help avoid future abuse scandals such as that of Winterbourne View, the Social Care Institute for Excellence has produced resources to help staff, managers and commissioners improve the services available for vulnerable adults Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2011/117158/four-suspended-at-castlebeck-home-following-abuse-claims.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2011/117158/four-suspended-at-castlebeck-home-following-abuse-claims.htmFour staff have been suspended at a Castlebeck-run care home over abuse and misconduct allegations, six weeks after alleged abuse was uncovered at the company's Winterbourne View hospital, the BBC has reported. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2011/117152/southern-cross-landlords-set-to-create-thousands-of-jobs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2011/117152/southern-cross-landlords-set-to-create-thousands-of-jobs.htmPlans to cut 3,000 jobs and reduce working conditions at Southern Cross are "dead in the water", following the announcement of the company's plans to close today, an expert has said.Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/07/2011/117148/southern-cross-set-to-shut-down.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/07/2011/117148/southern-cross-set-to-shut-down.htmSouthern Cross is to stop running care homes after all its landlords said they wanted to leave the group.Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/07/2011/117145/dilnot-makes-funding-reform-call-as-cuts-ravage-care-system.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/07/2011/117145/dilnot-makes-funding-reform-call-as-cuts-ravage-care-system.htmAndrew Dilnot's call for a significant injection of cash to reform social care came in a week where the funding shortages ravaging the current system were laid bare. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/07/2011/117136/cuts-to-adult-social-care-to-worsen-next-year-warns-adass.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/07/2011/117136/cuts-to-adult-social-care-to-worsen-next-year-warns-adass.htmCuts to adult social care are set to get worse in 2012-13 following big reductions in funding this year, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Peter Hay (pictured) warned today. Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2011/117093/five-years-on-from-steven-hoskin-has-safeguarding-improved.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2011/117093/five-years-on-from-steven-hoskin-has-safeguarding-improved.htmThe murder in 2006 of a learning disabled man proved a defining moment for adult safeguarding. Five years after the body of Steven Hoskin was found below a railway viaduct in Cornwall (6 July), Natalie Valios reports on what happened next Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2011/117134/most-winterbourne-residents-remain-in-hospitals.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2011/117134/most-winterbourne-residents-remain-in-hospitals.htmThe "vast majority" of the residents of Winterbourne View have been placed in other learning disability hospitals, despite overwhelming sector opposition to the use of such facilities.Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2011/117131/supreme-court-upholds-councils-right-to-cut-care-packages.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2011/117131/supreme-court-upholds-councils-right-to-cut-care-packages.htmCouncils' right to cut people’s care without an explicit reassessment of need was upheld in a Supreme Court judgement today. Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2011/117129/mps-to-hold-post-dilnot-review-of-adult-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2011/117129/mps-to-hold-post-dilnot-review-of-adult-social-care.htmMPs are to hold an inquiry into adult social care in the wake of this week's Dilnot commission report, it was announced today. Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/07/2011/117126/dilnot-reforms-could-prove-too-costly-warns-lansley.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/07/2011/117126/dilnot-reforms-could-prove-too-costly-warns-lansley.htmThe Dilnot commission's £1.7bn proposals to reform social care funding could prove too costly to implement in full, health secretary Andrew Lansley warned today. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/07/2011/117127/man-left-in-squalor-and-pain-failed-by-mental-health-team.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/07/2011/117127/man-left-in-squalor-and-pain-failed-by-mental-health-team.htmA community mental health service has been castigated for leaving a vulnerable patient to live in squalor and pain because it failed to monitor him or respond to signs he was at risk.Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/07/2011/117124/social-workers-have-key-role-in-making-dilnot-reforms-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/07/2011/117124/social-workers-have-key-role-in-making-dilnot-reforms-work.htmSocial workers have a key role to play in making the Dilnot care funding reforms work, say professional leaders, including BASW's Ruth Cartwright (pictured) and the College of Social Work's Trudy Burns.Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/07/2011/117122/disabled-people-would-keep-free-care-under-dilnots-plans.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/07/2011/117122/disabled-people-would-keep-free-care-under-dilnots-plans.htmYounger disabled people would be spared from making any financial contribution to their care, under proposals unveiled today by the Dilnot commission.Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/07/2011/117123/government-urged-not-to-stall-on-dilnot-social-care-reforms.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/07/2011/117123/government-urged-not-to-stall-on-dilnot-social-care-reforms.htmThe government was today urged not to delay proposed reforms to adult social care, amid concerns that the Dilnot commission's plans may be "kicked into the long grass". Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/07/2011/117121/care-system-needs-urgent-cash-before-reform-says-dilnot.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/07/2011/117121/care-system-needs-urgent-cash-before-reform-says-dilnot.htmThe Dilnot commission today called for “additional public funding” to be pumped into the current care system before its proposed reforms come into force from 2014. Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/07/2011/117115/dilnot-extra-1.7bn-needed-to-overhaul-care-funding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/07/2011/117115/dilnot-extra-1.7bn-needed-to-overhaul-care-funding.htmMinisters have been urged to find £1.7bn to implement plans unveiled today to overhaul the care funding system. by the commission on funding care and support. Mon, 04 Jul 2011 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/07/2011/117109/how-evidence-policy-and-practice-interact.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/07/2011/117109/how-evidence-policy-and-practice-interact.htmPolicy-makers and researchers must understand each other better if practice is to be truly influenced by evidence. By Jon Glasby Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/07/2011/117103/end-of-life-social-care-should-be-free-says-review.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/07/2011/117103/end-of-life-social-care-should-be-free-says-review.htmService users nearing the end of their lives should receive free social care paid by the NHS, a major government-funded review recommends.Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/07/2011/117102/call-for-super-carers-to-meet-domiciliary-demand.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/07/2011/117102/call-for-super-carers-to-meet-domiciliary-demand.htmAn army of "super-carers" trained in health and social care will be needed if the government is to meet the rising demand for home care, a study has concluded. Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/07/2011/117105/cuts-to-homelessness-support-causing-wider-community-strife.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/07/2011/117105/cuts-to-homelessness-support-causing-wider-community-strife.htmHomeless people are losing access to vital support because most services are facing cuts, a survey by umbrella body Homeless Link has found. Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/06/2011/117104/victory-as-government-does-u-turn-on-social-care-duties.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/06/2011/117104/victory-as-government-does-u-turn-on-social-care-duties.htmThe government has shelved plans to remove social care duties placed upon councils, after an outcry from Community Care readers. Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/06/2011/117094/older-people-in-care-homes-denied-basic-nhs-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/06/2011/117094/older-people-in-care-homes-denied-basic-nhs-services.htmOlder people in care homes cannot get access to even the most basic NHS care, doctors warn today. Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/06/2011/117091/reforming-cqc-could-be-destabilising-says-burstow.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/06/2011/117091/reforming-cqc-could-be-destabilising-says-burstow.htmCare services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) has warned that it would be premature to reform the Care Quality Commission, despite sector leaders' criticisms of the regulator's role and remit.Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/06/2011/117092/burstow-public-will-need-convincing-on-dilnot-reforms.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/06/2011/117092/burstow-public-will-need-convincing-on-dilnot-reforms.htmThe government has called on the social care sector to help win over a "lukewarm" public on care funding reform, amid growing jitters over how next week's Dilnot commission report will be received.Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/06/2011/117085/cqc-needs-extra-15m-from-government-for-inspections.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/06/2011/117085/cqc-needs-extra-15m-from-government-for-inspections.htmThe Care Quality Commission has asked the government for a 10% boost to its budget so that it can make more inspections. CQC chair Jo Williams (pictured) said the money would pay for more inspectors and experts to work alongside them.Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/06/2011/117086/cqc-disciplines-staff-over-winterbourne-view-case.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/06/2011/117086/cqc-disciplines-staff-over-winterbourne-view-case.htmA member of staff at the Care Quality Commission has already been disciplined, following the Winterbourne View abuse scandal.Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/06/2011/117081/dilnot-care-funding-reforms-to-face-hostile-public-reaction.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/06/2011/117081/dilnot-care-funding-reforms-to-face-hostile-public-reaction.htmThe Dilnot commission's proposed reforms of care funding will face a hostile reaction because many people still believe social care should be entirely state-funded. Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/06/2011/117082/government-pledges-20m-boost-for-dementia-research.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/06/2011/117082/government-pledges-20m-boost-for-dementia-research.htmMore money and expertise is to be ploughed into dementia research over the next five years, the government announced today, fufiling a key coalition pledge. Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/06/2011/117079/winterbourne-view-families-seek-compensation-for-abuse.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/06/2011/117079/winterbourne-view-families-seek-compensation-for-abuse.htmFamilies of learning disabled people allegedly abused at Winterbourne View are to sue Castlebeck, the company that runs the hospital. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/06/2011/117078/social-worker-endures-isolation-to-learn-practice-lessons.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/06/2011/117078/social-worker-endures-isolation-to-learn-practice-lessons.htm"I've only lasted half-a-day today. I feel tired and weary and I just needed to get away from the office." Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/06/2011/117075/dilnot-to-urge-50000-cap-on-social-care-costs-for-elderly.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/06/2011/117075/dilnot-to-urge-50000-cap-on-social-care-costs-for-elderly.htmThe Dilnot commission on social care funding is set to recommend that individuals should have to pay no more than £50,000 with the taxpayer picking up the rest. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/06/2011/117074/age-uk-reveals-devastating-council-cuts-in-elderly-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/06/2011/117074/age-uk-reveals-devastating-council-cuts-in-elderly-care.htmCouncils are making 'devastating' cuts of 8.4% to older people's social care in England this year, hastening the 'collapse of a crumbling' system, warns Age UK today. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/06/2011/117067/cost-warning-over-health-social-enterprises.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/06/2011/117067/cost-warning-over-health-social-enterprises.htmHealth social enterprises are unlikely to deliver savings, the National Audit Office has warned. Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/06/2011/117072/assistive-technology-helps-people-with-severe-learning-difficulties-at-night.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/06/2011/117072/assistive-technology-helps-people-with-severe-learning-difficulties-at-night.htmUnobtrusive night-time monitoring and support is being made possible by assistive technology used by United Response, reports Louise Hunt Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/06/2011/117071/fears-for-vulnerable-people-as-poverty-payments-axed.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/06/2011/117071/fears-for-vulnerable-people-as-poverty-payments-axed.htmVulnerable people will lose vital support from the government's decision to press ahead with plans to scrap a national system of poverty payments, warn charities. Picture: AlamyFri, 24 Jun 2011 15:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/06/2011/117062/obituary-nasa-begum-scies-principal-adviser-adult-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/06/2011/117062/obituary-nasa-begum-scies-principal-adviser-adult-care.htmThere have already been so many tributes to Nasa Begum whose untimely death left has left all of us shocked and saddened. Finding the right words to describe the role that Nasa played has given rise to a very long and inexhaustible list - activist, pioneer, campaigner, professional, researcher, service user, writer - but to many of us who had the privilege of knowing her personally, she was a great friend, supporter and confidante. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2011/117060/labour-urges-state-funded-social-care-for-all.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2011/117060/labour-urges-state-funded-social-care-for-all.htmLabour has backed a national minimum entitlement to care for all adults in need, ahead of next month's Dilnot commission report on care funding. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2011/117058/welsh-government-bids-to-cool-social-care-fee-row.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2011/117058/welsh-government-bids-to-cool-social-care-fee-row.htmThe Welsh government has stepped in to save a landmark partnership agreement between councils and social care providers following a spate of rows over care fees. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2011/117050/direct-payments-stall-despite-evidence-of-better-outcomes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2011/117050/direct-payments-stall-despite-evidence-of-better-outcomes.htmDirect payment levels in England have stalled in the past year although they are associated with better outcomes than council-managed personal budgets, major research into personalisation has shown. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 09:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2011/117054/experts-tell-cameron-to-end-learning-disability-hospital-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2011/117054/experts-tell-cameron-to-end-learning-disability-hospital-care.htmLearning disability experts have today urged David Cameron to bring an end to hospital placements for the client group in a blueprint to prevent abuse and improve care following the Winterbourne View case. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/06/2011/117051/mental-health-wards-failing-patients-warns-royal-college.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/06/2011/117051/mental-health-wards-failing-patients-warns-royal-college.htmMental health in-patient services are failing due to overcrowding, unsafe environments and a lack of therapy, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has warned. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/06/2011/117040/council-failed-to-protect-woman-in-failing-care-home.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/06/2011/117040/council-failed-to-protect-woman-in-failing-care-home.htmBristol Council has been slammed for failing to protect an older person with dementia who was left in a zero-rated care home that the authority had identified as having serious safeguarding problems. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/06/2011/117046/abuse-scandal-hospital-winterbourne-view-to-close-this-week.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/06/2011/117046/abuse-scandal-hospital-winterbourne-view-to-close-this-week.htmThe Winterbourne View learning disability hospital is to close this week, three weeks BBC Panorama screened scenes of abuse there following an undercover investigation. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/06/2011/117038/former-abuse-home-residents-twice-as-happy-in-community.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/06/2011/117038/former-abuse-home-residents-twice-as-happy-in-community.htmCommunity-based care for people with complex learning disabilities and challenging behaviour saves money and vastly improves their quality of life compared with institutional care, research has found.Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/06/2011/117024/police-failing-disabled-victims-of-hate-crime-warns-mencap.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/06/2011/117024/police-failing-disabled-victims-of-hate-crime-warns-mencap.htmDisabled victims of hate crime are being failed by the police because of a lack of understanding and a failure to take incidents seriously, Mencap said today. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/06/2011/117034/preventing-abuse-of-adults-with-learning-disabilities-in-the-wake-of-the-winterbourne-view-scandal.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/06/2011/117034/preventing-abuse-of-adults-with-learning-disabilities-in-the-wake-of-the-winterbourne-view-scandal.htmExperts have long said learning disabled people should not be placed in hospitals such as Winterbourne View. That they still are reflects failures to support them in the community, finds Vern Pitt Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/06/2011/117030/union-tells-southern-cross-staff-to-refuse-working-changes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/06/2011/117030/union-tells-southern-cross-staff-to-refuse-working-changes.htmTroubled care home operator Southern Cross is facing an industrial dispute after the GMB union advised its members to refuse to sign up to revised working conditions. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/06/2011/117020/councils-inexcusable-delays-left-man-in-poor-care-home.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/06/2011/117020/councils-inexcusable-delays-left-man-in-poor-care-home.htmBromley Council has been slammed for "extraordinary and inexcusable" delays in reviewing an older man's care by the local government ombudsman. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/06/2011/117021/southern-cross-strikes-deal-with-landlords.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/06/2011/117021/southern-cross-strikes-deal-with-landlords.htmAiling care home operator Southern Cross has agreed to work together with its landlords to try to find a future for the group. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/06/2011/117022/councils-failing-to-offer-choice-to-personal-budget-holders.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/06/2011/117022/councils-failing-to-offer-choice-to-personal-budget-holders.htmSome local authorities are still failing to offer significant levels of choice and control to personal budget holders in receipt of managed budgets, according to the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services. (Picture: Rex) Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/06/2011/117014/college-of-social-work-greets-nhs-role-for-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/06/2011/117014/college-of-social-work-greets-nhs-role-for-social-workers.htmSocial workers will have a positive impact on the NHS through plans to involve them in health commissioning under the government's revamped NHS reforms, the College of Social Work has said. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/06/2011/117009/most-councils-have-30-of-service-users-on-personal-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/06/2011/117009/most-councils-have-30-of-service-users-on-personal-budgets.htmMost councils hit a target to have 30% of users and carers on personal budgets by April 2011, but wide variations remain in take-up between authorities, show figures released today. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/06/2011/117007/government-accepts-revamp-of-health-reforms.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/06/2011/117007/government-accepts-revamp-of-health-reforms.htmPrime minister David Cameron today accepted experts' proposals to overhaul the government's health reforms, including by involving social care professionals in the commissioning of healthcare. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/06/2011/117004/social-workers-should-be-involved-in-health-commissioning.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/06/2011/117004/social-workers-should-be-involved-in-health-commissioning.htmDavid Cameron has been urged to give social workers a role in health commissioning decisions by experts tasked with revamping the government's NHS bill. He will give his response today. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/06/2011/116995/d-day-for-southern-cross-as-landlords-decide-its-future.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/06/2011/116995/d-day-for-southern-cross-as-landlords-decide-its-future.htmPlans to split ailing care home operator Southern Cross into three could be decided at a key meeting today between the company and the landlords who own its homes. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/06/2011/116999/thousands-of-cancer-patients-face-benefit-cut.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/06/2011/116999/thousands-of-cancer-patients-face-benefit-cut.htmThousands of cancer patients will lose nearly £100 a week in out of work benefits under government welfare reform plans, a charity says. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/06/2011/116980/research-how-the-recession-is-affecting-adult-social-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/06/2011/116980/research-how-the-recession-is-affecting-adult-social-services.htmAcademic Trish Hafford-Letchfield examines research that casts light on the impact of the recession on local authority adult care services Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/06/2011/116996/two-more-arrests-in-winterbourne-view-abuse-case.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/06/2011/116996/two-more-arrests-in-winterbourne-view-abuse-case.htmPolice have made two more arrests in connection with the Winterbourne View learning disability abuse scandal, bringing the total to 11. Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/06/2011/116993/how-to-save-a-much-valued-local-service-from-the-council-axe.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/06/2011/116993/how-to-save-a-much-valued-local-service-from-the-council-axe.htmLiverpool Council wanted to close down a project to support women with postnatal depression, a victim of budget cuts. But it reckoned without a determined campaign of resistance. Natalie Valios reports Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/06/2011/116970/high-court-council-wrongly-deprived-autistic-man-of-liberty.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/06/2011/116970/high-court-council-wrongly-deprived-autistic-man-of-liberty.htmA council breached a 21-year-old autistic man's human rights by refusing to allow him to be placed in the care of his father, the High Court has ruled. Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/06/2011/116967/unions-fear-for-southern-cross-care-quality-after-job-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/06/2011/116967/unions-fear-for-southern-cross-care-quality-after-job-cuts.htmFears are growing that staff terms and conditions could worsen and standards of care could fall after ailing care home operator Southern Cross announced plans to shed 3,000 jobs. Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/06/2011/116981/government-should-scrap-employment-schemes-for-disabled-people.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/06/2011/116981/government-should-scrap-employment-schemes-for-disabled-people.htmThe government is to axe sheltered employment settings for disabled people, following a report into the current state of supported employment. Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2011/116966/practice-panel-learning-disabilities-and-possible-sexual-exploitation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2011/116966/practice-panel-learning-disabilities-and-possible-sexual-exploitation.htmProfessionals offer advice on a case involving a young woman with learning disabilities who may be the subject of sexual exploitation by a worker at the care home where she lives Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2011/116962/southern-cross-plans-to-slash-3000-jobs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2011/116962/southern-cross-plans-to-slash-3000-jobs.htmTroubled care home operator Southern Cross today announced plans to slash up to 3,000 jobs as part of a staffing restructure designed to improve performance. Chief executive Jamie Buchan promised to consult staff fully over the cuts. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2011/116964/care-home-closures-must-take-several-months.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2011/116964/care-home-closures-must-take-several-months.htmCare home closures should take at least six months to avoid major stress to residents and families, finds practice guidance published today. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2011/116960/five-more-arrested-in-winterbourne-view-abuse-inquiry.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2011/116960/five-more-arrested-in-winterbourne-view-abuse-inquiry.htmFive more people have been arrested in relation to the Winterbourne View abuse inquiry, bringing the total to nine, Avon and Somerset Police have said. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2011/116959/burstow-considering-independent-probe-into-castlebeck-abuse.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2011/116959/burstow-considering-independent-probe-into-castlebeck-abuse.htmCare services minister Paul Burstow has refused to rule out an independent inquiry into the Castlebeck abuse case, following Labour accusations of "confusion" from government on the issue. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2011/116958/cameron-unveils-nhs-bill-overhaul-to-allay-criticisms.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2011/116958/cameron-unveils-nhs-bill-overhaul-to-allay-criticisms.htmDavid Cameron has announced an overhaul of the NHS reforms designed to address criticisms that the government's original plans would fragment care, to the detriment of vulnerable groups. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/06/2011/116957/miliband-urges-talks-with-cameron-about-care-reform.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/06/2011/116957/miliband-urges-talks-with-cameron-about-care-reform.htmEd Miliband today called for talks with David Cameron on care funding reform following next month's Dilnot commission report, to avoid a repeat of last year's pre-election hostility on the issue. Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/06/2011/116951/book-review-supporting-relationships-in-the-care-home-setting.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/06/2011/116951/book-review-supporting-relationships-in-the-care-home-setting.htmSupporting Relationships and Friendships. A Workbook for Social Care Workers Suzan Collins, Jessica Kingsley PublishingMon, 06 Jun 2011 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/06/2011/116949/book-review-vulnerable-adults-and-community-care-post-qualifying-social-work-practice.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/06/2011/116949/book-review-vulnerable-adults-and-community-care-post-qualifying-social-work-practice.htmThe principal aim of this second volume within the Learning Matters series is to support practitioners who are undertaking the post-qualifying awards for social work with adults, writes Bridget Penhale. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/06/2011/116948/hospitals-to-face-dementia-care-scrutiny.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/06/2011/116948/hospitals-to-face-dementia-care-scrutiny.htmThe Scottish government has vowed to improve hospital care for dementia patients by increasing scrutiny, in its first key announcement on older people's care since the country's election. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/06/2011/116947/the-employment-rights-of-personal-assistants.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/06/2011/116947/the-employment-rights-of-personal-assistants.htmAn impending surge in the number of personal assistants is set to highlight a range of employment issues. Louise Tickle reports Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/06/2011/116944/homeless-face-worsening-health-as-cuts-bite.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/06/2011/116944/homeless-face-worsening-health-as-cuts-bite.htmThe government says improving the health of homeless people is a priority. But health services for the client group are being cut just as need is going up, reports Helen Mooney. Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/06/2011/116938/gp-commissioning-could-risk-more-abuse-scandals.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/06/2011/116938/gp-commissioning-could-risk-more-abuse-scandals.htmThe government's NHS reforms could make abuse cases like the Winterbourne View scandal (pictured) more likely, experts have warned. Picture: BBC/PanoramaFri, 03 Jun 2011 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/06/2011/116942/good-practice-luv2meetu-friendship-project.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/06/2011/116942/good-practice-luv2meetu-friendship-project.htmNatalie Valios reports on a project to promote well-being and fight loneliness that is winning admirers.Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/06/2011/116935/castlebeck-abuse-case-could-be-tip-of-the-iceberg.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/06/2011/116935/castlebeck-abuse-case-could-be-tip-of-the-iceberg.htmThe Castlebeck abuse case could be the "tip of the iceberg" because of poor training for people working with challenging clients, social care trainers have warned. Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/06/2011/116933/labour-slams-government-confusion-over-abuse-scandal.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/06/2011/116933/labour-slams-government-confusion-over-abuse-scandal.htmLabour has slammed government "confusion" over its handling of the abuse scandal involving Winterbourne View hospital for people with learning disabilities.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 19:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/06/2011/116934/landlords-set-to-spurn-care-home-provider-southern-cross.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/06/2011/116934/landlords-set-to-spurn-care-home-provider-southern-cross.htmLandlords are set to reject Southern Cross's ultimatum of accepting a 30% rent cut, Community Care understands. Instead, rival care home operators are actively planning on taking over the running of the homes.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/06/2011/116930/cqc-to-shut-abuse-scandal-hospital-within-weeks.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/06/2011/116930/cqc-to-shut-abuse-scandal-hospital-within-weeks.htmThe learning disability hospital at the centre of an abuse scandal, Winterbourne View in Bristol, is to be closed by the Care Quality Commission, Community Care has learned.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/06/2011/116926/no-dh-review-into-cqc-and-councils-over-panorama-case.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/06/2011/116926/no-dh-review-into-cqc-and-councils-over-panorama-case.htmThere will be no government reviews of Care Quality Commission or safeguarding failings regarding the abuse of learning disabled people uncovered by Panorama this week.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2011/116915/southern-cross-tells-landlords-to-accept-rent-cut-or-leave.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2011/116915/southern-cross-tells-landlords-to-accept-rent-cut-or-leave.htmTroubled care home operator Southern Cross has issued an ultimatum to its landlords to accept a four-month 30% cut in rental payments, in what commentators described as a "declaration of war". Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2011/116890/users-and-carers-fight-restrictions-on-use-of-personal-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2011/116890/users-and-carers-fight-restrictions-on-use-of-personal-budgets.htmCash-strapped councils are accused of stifling people's creativity by imposing restrictions on recipients of personal budgets. But some service users have cast off the shackles, writes Vern Pitt Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2011/116922/cameron-clegg-and-miliband-told-to-avoid-political-care-fight.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2011/116922/cameron-clegg-and-miliband-told-to-avoid-political-care-fight.htmSocial care leaders have warned David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband to avoid political in-fighting and reach a consensus on the funding of long-term care when the Dilnot commission reports next month. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2011/116918/four-arrested-after-panorama-exposes-disability-abuse.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2011/116918/four-arrested-after-panorama-exposes-disability-abuse.htmFour people have been arrested after the BBC revealed shocking abuse at a hospital for people with learning disabilities. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2011/116917/burstow-backs-national-probe-of-learning-disability-hospitals.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2011/116917/burstow-backs-national-probe-of-learning-disability-hospitals.htmSeveral learning disability hospitals are to face unannounced inspections after abuse was uncovered at one unit by BBC's Panorama programme. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2011/116904/direct-payments-made-default-option-for-personal-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2011/116904/direct-payments-made-default-option-for-personal-budgets.htmPersonalisation implies that personal budgets should be tailored to the needs of the individual. But some councils appear to be restricting users to direct payments, finds Natalie Valios Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2011/116910/councils-direct-payments-preference-driven-by-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2011/116910/councils-direct-payments-preference-driven-by-cuts.htmCouncils are pushing service users into taking direct payments on cost grounds, say social work leaders.Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2011/116921/personalisation-skills-shortfall-afflicts-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2011/116921/personalisation-skills-shortfall-afflicts-social-workers.htmSocial workers are still not equipped with the skills to deliver person-centred care, with knowledge about personal assistants considerably lacking.Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/05/2011/116907/ask-the-expert-staying-safe-on-home-visits.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/05/2011/116907/ask-the-expert-staying-safe-on-home-visits.htmNicole Vazquez outlines precautions care workers and their employers can take against harassment during home visitsTue, 31 May 2011 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/05/2011/116906/new-software-tool-to-shave-millions-from-adult-care-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/05/2011/116906/new-software-tool-to-shave-millions-from-adult-care-budgets.htmCouncils can save millions on their adult care spend by using software that captures real-time information on the cost and usage of services, it is claimed. Tue, 31 May 2011 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/05/2011/116903/learning-disabilities-cuts-risk-driving-down-quality.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/05/2011/116903/learning-disabilities-cuts-risk-driving-down-quality.htmCouncil cuts to learning disability services are failing to produce efficiencies and risk driving down quality, a report has concluded.Tue, 31 May 2011 11:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/05/2011/116901/social-care-can-benefit-from-health-bill-delay-says-adass.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/05/2011/116901/social-care-can-benefit-from-health-bill-delay-says-adass.htmSocial care can benefit from the likely delay in the government's health reforms, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services' president, Peter Hay, has said. Fri, 27 May 2011 14:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/05/2011/116893/further-health-bill-delay-risks-confusion-for-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/05/2011/116893/further-health-bill-delay-risks-confusion-for-social-workers.htmThe government's health legislation faces being further delayed until the autumn risking confusion for social workers re-registering next year if it puts back the abolition of the General Social Care Council. Thu, 26 May 2011 15:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/05/2011/116887/hospitals-slammed-for-poor-nutritional-care-of-elderly.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/05/2011/116887/hospitals-slammed-for-poor-nutritional-care-of-elderly.htm"Unacceptable" failures by hospitals to meet older people's nutritional and dignity needs have been uncovered by the Care Quality Commission.Thu, 26 May 2011 00:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/05/2011/116855/the-rise-of-non-qualified-social-care-staff-under-personalisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/05/2011/116855/the-rise-of-non-qualified-social-care-staff-under-personalisation.htmAre concerns over use of non-social work staff to assess potential service users the complaint of a profession under threat or genuine worries? Mithran Samuel reports Wed, 25 May 2011 16:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/05/2011/116877/lib-dems-demand-wholesale-review-of-disability-benefit-reforms.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/05/2011/116877/lib-dems-demand-wholesale-review-of-disability-benefit-reforms.htmThe government must undertake a wholesale review of its plans to cut a raft of disability benefits, say Liberal Democrat MPs.Wed, 25 May 2011 14:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/05/2011/116868/social-workers-losing-faith-in-personalisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/05/2011/116868/social-workers-losing-faith-in-personalisation.htmSocial care professionals' support for personalisation has plummeted, Community Care's latest personalisation survey, commissioned by Unison has revealed. Unison's Helga Pile (pictured) said: "People still believe in personalisation, but it's increasingly difficult to make it happen." Wed, 25 May 2011 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/05/2011/116869/councils-dogged-by-slow-progress-on-personalisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/05/2011/116869/councils-dogged-by-slow-progress-on-personalisation.htmA significant minority of English councils have made slow progress on personalisation despite the three-year cash injection of £520m to drive it, say social care professionals. Wed, 25 May 2011 10:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/05/2011/116867/bureaucracy-is-damaging-personalisation-social-workers-say.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/05/2011/116867/bureaucracy-is-damaging-personalisation-social-workers-say.htmThree-quarters of practitioners say there is now more bureaucracy in their roles as a result of personalisation, according to Community Care's 2011 survey, conducted on behalf of Unison.Wed, 25 May 2011 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/05/2011/116874/fiona-pilkington-police-slammed-over-disability-hate-crime.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/05/2011/116874/fiona-pilkington-police-slammed-over-disability-hate-crime.htmA woman who killed herself and her disabled daughter after years of disability-related harassment was failed by police because officers failed to recognise the family as vulnerable. That was the conclusion of a damning Independent Police Complaints Commission report into Leicestershire Police's handling of the case of Fiona Pilkington, who killed herself and daughter Francecca Hardwick (both pictured) in October 2007. PICTURE: PATue, 24 May 2011 12:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/05/2011/116870/homeless-people-need-better-palliative-care-finds-charity.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/05/2011/116870/homeless-people-need-better-palliative-care-finds-charity.htmHomeless people are not receiving adequate end-of-life care because staff working with them cannot spot the signs of advanced liver disease, research has found. Tue, 24 May 2011 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/05/2011/116861/many-councils-may-have-social-care-cuts-ruled-illegal.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/05/2011/116861/many-councils-may-have-social-care-cuts-ruled-illegal.htmMany councils could have their adult social care budgets ruled illegal on the back of a High Court judgement yesterday, the president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has warned. Mon, 23 May 2011 09:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/05/2011/116839/historic-agreement-for-single-uk-college-of-social-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/05/2011/116839/historic-agreement-for-single-uk-college-of-social-work.htmThe College of Social Work and their counterparts at BASW - the College of Social Work have agreed to work together to merge into a single, UK-wide organisation. Fran Fuller, chair of BASW, (pictured) said the agreement was in the "best interests of the profession". Fri, 20 May 2011 12:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/05/2011/116846/social-work-boss-rejects-expensive-health-social-care-merger.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/05/2011/116846/social-work-boss-rejects-expensive-health-social-care-merger.htm"Expensive" structural integration of health and social care is not the solution to pressures on the system in Scotland, the Association of Directors of Social Work's incoming president has warned ministers in his inaugural speech. Fri, 20 May 2011 12:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/05/2011/116845/judge-slams-councils-consultation-over-critical-threshold.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/05/2011/116845/judge-slams-councils-consultation-over-critical-threshold.htmA judge has slammed Birmingham Council for failing to consider how its bid to raise adult care eligibility thresholds to critical only would affect those with substantial needs. Fri, 20 May 2011 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/05/2011/116841/cc-live-labour-will-not-play-politics-with-dilnot-findings.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/05/2011/116841/cc-live-labour-will-not-play-politics-with-dilnot-findings.htmLabour will not "play politics" with the debate on the long-term funding of adult social care, shadow care services minister Emily Thornberry said yesterday.Thu, 19 May 2011 13:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/05/2011/116837/southern-cross-plunges-into-red-as-councils-slash-funding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/05/2011/116837/southern-cross-plunges-into-red-as-councils-slash-funding.htmTroubled care home giant Southern Cross has plunged deeper into the red on the back of big cuts in admissions from local authority, half-year results published today show. However, chief executive Jamie Buchan (pictured) has said he is confident that the company can resolve its problems. Thu, 19 May 2011 09:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/05/2011/116836/cc-live-social-workers-threaten-to-quit-over-red-tape.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/05/2011/116836/cc-live-social-workers-threaten-to-quit-over-red-tape.htmSocial workers are considering leaving the profession because of the burden of bureaucracy.Wed, 18 May 2011 16:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/05/2011/116835/cc-live-burstow-gets-tough-with-pcts-over-social-care-cash.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/05/2011/116835/cc-live-burstow-gets-tough-with-pcts-over-social-care-cash.htmCare services minister Paul Burstow has delivered an ultimatum to primary care trusts that are hogging money intended for social care.Wed, 18 May 2011 14:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/05/2011/116828/dilnot-commission-told-to-reduce-means-testing-in-care-system.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/05/2011/116828/dilnot-commission-told-to-reduce-means-testing-in-care-system.htmThe Dilnot Commission on care funding has heard an unequivocal call to reduce means-testing by increasing the £23,250 savings threshold before people have to start paying for care in England. Commission chair Andrew Dilnot (pictured) described the opposition to the threshold as "overwhelming".Wed, 18 May 2011 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/05/2011/116831/lack-of-funding-and-training-blighting-person-centred-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/05/2011/116831/lack-of-funding-and-training-blighting-person-centred-care.htmThe social care system is failing to deliver person-centred care because of inadequate funding, training and practice, a major study warns today.Wed, 18 May 2011 00:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/05/2011/116824/social-worker-of-the-year-2011-launched.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/05/2011/116824/social-worker-of-the-year-2011-launched.htmPractitioners throughout the UK will be able to celebrate their achievements by entering the revamped Social Worker of the Year Awards, to be launched at Community Care Live today. Wed, 18 May 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/05/2011/116822/adult-safeguarding-boards-to-be-put-on-statutory-footing.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/05/2011/116822/adult-safeguarding-boards-to-be-put-on-statutory-footing.htmAdult safeguarding boards will be made compulsory for councils and their partners by being put on a statutory footing, care services minister Paul Burstow (left) announced today. Mon, 16 May 2011 13:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/05/2011/116816/key-back-bench-tory-urges-full-health-and-social-care-merger.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/05/2011/116816/key-back-bench-tory-urges-full-health-and-social-care-merger.htmFormer Tory health secretary Stephen Dorrell (left) called for provisions to fully integrate health and adult social care to be incorporated into the government's health reforms. Mon, 16 May 2011 09:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/05/2011/116809/self-funders-assessment-rights-could-pressure-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/05/2011/116809/self-funders-assessment-rights-could-pressure-social-workers.htmProposals to strengthen self-funders' rights to an assessment and care plan could put pressure on social workers' caseloads and council budgets, experts have warned.Fri, 13 May 2011 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2011/116799/educating-the-nhs-in-personalisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2011/116799/educating-the-nhs-in-personalisation.htmImagine a world in which the vision for social care was to give ownership and control of care provision to social workers. By Alex Fox Thu, 12 May 2011 15:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2011/116800/law-reforms-could-save-social-workers-45-minutes-a-week.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2011/116800/law-reforms-could-save-social-workers-45-minutes-a-week.htmThe overhaul of adult social care proposed this week would cut bureaucracy and save time for social workers, analysis has shown. Thu, 12 May 2011 13:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2011/116794/research-why-take-up-of-support-services-for-birth-parents-of-adopted-children-is-low.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2011/116794/research-why-take-up-of-support-services-for-birth-parents-of-adopted-children-is-low.htmTake-up of support services by the birth parents of adopted children is low. Archie Maclullich reports on research as to the causes of this and how it can improved Thu, 12 May 2011 13:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2011/116787/value-of-carers-outstrips-nhs-budget.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2011/116787/value-of-carers-outstrips-nhs-budget.htmCarers save the UK £119bn a year, more than the entire cost of the NHS in England, a study published today by Carers UK has found. Thu, 12 May 2011 01:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2011/116792/social-care-in-north-hit-hardest-by-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2011/116792/social-care-in-north-hit-hardest-by-cuts.htmA geographical divide has opened up in English adult social care spending with huge cuts in the north but budgets continuing to expand in the south.Thu, 12 May 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/05/2011/116778/service-users-should-get-direct-payments-for-residential-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/05/2011/116778/service-users-should-get-direct-payments-for-residential-care.htmRestrictions on giving service users direct payments to buy long-term residential care should be abolished to increase choice and control, today's Law Commission report on the reform of adult social care law has proposed.Wed, 11 May 2011 16:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/05/2011/116777/biggest-shake-up-in-adult-care-law-in-60-years-proposed.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/05/2011/116777/biggest-shake-up-in-adult-care-law-in-60-years-proposed.htmThe government has signalled the biggest reform of adult care law in 60 years after a three-year review proposed sweeping changes to adult safeguarding and carers' rights, and the extension of direct payments to residential care. Care services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) described the reforms as the foundation for change.Wed, 11 May 2011 15:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/05/2011/116779/law-review-backs-off-giving-social-workers-powers-of-entry.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/05/2011/116779/law-review-backs-off-giving-social-workers-powers-of-entry.htmThe Law Commission has failed to recommend giving social workers powers to enter people's homes to help investigate adult abuse, in its proposed reforms to adult care law.Wed, 11 May 2011 12:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/05/2011/116780/dont-let-jargon-ruin-law-commissions-reforms.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/05/2011/116780/dont-let-jargon-ruin-law-commissions-reforms.htmLegal analyst Ed Mitchell gives his verdict on the Law Commission's proposals for the biggest shake-up in adult social care law in 60 years. Wed, 11 May 2011 12:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/05/2011/116785/government-backs-munro-plan-for-chief-social-worker-role.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/05/2011/116785/government-backs-munro-plan-for-chief-social-worker-role.htmThe government has backed "in principle" the appointment of a chief social worker to provide leadership across the whole profession.Wed, 11 May 2011 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/05/2011/116782/sickness-benefit-test-failing-people-with-fluctuating-conditions.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/05/2011/116782/sickness-benefit-test-failing-people-with-fluctuating-conditions.htmCharities have demanded an overhaul of the test of eligibility for sickness benefit on the basis that it is failing people with fluctuating conditions. Wed, 11 May 2011 00:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/05/2011/116773/college-chief-social-worker-must-cover-adults-and-children.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/05/2011/116773/college-chief-social-worker-must-cover-adults-and-children.htmThe proposed chief social worker post for England should cover adults' as well as children's services, the College of Social Work said in its response to Eileen Munro's report on child protection.Tue, 10 May 2011 12:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/05/2011/116761/flagship-scheme-may-fail-disabled-job-seekers-warn-mps.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/05/2011/116761/flagship-scheme-may-fail-disabled-job-seekers-warn-mps.htmDisabled people may be failed by the government's new flagship scheme for getting unemployed people back to work. Mon, 09 May 2011 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/05/2011/116752/recovering-from-mental-health-illnesses-in-scotland.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/05/2011/116752/recovering-from-mental-health-illnesses-in-scotland.htmHonesty can be difficult when it comes to admitting to mental illness. Mon, 09 May 2011 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/05/2011/116757/princess-anne-warns-cuts-could-harm-multi-disciplinary-working.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/05/2011/116757/princess-anne-warns-cuts-could-harm-multi-disciplinary-working.htmEXCLUSIVE: The Princess Royal (left) has voiced concerns that cuts in public services could harm multi-disciplinary working, undermining support for service users and carers. (pic: Rex features) Fri, 06 May 2011 16:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/05/2011/116759/elections-set-to-increase-social-care-differences-within-uk.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/05/2011/116759/elections-set-to-increase-social-care-differences-within-uk.htmThe regional election results could exacerbate increasing health and social care policy differences between England, Scotland and Wales, a social care policy expert has warned. Fri, 06 May 2011 15:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/05/2011/116746/social-care-professionals-oppose-outsourcing-finds-survey.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/05/2011/116746/social-care-professionals-oppose-outsourcing-finds-survey.htmEXCLUSIVE: The transfer of social care services from councils to private providers has been bad for the sector, and government plans to go further in this direction risk wreaking future damage, say professionals. Thu, 05 May 2011 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/05/2011/116730/quality-versus-cost-a-brief-history-of-outsourcing-in-adult-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/05/2011/116730/quality-versus-cost-a-brief-history-of-outsourcing-in-adult-social-care.htmPrivate sector care has largely replaced council services. But, with more outsourcing planned, debate rages over how much it has improved the quality of care, writes Vern Pitt Thu, 05 May 2011 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/05/2011/116729/winning-over-staff-is-key-to-social-enterprise-success.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/05/2011/116729/winning-over-staff-is-key-to-social-enterprise-success.htmIn North East Lincolnshire, former NHS social care services are now being run as a business. Chief ­executive Lance Gardner tells Mithran Samuel of his plans and how keeping staff onside is one of his main challenges Thu, 05 May 2011 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/05/2011/116728/social-care-professionals-divided-over-privatised-adult-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/05/2011/116728/social-care-professionals-divided-over-privatised-adult-care.htmAs social workers in seven areas prepare to swap council jobs for running their own businesses, Jeremy Dunning finds the sector deeply divided on the merits of social work practices Thu, 05 May 2011 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/05/2011/114404/good-practice-dimensions-journey-to-personalisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/05/2011/114404/good-practice-dimensions-journey-to-personalisation.htmIn 2008, care provider Dimensions decided to transform itself in line with the personalisation agenda. It has now recounted its journey in a book. Natalie Valios reports Tue, 03 May 2011 16:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/05/2011/114906/scotland-and-wales-look-to-register-domiciliary-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/05/2011/114906/scotland-and-wales-look-to-register-domiciliary-workers.htm National regulators in Scotland and Wales want to start registering domiciliary care workers as soon as possible to raise standards and ensure the safety...Tue, 03 May 2011 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/05/2011/116584/cqc-to-outsource-new-care-ratings-system.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/05/2011/116584/cqc-to-outsource-new-care-ratings-system.htmThe Care Quality Commission is to outsource delivery of its new care ratings system to several accreditation bodies to give providers a choice of schemes to measure themselves against, it said today. Tue, 03 May 2011 16:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/05/2011/116741/care-quality-commission-visits-drop-by-70.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/05/2011/116741/care-quality-commission-visits-drop-by-70.htmAdult care providers have seen a 70% drop in inspections by the Care Quality Commission in the past year, a fall described as "frightening and unacceptable" by Gary FitzGerald (pictured), chief executive of Action on Elder Abuse, and prompting fears for the welfare of service users. Tue, 03 May 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/04/2011/116739/councils-sound-alarm-over-50-care-charge-cap.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/04/2011/116739/councils-sound-alarm-over-50-care-charge-cap.htmWelsh councils fear a new £50 cap on weekly community care charges will increase costs and demand for services, according to a new report. Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/04/2011/116731/scottish-parties-fight-for-carers-votes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/04/2011/116731/scottish-parties-fight-for-carers-votes.htmScotland's political parties are vying for the votes of carers by presenting manifestos targeted at them. Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/04/2011/116723/pickles-told-to-keep-social-care-duties-by-sector.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/04/2011/116723/pickles-told-to-keep-social-care-duties-by-sector.htmSocial workers and sector leaders have told ministers to retain councils' duties to assess and provide social care, in response to a consultation - ordered by communities secretary Eric Pickles (pictured) - that proposed abolishing them.Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/04/2011/116721/scots-councils-slam-health-and-social-care-merger-plans.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/04/2011/116721/scots-councils-slam-health-and-social-care-merger-plans.htmLabour and Scottish National Party plans to merge health and social care would cost £300m and simply "change the badge on a social care worker's shirt", local government leaders have warned on the eve of the Scottish Parliament elections. Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/04/2011/116717/adult-care-staff-cast-as-villains-due-to-cuts-says-adass-head.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/04/2011/116717/adult-care-staff-cast-as-villains-due-to-cuts-says-adass-head.htmCouncil adult services officers are wrongly being made out to be the "villains of the piece" because of the cuts they are having to implement, a leading director warned today after his authority lost a key legal case. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/04/2011/116716/judge-overturns-council-plan-to-raise-eligibility-to-critical.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/04/2011/116716/judge-overturns-council-plan-to-raise-eligibility-to-critical.htmBirmingham Council's plan to raise eligibility thresholds to critical has been overturned after a judge ruled it unlawful. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/04/2011/116715/cuts-leave-homelessness-schemes-more-reliant-on-volunteers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/04/2011/116715/cuts-leave-homelessness-schemes-more-reliant-on-volunteers.htm Funding cuts are forcing homelessness projects to cut bed numbers and rely more on volunteers and part-time staff, research finds today. The annual...Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/04/2011/116709/free-social-workers-from-bureaucracy-says-inquiry.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/04/2011/116709/free-social-workers-from-bureaucracy-says-inquiry.htmSocial workers should be freed from bureaucratic assessment procedures to spend more time with adult service users to drive personalisation, a six-month inquiry by sector experts published today has found. Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/04/2011/116707/domestic-violence-cuts-put-200000-children-at-risk.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/04/2011/116707/domestic-violence-cuts-put-200000-children-at-risk.htmBudget cuts could leave up to 200,000 child victims of domestic violence at risk of long-term mental health problems and some at risk of death, sector leaders have warned.Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/04/2011/116705/abuse-and-poor-nutrition-uncovered-in-care-homes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/04/2011/116705/abuse-and-poor-nutrition-uncovered-in-care-homes.htmAbuse, a lack of cleanliness and poor nutrition have been uncovered in care homes by an undercover investigation by consumer group Which?. Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/04/2011/116701/whistleblower-forced-to-quit-is-offered-job-back.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/04/2011/116701/whistleblower-forced-to-quit-is-offered-job-back.htmA whistleblowing social worker forced to resign for exposing the overcharging of adults with learning disabilities has been offered his job back by the council after a report found he was bullied by managers.Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/04/2011/116702/councils-to-make-1bn-cuts-to-adult-care-this-year.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/04/2011/116702/councils-to-make-1bn-cuts-to-adult-care-this-year.htmAdult care departments in England have made cuts worth about £1bn this year to cope with rising demand and tight budget settlements from government.Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/04/2011/116699/dilnot-commission-to-end-postcode-lottery-for-adult-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/04/2011/116699/dilnot-commission-to-end-postcode-lottery-for-adult-care.htmThe Dilnot care funding commission will recommend an end to the postcode lottery for care by calling for the introduction of a national system of assessment and eligibility, its chair has signalled. Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2011/116691/women-face-abuse-trap-by-migration-rules-change.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2011/116691/women-face-abuse-trap-by-migration-rules-change.htmSome migrant women may become trapped in abusive relationships because of changes in government immigration rules, lawyers have warned. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 18:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2011/116696/domestic-violence-services-under-threat.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2011/116696/domestic-violence-services-under-threat.htmSpending cuts and the government's localism agenda are combining to threaten the future of many domestic violence services. Vern Pitt asks how bad things have to get Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2011/116682/domestic-violence-advisers-help-keep-victims-safe-at-home.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2011/116682/domestic-violence-advisers-help-keep-victims-safe-at-home.htmA West Sussex initiative is keeping victims of domestic violence in their own homes safely rather than directing them to refuges, reports Natalie Valios Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2011/116690/charities-slam-government-plan-to-scrap-poverty-payments.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2011/116690/charities-slam-government-plan-to-scrap-poverty-payments.htmFifteen charities have slammed the government's consultation on scrapping national poverty payments, accusing it of containing "no analysis" of the needs of vulnerable recipients who stand to be driven deeper into poverty. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2011/116689/lack-of-social-workers-sees-use-of-unqualified-staff-rise.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2011/116689/lack-of-social-workers-sees-use-of-unqualified-staff-rise.htmEmployers are blaming the trend of allocating increasingly complex cases to unqualified staff on the national shortage of social workers. Debbie Jones (pictured), vice president of the Association of Directors of Children's Services, said councils were struggling to balance their responsibilities to service users and staff because of a lack of resources. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2011/116687/tackling-social-workers-anti-men-attitudes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2011/116687/tackling-social-workers-anti-men-attitudes.htmThere is no shortage of research highlighting the importance of fathers in their children's lives. But Gavin Swann admits that, for most of his career as a social worker, he held negative and prejudicial views about the men who featured in his cases. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/04/2011/116683/domestic-violence-why-does-she-stay-a-question-loaded-with-assumptions.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/04/2011/116683/domestic-violence-why-does-she-stay-a-question-loaded-with-assumptions.htmWhy does she stay? That is the wrong question to ask about domestic violence and is based on several false assumptions. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/04/2011/116680/welsh-labour-wants-charities-to-run-private-care-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/04/2011/116680/welsh-labour-wants-charities-to-run-private-care-services.htmCharities could seize social care services in Wales from the private sector, under plans put forward by Welsh Labour today. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/04/2011/116677/dilnot-commission-told-to-end-postcode-lottery-for-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/04/2011/116677/dilnot-commission-told-to-end-postcode-lottery-for-care.htmThe Dilnot commission on adult care funding has been told to end the postcode lottery by proposing a national eligibility threshold for support.Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/04/2011/116674/cuts-strand-disabled-people-without-employment-support.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/04/2011/116674/cuts-strand-disabled-people-without-employment-support.htmDisabled people could be stranded in unemployment because jobs support services are being devastated by local authority spending cuts, a study has found.Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/04/2011/116676/lga-urges-talks-with-lansley-to-ensure-gps-help-vulnerable.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/04/2011/116676/lga-urges-talks-with-lansley-to-ensure-gps-help-vulnerable.htmCouncil leaders have called for face-to-face talks with health secretary Andrew Lansley to answer local authority concerns about his NHS reforms and ensure they do not fail vulnerable groups. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/04/2011/116673/social-work-assistants-asked-to-take-complex-cases.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/04/2011/116673/social-work-assistants-asked-to-take-complex-cases.htmSocial work assistants are being asked to take on more complex cases because of the cuts hitting councils, interim findings of a survey have suggested. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/04/2011/116670/adult-social-workers-to-be-freed-from-council-control.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/04/2011/116670/adult-social-workers-to-be-freed-from-council-control.htmSocial workers in six councils have been promised more freedom to work with service users independently of local authorities by piloting social work practices for adult social care. "Our plans will free-up front line social workers to do what they do best: help people maintain their independence," said care services minister Paul Burstow (pictured). Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/04/2011/116671/scr-style-reviews-to-probe-domestic-violence-deaths.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/04/2011/116671/scr-style-reviews-to-probe-domestic-violence-deaths.htmProfessionals will have to learn the lessons from domestic violence killings under requirements to hold serious case review-style probes that come into force today. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/04/2011/116669/unison-launches-campaign-to-protect-adult-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/04/2011/116669/unison-launches-campaign-to-protect-adult-social-workers.htmUnison has launched a nationwide campaign to stop councils from cutting adult social worker posts in the face of public spending cuts and the government's personalisation agenda. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/04/2011/116634/practice-panel-a-disabled-ex-serviceman-faces-homelessness.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/04/2011/116634/practice-panel-a-disabled-ex-serviceman-faces-homelessness.htmProfessionals and a service user offer advice on a case involving a disabled ex-serviceman facing eviction and no place to go Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/04/2011/116664/chairman-of-leading-care-home-provider-resigns.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/04/2011/116664/chairman-of-leading-care-home-provider-resigns.htmThe chairman of ailing care provider Southern Cross Healthcare has resigned amid further pressure on its finances. Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/04/2011/116659/personalisation-chief-councils-wrong-to-cull-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/04/2011/116659/personalisation-chief-councils-wrong-to-cull-social-workers.htmCouncils are wrong to cull social workers in their drive to implement self-directed care, the joint head of a new sector-wide partnership to promote personalisation has warned.Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/04/2011/116656/councils-that-fail-on-personalisation-face-intervention.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/04/2011/116656/councils-that-fail-on-personalisation-face-intervention.htmCouncils that fail to deliver on personalisation could face government or Care Quality Commission intervention if they refuse support from within the social care sector to improve. This warning came from Richard Jones (pictured), the outgoing president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services. Tue, 12 Apr 2011 08:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/04/2011/116645/tenth-of-social-care-workers-paid-less-than-minimum-wage.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/04/2011/116645/tenth-of-social-care-workers-paid-less-than-minimum-wage.htmNearly one in 10 social care staff is paid below the national minimum wage, a report by the Low Pay Commission has shown. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/04/2011/116651/councils-accused-of-flouting-guidance-on-care-charges.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/04/2011/116651/councils-accused-of-flouting-guidance-on-care-charges.htmCouncils are flouting government statutory guidance on the level of charges they can levy on disabled people for care services, campaigners have claimed. Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/04/2011/116648/health-bill-delay-could-damage-long-term-care-reform.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/04/2011/116648/health-bill-delay-could-damage-long-term-care-reform.htmDelays to the government's health legislation could undermine the long-term reform of care funding, outgoing Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Richard Jones (pictured) has warned. Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/04/2011/116649/making-adult-social-care-greener.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/04/2011/116649/making-adult-social-care-greener.htmLittle is known about social care's impact on the environment, but there are examples of sustainable good practice that councils could use to save money, reports Louise Hunt Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/04/2011/116633/health-and-social-care-merger-at-heart-of-scots-election.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/04/2011/116633/health-and-social-care-merger-at-heart-of-scots-election.htmRadical plans to merge health and adult social care are at the heart of the Scottish election campaign, with all of the major parties putting forward proposals to bring the two services together. Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2011/116631/government-launches-listening-panel-to-save-nhs-reforms.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2011/116631/government-launches-listening-panel-to-save-nhs-reforms.htmFormer Royal College of GPs chair Steve Field will head a new panel to consider objections to the NHS reforms as the government tries to win over critics.Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2011/116629/adass-will-not-lobby-against-cuts-says-new-president.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2011/116629/adass-will-not-lobby-against-cuts-says-new-president.htmPeter Hay will not be lobbying the coalition government for a change in direction on cuts as he takes up the reins as president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.Wed, 06 Apr 2011 11:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2011/116613/what-does-the-future-hold-for-care-homes-for-elderly-people-in-the-uk.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2011/116613/what-does-the-future-hold-for-care-homes-for-elderly-people-in-the-uk.htmCare homes are struggling to come to terms with fewer local authority contracts and politicians' preference for independent living. How can the sector respond, asks Vern Pitt Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2011/116628/ethnic-minorities-still-over-represented-in-mental-healthcare.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2011/116628/ethnic-minorities-still-over-represented-in-mental-healthcare.htmPeople from ethnic minorities remain disproportionately represented on mental health wards with no signs of this reducing, the Care Quality Commission revealed today. CQC chair Jo Williams (pictured) responded by calling for more collaboration between health and social care agencies.Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/04/2011/116623/controversial-court-judgement-used-to-justify-care-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/04/2011/116623/controversial-court-judgement-used-to-justify-care-cuts.htmCouncils are using a controversial legal decision to justify restricting a person's access to food and drink to cut costs, a care lawyer has claimed. Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/04/2011/116619/nhs-reforms-will-harm-joint-working-say-directors.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/04/2011/116619/nhs-reforms-will-harm-joint-working-say-directors.htmHealth secretary Andrew Lansley's NHS reforms risk damaging joint working between health and social care, failing vulnerable children and an accountability deficit, social services directors have warned.Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/04/2011/116614/quality-of-care-homes-divides-frontline-and-managers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/04/2011/116614/quality-of-care-homes-divides-frontline-and-managers.htmFrontline professionals have far more negative views of residential care than their managers, exclusive Community Care research has revealed.Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/04/2011/116612/reablement-must-be-personalised-if-it-is-to-improve.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/04/2011/116612/reablement-must-be-personalised-if-it-is-to-improve.htmReablement services must be made more personalised to improve their effectiveness in promoting independence and clients' experience of them, consultants said today. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/04/2011/116609/miliband-urges-cameron-to-ditch-reckless-nhs-overhaul.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/04/2011/116609/miliband-urges-cameron-to-ditch-reckless-nhs-overhaul.htmLabour leader Ed Miliband has urged the government to withdraw its "reckless" NHS reforms amid speculation that ministers will offer concessions to allay concerns. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/04/2011/116605/opposition-forces-dh-to-reject-payment-by-results-scheme.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/04/2011/116605/opposition-forces-dh-to-reject-payment-by-results-scheme.htmThe government has rejected a national payment by results scheme for adult social care after it faced unanimous opposition from sector leaders. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/04/2011/116602/bryncynon-strategy-breathes-life-into-ex-mining-community.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/04/2011/116602/bryncynon-strategy-breathes-life-into-ex-mining-community.htmA forming mining community decided to arrest its decline by tackling its own health and social problems after residents felt abandoned by the public sector, reports Andrew MickelFri, 01 Apr 2011 15:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/04/2011/116596/one-in-seven-councils-raises-eligibility-bar-for-adult-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/04/2011/116596/one-in-seven-councils-raises-eligibility-bar-for-adult-care.htmOne in seven councils has increased its threshold for adult social care this year, leaving many older and disabled people facing reduced support, the Local Government Association revealed today.Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/04/2011/116593/council-recruits-uks-first-social-work-dog.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/04/2011/116593/council-recruits-uks-first-social-work-dog.htmA council has recruited the UK’s first social work dog. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/04/2011/116592/adult-and-children-services-are-most-protected-by-councils.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/04/2011/116592/adult-and-children-services-are-most-protected-by-councils.htmMost councils say they are protecting children's and adults' services above all other services in the face of the 2011-12 budget cuts, a Local Government Association survey has shown. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/03/2011/116590/simplifying-the-personal-budgets-process-for-older-people-and-adults-with-mental-health-issues.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/03/2011/116590/simplifying-the-personal-budgets-process-for-older-people-and-adults-with-mental-health-issues.htmThe Social Care Institute for Excellence presents findings from research into supporting older people and adults with mental health problems using personal budgets Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/03/2011/116585/supreme-court-to-rule-on-councils-powers-to-cut-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/03/2011/116585/supreme-court-to-rule-on-councils-powers-to-cut-care.htmCouncils' power to cut services on cost grounds without an assessment of needs could be overturned by the Supreme Court next week, after the right to an appeal was granted in a landmark case.Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/03/2011/116552/social-workers-may-gain-power-of-entry-in-adult-abuse-cases.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/03/2011/116552/social-workers-may-gain-power-of-entry-in-adult-abuse-cases.htmEXCLUSIVE A Supreme Court judge has backed giving social workers the power to enter the homes of people when adult abuse is suspected.Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/03/2011/116582/labour-plans-for-national-care-service-take-shape.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/03/2011/116582/labour-plans-for-national-care-service-take-shape.htmLabour will go into the forthcoming Scottish elections pledging to create a National Care Service by 2015, integrating health and social care and underpinned by national quality standards. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 07:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/03/2011/116553/law-commission-reassures-over-future-of-adult-care-duties.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/03/2011/116553/law-commission-reassures-over-future-of-adult-care-duties.htmAdults' entitlements to social care have been thrown a lifeline following communities secretary Eric Pickles' controversial decision to put all council care duties under review, Community Care has learned. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/03/2011/116554/quarter-of-social-care-users-hit-by-cuts-so-far.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/03/2011/116554/quarter-of-social-care-users-hit-by-cuts-so-far.htmAlmost a quarter of adult care users or carers have had their services cut before the full impact of government reductions in council budgets starts being felt from 1 April onwards, leading charities have found. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/03/2011/116576/watchdog-axe-will-deny-justice-to-mental-health-patients.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/03/2011/116576/watchdog-axe-will-deny-justice-to-mental-health-patients.htmDetained mental health patients face being denied fair access to justice under government plans to axe a key watchdog, its head has warned. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/03/2011/116573/anger-as-cqc-confirms-fee-hike-with-three-days-notice.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/03/2011/116573/anger-as-cqc-confirms-fee-hike-with-three-days-notice.htmAdult social care providers have lambasted the Care Quality Commission's decision to confirm a £6m hike in registration fees with just three days' notice.Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/03/2011/116570/5-fall-in-adults-receiving-council-funded-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/03/2011/116570/5-fall-in-adults-receiving-council-funded-social-care.htmThe number of adults receiving council-funded care fell by 5% last year, it has been revealed, amid concerns about tightening eligibility criteria. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/03/2011/116566/mental-health-clients-distressed-by-appeal-delays.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/03/2011/116566/mental-health-clients-distressed-by-appeal-delays.htmThere are too many delays when patients appeal to a tribunal against their detention under the Mental Health Act, according to a ground-breaking report. CQC chair Dame Jo Williams (pictured) said it was important patients felt they had been fairly treated by the tribunal.Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/03/2011/116565/mental-health-patients-left-naked-and-suffer-overcrowding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/03/2011/116565/mental-health-patients-left-naked-and-suffer-overcrowding.htmMental health patients are being held unclothed in seclusion and denied access to toilets in overcrowded wards, inspectors have found. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/03/2011/116560/550-councillors-demand-rethink-on-cuts-to-supporting-people.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/03/2011/116560/550-councillors-demand-rethink-on-cuts-to-supporting-people.htmMore than 500 councillors in England have signed a letter urging all town halls to rethink cuts to programmes that provide housing-related support to vulnerable people. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/03/2011/116549/hard-to-reach-groups-at-risk-of-poor-outcomes-under-personalisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/03/2011/116549/hard-to-reach-groups-at-risk-of-poor-outcomes-under-personalisation.htmThe coalition wants all users on personal budgets by 2013 but with older people and those with mental health problems left behind and resources drying up, the future of personalisation is in doubt. Jeremy Dunning reports Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/03/2011/116550/personal-budgets-pioneer-slams-coalitions-lack-of-targets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/03/2011/116550/personal-budgets-pioneer-slams-coalitions-lack-of-targets.htmThe government has failed on personalisation due to budget cuts and the removal of targets for councils to make improvements, Simon Duffy (pictured), a pioneer of personal budgets has warned. Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/03/2011/116539/abuse-goes-unchallenged-in-name-of-partnership-working.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/03/2011/116539/abuse-goes-unchallenged-in-name-of-partnership-working.htmPotential elder abuse can go unchecked by social workers because they fail to stand up to professionals in partner agencies. Angie Ash reports Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/03/2011/116535/welsh-cap-care-charges-as-fees-for-users-go-up-in-england.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/03/2011/116535/welsh-cap-care-charges-as-fees-for-users-go-up-in-england.htmCommunity care charges will be capped at £50 a week from next month for service users in Wales, as their counterparts in England face mounting fees. Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/03/2011/116536/bridging-the-generation-gap-to-help-people-with-dementia.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/03/2011/116536/bridging-the-generation-gap-to-help-people-with-dementia.htmNatalie Valios reports on how both young and old benefited from a project to improve the well-being of residents with dementia in a nursing home Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/03/2011/116534/voluntary-care-funding-model-slammed-by-clegg-ally.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/03/2011/116534/voluntary-care-funding-model-slammed-by-clegg-ally.htmNick Clegg's right-hand man has expressed scepticism that a voluntary insurance system can solve the funding crisis blighting long-term care.Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/03/2011/116528/social-workers-unconvinced-by-nhs-personalisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/03/2011/116528/social-workers-unconvinced-by-nhs-personalisation.htmMental health social workers and other professionals are unconvinced that personal health budgets will deliver improvements for service users, NHS leaders and health civil servants warned today.Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/03/2011/116527/budget-pledge-to-cut-red-tape-facing-social-care-enterprises.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/03/2011/116527/budget-pledge-to-cut-red-tape-facing-social-care-enterprises.htmThe government has vowed to axe the red tape that is hampering small social care providers and develop the telecare industry, as part of today's Budget announcement. Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/03/2011/116524/budget-boosts-big-society-but-no-let-up-in-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/03/2011/116524/budget-boosts-big-society-but-no-let-up-in-cuts.htmChancellor George Osborne's Budget today boosted the Big Society, but there were no new duties on alcohol and no let up in the government's programme of cuts.Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/03/2011/116526/fictitious-care-home-fraud-duo-are-jailed.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/03/2011/116526/fictitious-care-home-fraud-duo-are-jailed.htmTwo people who invented a care home and defrauded the NHS out of more than £100,000 have been jailed. Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/03/2011/116521/woe-for-families-as-nhs-staff-bypass-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/03/2011/116521/woe-for-families-as-nhs-staff-bypass-social-workers.htmSocial workers are being bypassed by NHS staff when patients are discharged from hospital, putting "extreme pressure" on families, a report warns today.Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/03/2011/116518/equality-watchdog-sounds-warning-over-curbs-to-its-powers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/03/2011/116518/equality-watchdog-sounds-warning-over-curbs-to-its-powers.htmPlans set out today to curb the powers of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission have raised concerns at the fairness watchdog.Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/03/2011/116513/homelessness-service-set-to-decline-as-charities-face-25-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/03/2011/116513/homelessness-service-set-to-decline-as-charities-face-25-cuts.htmHomelessness organisations face a 25% cut in council funding next year, prompting warnings that progress in tackling the problem will go into reverse. Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/03/2011/116507/troubled-care-giant-southern-cross-bolsters-top-team.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/03/2011/116507/troubled-care-giant-southern-cross-bolsters-top-team.htmAiling care home giant Southern Cross Healthcare has boosted its management team to try to turn around its financial fortunes and avoid going into administration.Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/03/2011/116506/councils-line-up-to-transfer-care-staff-to-trading-companies.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/03/2011/116506/councils-line-up-to-transfer-care-staff-to-trading-companies.htmMomentum is building behind local authority moves to hive off adult care services and staff to council-owned trading companies in order to save money.Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/03/2011/116499/social-care-outsourcing-drive-bad-for-users-and-staff.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/03/2011/116499/social-care-outsourcing-drive-bad-for-users-and-staff.htmThe government's drive to outsource social care and other public services risks damaging service quality, weakening accountability and harming working conditions, a report has said. Sat, 19 Mar 2011 00:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/03/2011/116503/loughton-forced-to-defend-foster-care-charter.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/03/2011/116503/loughton-forced-to-defend-foster-care-charter.htmChildren's minister Tim Loughton was today forced to defend his decision not to make the government's new Foster Carers Charter compulsory for all local authorities. Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/03/2011/116501/care-home-provider-will-not-go-into-administration.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/03/2011/116501/care-home-provider-will-not-go-into-administration.htmAiling care home provider Southern Cross Healthcare is confident it can avoid going into administration as it holds talks with the landlords of its care homes in a bid to reduce rents. Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/03/2011/116492/ministers-bid-to-protect-residents-of-ailing-care-provider.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/03/2011/116492/ministers-bid-to-protect-residents-of-ailing-care-provider.htmMinisters have intervened to protect the 31,000 residents of ailing care home provider Southern Cross Healthcare, after chief executive Jamie Buchan (pictured) admitted that it was no longer able to pay rents owed to the landlords who own its homes. Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2011/116472/how-the-court-of-protection-is-a-force-for-good-in-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2011/116472/how-the-court-of-protection-is-a-force-for-good-in-social-care.htmThe Court of Protection can be used to authorise a vulnerable adult's removal from an abusive home environment if the adult lacks the mental capacity to decide where to live and the court considers removal to be in the adult's best interests, writes Ed Mitchell. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2011/116487/health-reforms-risk-medicalisation-of-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2011/116487/health-reforms-risk-medicalisation-of-social-care.htmAmong the numerous reforms in social care and health, the prospect of GP-led commissioning consortia is giving colleagues some cause for concern. Radical proposals will see these consortia take over the health commissioning function from primary care trusts, which are to be abolished by April 2013.Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2011/116485/risk-factor-a-learning-disabled-adult-who-cannot-live-with-others.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2011/116485/risk-factor-a-learning-disabled-adult-who-cannot-live-with-others.htmFinding suitable supported accommodation for people with learning disabilities can be difficult, writes Mark Drinkwater. The task is even more of a challenge when an individual has problems living with other service users when options in community settings are few.Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2011/116450/integrate-health-and-social-care-budgets-to-avoid-conflicts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2011/116450/integrate-health-and-social-care-budgets-to-avoid-conflicts.htmHealth and adult social care funding in England should be integrated nationally and locally to prevent bed blocking and conflicts over resources, a King's Fund report said today. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2011/116451/detained-mental-health-patients-denied-right-to-advocacy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2011/116451/detained-mental-health-patients-denied-right-to-advocacy.htmDetained mental health patients are losing out on their right to independent advocacy because of underfunding and inadequate commissioning, campaigners have found. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2011/116453/self-neglect-cases-how-should-social-workers-intervene.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2011/116453/self-neglect-cases-how-should-social-workers-intervene.htmWith the law so unclear, professional intervention in cases of self-neglect can be fraught with difficulties. Yet, as Vern Pitt reports, the pressure on social workers to 'do something' is great Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2011/116477/how-to-handle-media-pressure-in-cases-of-self-neglect.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2011/116477/how-to-handle-media-pressure-in-cases-of-self-neglect.htmSelf-neglect cases frequently end up on social workers' desks because other agencies do not know what to do with them, while the public and press expect action.Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/03/2011/116479/social-care-duties-cuts-will-be-fought-tooth-and-nail.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/03/2011/116479/social-care-duties-cuts-will-be-fought-tooth-and-nail.htmGovernment attempts to curb council duties to support disabled people would be fought "tooth and nail", the architect of many of those duties has warned. Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/03/2011/116437/most-councils-plan-to-raise-charges-or-eligibility-for-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/03/2011/116437/most-councils-plan-to-raise-charges-or-eligibility-for-care.htmMore than half of councils have raised charges or eligibility thresholds for care in the past year or consulted on doing so, research has revealed. Picture: Alamy Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/03/2011/116471/number-of-liberty-safeguard-applications-varies-widely.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/03/2011/116471/number-of-liberty-safeguard-applications-varies-widely.htmThe number of deprivation of liberty safeguard applications for people lacking capacity varies widely between local authorities, two reports show.Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/03/2011/116465/nhs-reforms-put-dementia-care-at-risk.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/03/2011/116465/nhs-reforms-put-dementia-care-at-risk.htmThe government's NHS overhaul could put dementia care at risk because of gaps in GPs' knowledge about the condition, a report warned today.Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/03/2011/116467/support-for-disabled-people-at-risk-in-council-duties-review.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/03/2011/116467/support-for-disabled-people-at-risk-in-council-duties-review.htmCouncil duties to support disabled people and carers could be scrapped on the back of the government's review of all social care duties launched last week.Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/03/2011/116458/councils-covertly-changing-adult-care-eligibility-levels.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/03/2011/116458/councils-covertly-changing-adult-care-eligibility-levels.htmCouncils are operating tighter eligibility thresholds for adult care than they claim publicly in order to manage cuts, Ian Anderson (left), director of community services for Isle of Wight Council, has claimedMon, 14 Mar 2011 13:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/03/2011/116464/fears-over-non-social-workers-carrying-out-assessments.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/03/2011/116464/fears-over-non-social-workers-carrying-out-assessments.htmConcern is growing over use of non-social workers to reassess service users amid new evidence of the number of councils tightening eligibility criteriaMon, 14 Mar 2011 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/03/2011/116447/dementia-patients-failed-by-hospitals-finds-inquiry.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/03/2011/116447/dementia-patients-failed-by-hospitals-finds-inquiry.htmWelsh hospitals are failing to meet the needs of dementia patients because of unsuitable environments, inadequate staff training and a lack of stimulation for sufferers. Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/03/2011/116440/one-year-on-from-the-dementia-declaration-what-progress-has-been-made.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/03/2011/116440/one-year-on-from-the-dementia-declaration-what-progress-has-been-made.htmCommunity Care's Dementia Declaration campaign called for the ­condition to be made a political priority. The coalition has done this but the sector is pressing for more progress, finds Mithran Samuel Sat, 12 Mar 2011 15:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/03/2011/116448/abolition-of-social-care-duties-would-be-illegal.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/03/2011/116448/abolition-of-social-care-duties-would-be-illegal.htmAbolishing councils' legal duties to provide social care would breach human rights law, a lawyer has warned after communities secretary Eric Pickles floated the idea. Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2011/116445/social-care-sector-opposed-to-long-term-care-funding-plan.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2011/116445/social-care-sector-opposed-to-long-term-care-funding-plan.htmSocial care leaders are staunchly opposed to a voluntary insurance solution to long-term care funding despite increasing evidence that this is what the commission on reforming the system will recommend. Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2011/116444/self-neglect-starts-with-your-feet-says-michael-fitzpatrick.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2011/116444/self-neglect-starts-with-your-feet-says-michael-fitzpatrick.htmIn my experience the patients most likely to neglect themselves are those with chronic mental illness and learning disabilities, writes Michael Fitzpatrick Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2011/116443/book-your-own-breaks-websites-help-carers-users-and-staff.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2011/116443/book-your-own-breaks-websites-help-carers-users-and-staff.htmA system for carers to book breaks is showing how the internet can help personalise care, reports Natalie Valios Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2011/116441/mps-furious-over-pickles-social-care-duties-consultation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2011/116441/mps-furious-over-pickles-social-care-duties-consultation.htmMPs have condemned the government for consulting on the removal of statutory social care duties, branding the moves "terrifying" and "unthinkable". Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2011/116434/government-could-abolish-all-council-social-care-duties.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2011/116434/government-could-abolish-all-council-social-care-duties.htmThe government will take social care "back to year zero" if it removes duties on councils to support service users, as part of the war on "barmy" rules declared by communities secretary Eric Pickles (pictured). Picture: Rex FeaturesThu, 10 Mar 2011 12:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2011/116436/eligibility-hikes-leave-one-council-meeting-low-level-needs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2011/116436/eligibility-hikes-leave-one-council-meeting-low-level-needs.htmJust one English council has a "low" threshold for social care after Calderdale Council in Yorkshire increased eligibility for support to "moderate" needs. Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/03/2011/116414/funding-cuts-lead-to-tidal-wave-of-job-and-service-losses.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/03/2011/116414/funding-cuts-lead-to-tidal-wave-of-job-and-service-losses.htmCouncils throughout England are slashing services as a result of their budgets being cut. Jeremy Dunning, Kirsty McGregor and Molly Garboden examine the impact on four authoritiesWed, 09 Mar 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/03/2011/116418/dementia-patients-receive-unlawful-hospital-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/03/2011/116418/dementia-patients-receive-unlawful-hospital-care.htmHospitals are treating patients with dementia unlawfully by failing to apply safeguards for those who lack capacity to consent, Scotland's mental health watchdog said today. Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/03/2011/116416/council-cuts-leave-most-womens-refuges-facing-closure.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/03/2011/116416/council-cuts-leave-most-womens-refuges-facing-closure.htmMore than 70,000 domestic violence victims may be at risk because cuts have left most refuges and outreach services facing closure, a Women's Aid survey has revealed. Picture: Rex FeaturesTue, 08 Mar 2011 14:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/03/2011/116413/care-staff-accused-in-quarter-of-adult-abuse-referrals.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/03/2011/116413/care-staff-accused-in-quarter-of-adult-abuse-referrals.htmA quarter of adult abuse referrals in England last year involved allegations against social care staff, official figures published today show. Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2011/116395/is-low-cost-budget-airline-style-social-care-workable.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2011/116395/is-low-cost-budget-airline-style-social-care-workable.htmAirlines and supermarkets show that cheap services can be provided without compromising too much on quality. Social care could take note, writes Brian Munday Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2011/116405/free-personal-care-ruled-out-by-care-funding-chief.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2011/116405/free-personal-care-ruled-out-by-care-funding-chief.htmState-funded free personal care for all has been ruled out by the commission tasked with reforming the care funding system, on the basis that it is unsustainable. Andrew Dilnot, chair of the Commission on Funding of Care and Support, revealed the decision in an interview with Community Care. Although it will not come as a surprise, it is the first time Dilnot has ruled out free personal care as an option. Mon, 07 Mar 2011 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2011/116400/drop-disability-reforms-say-100-plus-social-care-experts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/03/2011/116400/drop-disability-reforms-say-100-plus-social-care-experts.htmMore than 100 prominent social care academics and policy experts have urged the governments to drop its plans for welfare reform because they say the plans will penalise disabled people.Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/03/2011/116387/support-that-produces-good-outcomes-for-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/03/2011/116387/support-that-produces-good-outcomes-for-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmParents with learning disabilities are too often disregarded by statutory agencies, but, reports Gordon Carson, with the right support, their children can flourish in their care Sun, 06 Mar 2011 23:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2011/116397/council-ditches-plan-to-set-super-critical-care-threshold.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2011/116397/council-ditches-plan-to-set-super-critical-care-threshold.htmBirmingham Council has ditched plans to set the country's highest adult care eligibility threshold following opposition from disability groups. Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2011/116393/resolving-social-care-funding-disputes-between-councils-and-pcts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2011/116393/resolving-social-care-funding-disputes-between-councils-and-pcts.htmIndependent panels that settle care funding disputes between councils and primary care trusts avoid the need for costly court hearings and benefit joint-working, writes Louise Hunt Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/03/2011/116390/ministers-accused-of-mean-spirited-attack-on-poorer-people.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/03/2011/116390/ministers-accused-of-mean-spirited-attack-on-poorer-people.htmThe government has been accused of a "mean-spirited attack" on vulnerable people after deciding to restrict poor families' access to interest-free loans to see them through crises.Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/03/2011/116382/welsh-vision-for-personalisation-still-confusing.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/03/2011/116382/welsh-vision-for-personalisation-still-confusing.htmSocial care leaders are confused over the Welsh government's rejection of what it calls the "market-led model" of "personalisation" in favour of one based on "citizen control".Thu, 03 Mar 2011 09:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/03/2011/116381/experts-warn-of-postcode-lottery-in-learning-disability-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/03/2011/116381/experts-warn-of-postcode-lottery-in-learning-disability-services.htmLearning disabled service users face a postcode lottery in support because the government is to axe the team delivering the Valuing People Now strategy, experts have warned.Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/03/2011/116377/government-axes-learning-disability-programme-team.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/03/2011/116377/government-axes-learning-disability-programme-team.htmThe government has axed the team delivering its central learning disability strategy even though it has nearly a year left to run.Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/03/2011/116343/protecting-learning-disabled-victims-of-forced-marriage.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/03/2011/116343/protecting-learning-disabled-victims-of-forced-marriage.htmThe forced marriage of learning disabled people is a hidden scandal. Mithran Samuel asks how practitioners might spot such cases and safeguard service users Wed, 02 Mar 2011 01:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/03/2011/116347/help-through-humour-for-prisoners-with-mental-health-issues.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/03/2011/116347/help-through-humour-for-prisoners-with-mental-health-issues.htmA charity has enlisted a stand-up comic to challenge mental health stigma among prisoners. Andrew Mickel reports Wed, 02 Mar 2011 01:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/03/2011/116342/using-faith-to-help-muslims-face-mental-health-problems.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/03/2011/116342/using-faith-to-help-muslims-face-mental-health-problems.htmMental health among Muslims is deteriorating as the community increasingly feels under siege. But, as Jeremy Dunning reports, services need to understand the importance of faith when treating the patientWed, 02 Mar 2011 00:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/03/2011/116360/services-must-change-to-make-personalisation-real-for-ethnic-minorities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/03/2011/116360/services-must-change-to-make-personalisation-real-for-ethnic-minorities.htmThere are many barriers preventing people from ethnic minorities enjoying the benefits of personalisation, writes Patrick VernonWed, 02 Mar 2011 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2011/116369/services-must-adapt-for-older-people-from-ethnic-minorities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2011/116369/services-must-adapt-for-older-people-from-ethnic-minorities.htmService providers have been advised to adapt older people's services to meet the needs of an increasingly ethnically diverse population after a study suggested attitudes to care are rapidly changing.Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2011/116365/half-a-million-to-live-with-undiagnosed-dementia-by-2021.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2011/116365/half-a-million-to-live-with-undiagnosed-dementia-by-2021.htmMore than half a million people will be living undiagnosed with dementia in the UK by 2021, with a postcode lottery for diagnosis.Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2011/116364/self-funders-who-run-out-of-money-cost-councils-1bn.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2011/116364/self-funders-who-run-out-of-money-cost-councils-1bn.htmAlmost two-thirds of councils do not know how many self-funding care users exhaust their own resources and become reliant on state support.Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/02/2011/116361/council-faces-legal-challenge-over-adult-social-care-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/02/2011/116361/council-faces-legal-challenge-over-adult-social-care-cuts.htmBirmingham Council is facing a legal challenge over its plan to set an unprecedentedly high "super-critical" threshold for adult care.Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/02/2011/116350/pct-mergers-threaten-joint-working-warn-social-care-leaders.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/02/2011/116350/pct-mergers-threaten-joint-working-warn-social-care-leaders.htmJoint health and social care arrangements are at risk from government plans to merge primary care trusts, sector leaders have warned in a letter to health secretary Andrew Lansley (pictured).Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2011/116345/ministers-own-advisers-slam-disability-benefit-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2011/116345/ministers-own-advisers-slam-disability-benefit-cuts.htmThe government's own welfare advisers have slammed its plan to make £2.2bn worth of cuts to disability living allowance.Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2011/116344/adult-mental-health-care-to-lose-out-to-camhs-as-cuts-bite.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2011/116344/adult-mental-health-care-to-lose-out-to-camhs-as-cuts-bite.htmAdult mental health care may lose out to children's services as the NHS seeks to make cuts and meet government priorities, mental health leaders, including Steve Shrubb (pictured), are warning. Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2011/116328/skills-bodies-set-out-to-boost-social-care-leadership.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2011/116328/skills-bodies-set-out-to-boost-social-care-leadership.htmSkills bodies across the UK are setting out plans to develop a new generation of social care leaders at a time of pay freezes and job cuts.Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2011/116338/uk-faces-shortage-of-100000-care-home-beds-report-warns.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2011/116338/uk-faces-shortage-of-100000-care-home-beds-report-warns.htmThe UK faces a 100,000 shortage in care home beds by 2020 because of council cuts and the ageing society, Bupa warned today. Thu, 24 Feb 2011 06:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2011/116337/social-workers-angered-by-what-cuts-are-doing-to-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2011/116337/social-workers-angered-by-what-cuts-are-doing-to-care.htmMental health social workers are "angry" about job and service cuts that are undermining their ability to care and increasing workloads, a social work chief has said.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2011/116334/dla-reform-making-the-benefit-fit-the-budget.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2011/116334/dla-reform-making-the-benefit-fit-the-budget.htmHow many of your clients receive disability living allowance? How will it affect them – and you – if the DLA budget for people of working-age is slashed by 20% in three to four years time.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2011/116333/nhs-cuts-will-put-pressure-on-social-care-warns-union.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2011/116333/nhs-cuts-will-put-pressure-on-social-care-warns-union.htmSocial care will come under increasing pressure and mental health patients will suffer on the back of the 50,000 NHS jobs cuts revealed today, campaigners have warned.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2011/116306/self-funding-social-care-users-left-in-the-cold-by-councils.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2011/116306/self-funding-social-care-users-left-in-the-cold-by-councils.htmSupport for self-funders is so patchy that many do not bother seeking help, resulting in bad choices of care. However, advice services such as the one provided by the Relatives and Residents Association in Essex (pictured) shows good support is possible. (Image: John Behets).Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2011/116330/mental-health-trusts-to-make-15-job-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2011/116330/mental-health-trusts-to-make-15-job-cuts.htmMental health trusts are planning acute jobs cuts with some planning to shed 15% from their workforces, it was revealed today. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2011/116324/social-care-professionals-fail-to-spot-alcohol-misusers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2011/116324/social-care-professionals-fail-to-spot-alcohol-misusers.htmSocial care and health professionals are failing to identify people who are dependent on alcohol, meaning the vast majority are not in treatment.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2011/116329/tool-to-identify-costly-social-care-users-promises-big-savings.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2011/116329/tool-to-identify-costly-social-care-users-promises-big-savings.htmCouncils could make huge savings by identifying people at risk of requiring high-cost social care in future, through a new IT tool. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/02/2011/116313/homeshare-good-for-service-users-and-for-council-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/02/2011/116313/homeshare-good-for-service-users-and-for-council-budgets.htmHomeshare schemes can work for the mutual benefit of older and young people, reports Natalie ValiosMon, 21 Feb 2011 20:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/02/2011/116319/attack-on-pay-sparks-fears-of-social-work-brain-drain.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/02/2011/116319/attack-on-pay-sparks-fears-of-social-work-brain-drain.htmA government crackdown on pay for senior council officers will lead to a brain drain of top managers from social care, according to experts. The warning came as communities secretary Eric Pickles (pictured) declared war on "mega salaries" paid by councils to managers.Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/02/2011/116317/welsh-social-care-plan-rejects-major-role-for-private-sector.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/02/2011/116317/welsh-social-care-plan-rejects-major-role-for-private-sector.htmWales's new social care vision will lead to policy divergence with England and an implicit rejection of the private sector in services. Beverlea Frowen, director for social services and health improvement for the Welsh Local Government Association, said Wales had decided that quality of care would come through involving the public sector and voluntary services in a "co-production" approach to ensure "sustainable social services". Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/02/2011/116316/big-society-wont-work-for-social-care-says-welsh-minister.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/02/2011/116316/big-society-wont-work-for-social-care-says-welsh-minister.htmThe minister responsible for social services in Wales has hit out at David Cameron's Big Society vision, arguing that it is short-sighted not to invest more in social care.Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/02/2011/116314/wales-creates-de-facto-national-social-care-service.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/02/2011/116314/wales-creates-de-facto-national-social-care-service.htmRadical plans that will effectively result in the creation of a national care service for Wales have been unveiled by the Welsh Assembly Government (Pic; Welsh Assembly)Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/02/2011/116311/ministers-dont-know-how-2bn-benefit-cut-will-affect-users.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/02/2011/116311/ministers-dont-know-how-2bn-benefit-cut-will-affect-users.htmThe government's impact assessment of its £2bn cut to disability living allowance has been slammed for failing to assess how many people will lose support, nine months after the policy was announced.Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/02/2011/116305/welsh-councils-to-lose-social-care-powers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/02/2011/116305/welsh-councils-to-lose-social-care-powers.htmWelsh care providers have hailed plans to curb individual councils' role in social care as a "victory for common sense", after the Welsh government announced a 10-year plan for social services today. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2011/116301/welfare-reform-bill-will-hurt-disabled-warn-campaigners.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2011/116301/welfare-reform-bill-will-hurt-disabled-warn-campaigners.htmGovernment welfare reforms risk driving disabled people and poorer families into deeper poverty, campaigners have warned after the government issued its Welfare Reform Bill today.Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2011/116303/warning-of-back-door-fees-for-social-care-staff.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2011/116303/warning-of-back-door-fees-for-social-care-staff.htmRegistration fees for social care staff in England could be introduced "through the back door" if the government goes ahead with a plan to install a voluntary regulation system, sector leaders have warned.Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2011/116299/welsh-rule-out-national-social-work-college.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2011/116299/welsh-rule-out-national-social-work-college.htmThe Welsh government has ruled out setting up a national social work college for Wales, on the basis that it would not raise the profession's status.Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2011/116302/research-new-clinical-roles-for-care-home-staff.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2011/116302/research-new-clinical-roles-for-care-home-staff.htmNew clinical roles for care home staff are being touted so the future needs of frail older people can be met. Jill Manthorpe reviews the findings of a three-year study Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2011/116295/disability-benefits-slashed-in-welfare-reform-bill.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2011/116295/disability-benefits-slashed-in-welfare-reform-bill.htmDisabled people will be the big losers in the government's overhaul of the benefits system unveiled today in the Welfare Reform Bill. Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/02/2011/116286/one-fifth-of-social-care-providers-expect-to-close-next-year.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/02/2011/116286/one-fifth-of-social-care-providers-expect-to-close-next-year.htmOne in five social care providers expects to go out of business as a result of council cuts to their fees, research by Community Care has revealed.Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/02/2011/116273/are-consultations-on-cuts-doomed-to-tokenism.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/02/2011/116273/are-consultations-on-cuts-doomed-to-tokenism.htmCampaigners say care users are not being given a say in cuts to their services, but councils risk legal action if they fail to consult properly on their plans. Vern Pitt reports Wed, 16 Feb 2011 07:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/02/2011/116284/adult-care-providers-face-less-scrutiny-warns-adass.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/02/2011/116284/adult-care-providers-face-less-scrutiny-warns-adass.htmAdult care directors are seeking "urgent" talks with the Care Quality Commission over concerns that a new ratings system for providers will reduce scrutiny of services, to the detriment of users. Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/02/2011/116282/court-to-rule-on-sterilisation-of-learning-disabled-mother.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/02/2011/116282/court-to-rule-on-sterilisation-of-learning-disabled-mother.htmLearning disabled women should only face enforced sterilisation on medical grounds, not for birth control, Mencap has said ahead of a high-profile case on the issue tomorrow. Picture: Rex FeaturesMon, 14 Feb 2011 15:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/02/2011/116281/haringey-council-cuts-back-social-worker-training-and-jobs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/02/2011/116281/haringey-council-cuts-back-social-worker-training-and-jobs.htmHaringey Council has come under fire from the tabloid media for cutting social worker posts and its training budgets for social workers. Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/02/2011/116276/london-councils-social-care-merger-under-fire.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/02/2011/116276/london-councils-social-care-merger-under-fire.htmThree of London's most prominent councils are to appoint shared directors of children's and adults' services under cost-saving plans likely to be copied elsewhere. But critics say the plans will only produce relatively small savings and may hinder change.Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/02/2011/116277/registration-delays-at-cqc-impact-on-vulnerable-people.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/02/2011/116277/registration-delays-at-cqc-impact-on-vulnerable-people.htmVulnerable people are waiting months for care services because of long delays in the Care Quality Commission's processing of registration applications from providers. This is leaving some care homes, such as Lee House in Wimbledon (pictured), with empty rooms. Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/02/2011/116270/adult-care-staff-to-be-hived-off-to-council-trading-companies.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/02/2011/116270/adult-care-staff-to-be-hived-off-to-council-trading-companies.htmAt least 20 councils are planning to hive off their adult social care services to local authority trading companies. (Pic: Rex features)Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/02/2011/116274/using-human-rights-law-to-fight-service-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/02/2011/116274/using-human-rights-law-to-fight-service-cuts.htmCampaigners are resorting to legislation to guarantee care and support for service users, with the Down's Syndrome Association leading by example, reports Vern Pitt Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/02/2011/116269/practice-panel-resource-allocation-system-sees-woman-pushed-into-depression.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/02/2011/116269/practice-panel-resource-allocation-system-sees-woman-pushed-into-depression.htmProfessionals offer advice on a case in which a woman with learning disabilities can no longer afford her choice of carers Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/02/2011/116264/uncertainty-over-london-councils-merged-social-services-plan.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/02/2011/116264/uncertainty-over-london-councils-merged-social-services-plan.htmRadical plans to merge social care and cut management jobs across three London boroughs may not go ahead as planned, a leading councillor from one of the boroughs has said.Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/02/2011/116235/portsmouth-makes-the-case-for-joint-working-to-cut-bed-blocking.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/02/2011/116235/portsmouth-makes-the-case-for-joint-working-to-cut-bed-blocking.htmHealth and social care services have joined forces in Portsmouth to ensure that patients experience minimal delay before being rehabilitated outside hospital. Jeremy Dunning reports Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/02/2011/116249/service-users-at-risk-from-council-merger-warns-unison.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/02/2011/116249/service-users-at-risk-from-council-merger-warns-unison.htmChildren and vulnerable adults could be put at risk from plans to merge children's and adults' services directorates across three councils, Unison has warned.Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/02/2011/116248/councils-slash-social-care-managers-to-save-35m.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/02/2011/116248/councils-slash-social-care-managers-to-save-35m.htmThree Tory-led London boroughs will slash management posts across children's and adults' services by creating single departments for both, as part of moves to save £35m. Wed, 09 Feb 2011 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/02/2011/116243/care-providers-make-councils-integrated-offer.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/02/2011/116243/care-providers-make-councils-integrated-offer.htmA partnership of providers is offering councils an integrated set of services, which they say will deliver better outcomes at lower costs. Mithran Samuel examines their proposalMon, 07 Feb 2011 16:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/02/2011/116237/ministers-risk-raising-false-hope-among-mentally-ill.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/02/2011/116237/ministers-risk-raising-false-hope-among-mentally-ill.htmMinisters risk raising false hopes among thousands of mentally ill people by pledging universal access to talking therapies without the means to enforce this, says an ex-adviser (Professor David Richards, pictured) sacked for speaking out over the issue.Mon, 07 Feb 2011 14:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/02/2011/116234/doubts-over-therapy-pledge-mars-mental-health-strategy-aims.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/02/2011/116234/doubts-over-therapy-pledge-mars-mental-health-strategy-aims.htmCare services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) launched the government's mental health strategy last week with high ambitions to improve care. However, the sacking of adviser Professor David Richards for speaking out over the strategy has exposed doubts in the government's claims.Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/02/2011/116229/council-cuts-risk-driving-out-good-social-care-providers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/02/2011/116229/council-cuts-risk-driving-out-good-social-care-providers.htmCouncils risk driving good social care providers out of business and propping up bad ones by making blanket cuts to the fees they pay for services, a consultant has warned.Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/02/2011/116227/research-and-evidence-social-isolation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/02/2011/116227/research-and-evidence-social-isolation.htmMore awareness of social isolation is needed to offset the risk of serious mental health problems developing, according to a survey. Lee Quinney looks at the findings Fri, 04 Feb 2011 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/02/2011/116215/civil-service-cuts-put-mental-health-strategy-at-risk.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/02/2011/116215/civil-service-cuts-put-mental-health-strategy-at-risk.htmThe government has admitted it risks undermining its plans to help one million people recover from mental health problems because of massive cuts in civil service expertise. The plans were announced today by health secretary Andrew Lansley in the government's mental health strategy. Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/02/2011/116213/council-faces-legal-threat-over-care-fees-cut-of-9.5.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/02/2011/116213/council-faces-legal-threat-over-care-fees-cut-of-9.5.htmCare providers have threatened to take Wirral Council to court over its decision to reduce their fees by 9.5%, warning it will damage care.Wed, 02 Feb 2011 12:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/02/2011/116210/adult-social-care-and-health-to-be-fused-in-scotland.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/02/2011/116210/adult-social-care-and-health-to-be-fused-in-scotland.htmAdult social care and health will be integrated in Scotland in a bid to improve access to care and cut delayed discharges, under plans announced today by public health minister Shona Robison.Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/02/2011/116205/care-homes-set-to-raise-fees-after-landmark-judgement.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/02/2011/116205/care-homes-set-to-raise-fees-after-landmark-judgement.htmCouncils will face more pressure to increase fees for care providers after a landmark legal ruling forced an authority to raise its rates. Picture: Rex FeaturesTue, 01 Feb 2011 11:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/01/2011/116194/care-providers-slam-cqc-over-plan-to-raise-registration-fees.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/01/2011/116194/care-providers-slam-cqc-over-plan-to-raise-registration-fees.htmProviders have slammed Care Quality Commission plans to raise the fees they pay for registration as unfair and poor value. Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/01/2011/116184/improving-the-standard-of-serious-case-reviews.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/01/2011/116184/improving-the-standard-of-serious-case-reviews.htmGillian Downham is leading a bid to improve the chairing of serious case reviews and other inquiries, and to improve lesson learning from them. Vern Pitt reports Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/01/2011/116193/cuts-are-ravaging-personalisation-say-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/01/2011/116193/cuts-are-ravaging-personalisation-say-social-workers.htmPersonalisation is being damaged by budget cuts and reduced choice and control, say social workers and service users.Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/01/2011/116180/guidance-for-social-workers-on-managing-risks-in-self-directed-support.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/01/2011/116180/guidance-for-social-workers-on-managing-risks-in-self-directed-support.htmThe Social Care Institute for Excellence has produced guidance for social workers on self-directed support and personal budgets to help service users make decisions and manage the risks safely Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/01/2011/116179/award-winning-mental-health-team-provides-hospital-alternative.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/01/2011/116179/award-winning-mental-health-team-provides-hospital-alternative.htmAn award-winning project in Scotland is shifting the balance of care from hospital to home support for people with severe mental health issues, reports Louise HuntFri, 28 Jan 2011 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/01/2011/116170/social-workers-need-more-training-in-talking-about-death.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/01/2011/116170/social-workers-need-more-training-in-talking-about-death.htmCouncils could save money from end-of-life care packages by giving social workers more training in talking to people nearing death, a study reveals (Pic: Alamy).Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/01/2011/116175/council-accused-of-misleading-public-over-care-home-closures.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/01/2011/116175/council-accused-of-misleading-public-over-care-home-closures.htmKent Council has been reported to the Audit Commission, accused of misleading the public in a consultation on care home closures.Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2011/116153/protecting-vulnerable-girls-at-clare-lodge-secure-centre.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2011/116153/protecting-vulnerable-girls-at-clare-lodge-secure-centre.htmA key facility for vulnerable girls is under the threat of closure despite its vital contribution, finds Camilla PembertonTue, 25 Jan 2011 16:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2011/116167/alzheimers-society-slams-dementia-care-in-the-home.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2011/116167/alzheimers-society-slams-dementia-care-in-the-home.htmHalf of dementia sufferers living in the community are not receiving sufficient care, leading to premature hospital or residential care admissions, an Alzheimer's Society survey has found.Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/01/2011/116164/councils-press-on-with-home-care-charges-increase.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/01/2011/116164/councils-press-on-with-home-care-charges-increase.htmCouncils are pushing ahead with plans to increase adult care charges by up to hundreds of pounds a week, sparking concern that consultations have proved tokenistic. (pic Alamy) Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/01/2011/116161/remploy-project-helps-people-in-pain-to-gain-work-experience-placements.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/01/2011/116161/remploy-project-helps-people-in-pain-to-gain-work-experience-placements.htmA project involving Remploy and a general hospital is finding work placements for people whose lives are blighted by pain every day, reports Vern Pitt Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/01/2011/116162/learning-disabled-parents-set-up-to-fail.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/01/2011/116162/learning-disabled-parents-set-up-to-fail.htmThe parents who are set up to fail n theory, people with support needs are entitled to pursue ordinary lives and enjoy equal rights. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/01/2011/116160/nhs-market-reforms-pose-risk-to-services-warn-professionals.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/01/2011/116160/nhs-market-reforms-pose-risk-to-services-warn-professionals.htmSocial care professionals may be still trying to get their heads around the 367-page Health and Social Care Bill published last week, but their health colleagues appear to have already made up their minds about health secretary Andrew Lansley's plans. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/01/2011/116149/payment-by-results-enters-adult-social-care-field.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/01/2011/116149/payment-by-results-enters-adult-social-care-field.htmThe method of funding NHS hospitals may be extended to adult care. Gordon Carson examines payment by results' prospects Sun, 23 Jan 2011 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/01/2011/116136/councils-fall-short-in-response-to-adult-abuse-allegations.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/01/2011/116136/councils-fall-short-in-response-to-adult-abuse-allegations.htmCouncils are failing to respond adequately to allegations of abuse of vulnerable adults, the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) warned today in its annual report. (Picture: Rex, model released) Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/01/2011/116139/ed-mitchell-on-legal-judgements-affecting-disabled-people.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/01/2011/116139/ed-mitchell-on-legal-judgements-affecting-disabled-people.htmIn this update, Ed Mitchell looks at the latest courts decisions about the provision of services to disabled people. Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2011/116134/plans-for-nhs-market-put-vulnerable-at-risk-warn-clinicians.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2011/116134/plans-for-nhs-market-put-vulnerable-at-risk-warn-clinicians.htmPlans to increase competition in the NHS risk harming the care of vulnerable patients, health professionals warned today as the government published its Health and Social Care Bill.Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2011/116103/making-technology-work-for-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2011/116103/making-technology-work-for-care.htmInvesting in technology is no luxury for adult care departments, says Julia RossWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2011/116102/robots-the-carers-of-the-future.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2011/116102/robots-the-carers-of-the-future.htmIn future, robots could be helping older people to stay independent, reducing care needs, finds Mithran SamuelWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2011/116105/how-technology-might-help-councils-deal-with-austerity.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2011/116105/how-technology-might-help-councils-deal-with-austerity.htmInformation technology could help adult social care departments to combat the severe financial and demographic pressures they face. But it may be some time before savings are fully quantified and realised, finds Gordon Carson, who looks at three contrasting uses of computer power Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2011/116128/using-multi-media-advocacy-to-empower-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2011/116128/using-multi-media-advocacy-to-empower-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmBarriers to learning disabled people shaping their own care and support are being broken down by technology and better relationships with staff, writes Andrew MickelWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/01/2011/116117/alzheimers-drugs-restrictions-to-be-lifted.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/01/2011/116117/alzheimers-drugs-restrictions-to-be-lifted.htmAlzheimer's campaigners claimed victory today after the NHS drugs watchdog proposed to overturn restrictions on treatments for the condition.Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/01/2011/116120/self-funders-shun-social-services-because-of-stigma.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/01/2011/116120/self-funders-shun-social-services-because-of-stigma.htmSelf-funders are shunning social services because of perceived stigma and those who do seek help have their low expectations repeatedly reinforced, a damning report concluded today.Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/01/2011/116119/providers-promise-to-save-councils-money-and-boost-outcomes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/01/2011/116119/providers-promise-to-save-councils-money-and-boost-outcomes.htmCouncils can avoid slashing adult care services and improving user outcomes by commissioning a new integrated offer combining home care, telecare and home adaptations, claim the providers behind the initiative.Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/01/2011/116116/bed-blocking-concerns-spark-health-social-care-row.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/01/2011/116116/bed-blocking-concerns-spark-health-social-care-row.htmThe re-emergence of bed-blocking as an issue, amid growing difficulty devising support packages for those ready to leave hospital, has inevitably started a blame game between health and social care (Image: Rex). Mon, 17 Jan 2011 07:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/01/2011/116108/disability-benefit-cuts-will-force-people-out-of-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/01/2011/116108/disability-benefit-cuts-will-force-people-out-of-work.htmHalf of working disability living allowance (DLA) claimants will have to stop working if they are deemed ineligible for the benefit as a result of proposed cuts, a survey has found. The results were released at the start of a three-day online campaign - One Month Before Heartbreak - against the cuts.Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/01/2011/116096/vulnerable-groups-face-savage-housing-support-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/01/2011/116096/vulnerable-groups-face-savage-housing-support-cuts.htmSupporting People services are facing average cuts of 17% next year, hitting vulnerable groups such as mental health patients and homeless people (pictured, credit Rex, model released).Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/01/2011/116107/basw-poised-to-form-rival-social-work-college.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/01/2011/116107/basw-poised-to-form-rival-social-work-college.htmThe British Association of Social Workers is likely to announce fresh plans this month to form a rival to the College of Social Work, Community Care understands. Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/01/2011/116093/concerns-at-closure-of-mental-health-policy-body.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/01/2011/116093/concerns-at-closure-of-mental-health-policy-body.htmThe government's decision to scrap its main mental health agency has sparked concern in the sector that support to improve services will be withdrawn.Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/01/2011/116088/ministers-justification-for-disability-benefit-cut-false.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/01/2011/116088/ministers-justification-for-disability-benefit-cut-false.htmCharities have rebuffed the government's key justification for cutting up to £50 a week in mobility benefits for disabled care home residents and have called for the policy to be scrapped.Wed, 12 Jan 2011 12:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/01/2011/116079/voluntary-sector-cuts-threaten-big-society-vision.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/01/2011/116079/voluntary-sector-cuts-threaten-big-society-vision.htmVoluntary social care organisations are being devastated by public spending cuts that threaten to undermine the government's Big Society agenda, research by Community Care reveals. (Picture: the Epilepsy Society's Chalfont Centre may see cuts)Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/01/2011/116085/stroke-survivors-face-postcode-lottery-in-community-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/01/2011/116085/stroke-survivors-face-postcode-lottery-in-community-care.htm Stroke survivors face a postcode lottery in aftercare with big inconsistencies in access to rehabilitation between areas, the Care Quality Commission said...Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/01/2011/116083/sharp-rise-in-number-detained-under-mental-health-act.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/01/2011/116083/sharp-rise-in-number-detained-under-mental-health-act.htmThe number of people in England detained under the Mental Health Act rose by nearly one-third last year, figures released today show.Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/01/2011/116075/how-the-cuts-are-affecting-the-voluntary-sector-a-tale-of-two-charities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/01/2011/116075/how-the-cuts-are-affecting-the-voluntary-sector-a-tale-of-two-charities.htmSmaller social care charities are faring worse than larger ones as council cuts bite. Vern Pitt examines how two charities from different ends of the scale are coping with the downturn Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/01/2011/116073/social-care-and-benefits-cuts-to-slash-incomes-for-disabled.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/01/2011/116073/social-care-and-benefits-cuts-to-slash-incomes-for-disabled.htmCuts to social care and benefits will see the living standards of the poorest half of disabled people in Norfolk drop by more than a third over the next four years, a study out today reveals (Image: Rex). Mon, 10 Jan 2011 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/01/2011/116062/bed-blocking-not-our-fault-say-councils.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/01/2011/116062/bed-blocking-not-our-fault-say-councils.htmSocial care leaders have rebuffed claims this week that bed-blocking is on the rise because of councils' failure to provide sufficient social care servicesThu, 06 Jan 2011 15:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/01/2011/116060/why-humour-is-so-important-in-the-social-work-workplace.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/01/2011/116060/why-humour-is-so-important-in-the-social-work-workplace.htmWhat are the personal qualities of a good social worker? In among the usual suspects - empathy, integrity, objectivity and perseverance - perhaps we ought to add a sense of humour.Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/01/2011/116058/the-social-services-director-who-runs-a-hospital.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/01/2011/116058/the-social-services-director-who-runs-a-hospital.htmJon Skone is Britain's first social services director also to run a district hospital. How does he combine the two roles? Jeremy Dunning reports Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/01/2011/116053/risk-factor-a-case-involving-palliative-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/01/2011/116053/risk-factor-a-case-involving-palliative-care.htmA hospice social worker discusses a case in which a man with only a few weeks to live is unaware of his diagnosisWed, 05 Jan 2011 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/01/2011/116050/vat-rise-will-hit-charity-social-care-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/01/2011/116050/vat-rise-will-hit-charity-social-care-services.htmToday's rise in VAT to 20% will cut the amount of social care that charities can deliver, Sue Ryder Care has warned.Wed, 05 Jan 2011 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/01/2011/116052/welfare-rights-2011-starts-badly-for-benefit-recipients.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/01/2011/116052/welfare-rights-2011-starts-badly-for-benefit-recipients.htmBy the time you read this, the education maintenance allowance (EMA) scheme will no longer be available for new applicants, the £190 health in pregnancy grant will have disappeared (except for women who were 25 weeks or more pregnant by 1 January), child trust fund payments will have stopped and councils will have started sending out letters to families in private accommodation about reductions in housing benefit from April, writes Gary Vaux. So it was an Unhappy New Year for many of your clients. Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/12/2010/116042/social-services-in-northern-ireland-face-major-job-losses.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/12/2010/116042/social-services-in-northern-ireland-face-major-job-losses.htmAdult social care and children's services in Northern Ireland face significant job losses amid concern that a small growth in expenditure will be insufficient to meet rising demand.Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/12/2010/116040/veterans-need-specialist-mental-health-services-says-report.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/12/2010/116040/veterans-need-specialist-mental-health-services-says-report.htmCare specialists with knowledge of the armed forces should be used to support armed forces veterans with mental health conditions.Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/12/2010/116036/joy-for-care-workers-as-migrant-cap-ruled-illegal.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/12/2010/116036/joy-for-care-workers-as-migrant-cap-ruled-illegal.htmCare workers and bosses are this week celebrating a "huge victory" after the government's temporary immigration cap was ruled illegal and quashed on Friday. The High Court decision means many overseas care workers could have work permits reinstated after having had them removed. (Image from Rex) Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/12/2010/116035/is-fair-access-to-care-services-dying.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/12/2010/116035/is-fair-access-to-care-services-dying.htmThe Fair Access to Care Services (FACS) guidance has formed the basis for deciding whether people are eligible for adult social care in England for the past seven years, but there are now concerns over whether it remains valid. Andrew Cozens, of the Local Government Association, and Ruth Cartwright, of the British Association of Social Workers, (pictured) agree there is a problem, but they differ on the extent of it.Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/12/2010/116030/social-workers-threaten-to-quit-council-over-pay-cut.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/12/2010/116030/social-workers-threaten-to-quit-council-over-pay-cut.htmAdult social workers in the London Borough of Redbridge are threatening to quit after the council announced it was cutting up to £4,000 from their annual pay packet. (Picture: Redbridge Council building, Wikipedia Commons)Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/12/2010/116032/dementia-training-lacking-in-most-hospitals-study-shows.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/12/2010/116032/dementia-training-lacking-in-most-hospitals-study-shows.htmJust 5% of hospitals in England and Wales require staff to undertake any specialist dementia training, research by the Royal College of Psychiatrists shows.Thu, 16 Dec 2010 12:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/12/2010/116028/peer-support-in-mental-health-services-could-save-nhs-cash.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/12/2010/116028/peer-support-in-mental-health-services-could-save-nhs-cash.htmHelping mental health patients to support each other through peer support services could both improve outcomes and save money, according to clinical psychologist Dr Rachel Perkins. She spoke to Jeremy Dunning Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/12/2010/116026/health-bosses-warn-of-risks-to-services-from-nhs-reforms.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/12/2010/116026/health-bosses-warn-of-risks-to-services-from-nhs-reforms.htmHealth leaders have issued a stark warning about the risks to services of the government's plan to overhaul the NHS at a time of financial retrenchment.Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/12/2010/116025/nhs-overhaul-to-include-more-social-care-joint-working.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/12/2010/116025/nhs-overhaul-to-include-more-social-care-joint-working.htmThe government will press ahead with its overhaul of the NHS but has responded to concerns that it will disrupt joint working between health and social care by strengthening proposed partnership arrangements.Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/12/2010/116029/primary-care-trusts-to-be-merged-ahead-of-abolition.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/12/2010/116029/primary-care-trusts-to-be-merged-ahead-of-abolition.htmPrimary care trusts will be merged into "clusters" next year ahead of their abolition in 2013, the government announced today.Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/12/2010/116023/christmas-with-dementia.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/12/2010/116023/christmas-with-dementia.htmChristmas is a challenging time for family carers of people with dementia, but there are things that they, social workers and care services can do to ease the trauma of the festive period, says specialist nurse Madeline Armstrong.Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/12/2010/115992/autism-charities-cut-back-on-key-services-as-councils-retrench.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/12/2010/115992/autism-charities-cut-back-on-key-services-as-councils-retrench.htmNearly 40% of autism charities anticipate having to make cuts to services in the next year on the back of funding reductions from government, a report has found. Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/12/2010/116007/mps-rubbish-government-social-care-claims.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/12/2010/116007/mps-rubbish-government-social-care-claims.htmMPs on the health select committee (chaired by Stephen Dorrell, pictured) have rubbished government claims that councils can maintain current levels of adult social care without raising thresholds. (Picture credit: Rex)Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/12/2010/116003/independent-living-fund-faces-abolition-after-2015.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/12/2010/116003/independent-living-fund-faces-abolition-after-2015.htmThe Independent Living Fund looks set to be abolished after 2015 after ministers declared the social care agency's current position was "financially unsustainable". Mon, 13 Dec 2010 21:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/12/2010/116006/fears-for-social-care-as-government-cuts-budgets-by-up-to-9.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/12/2010/116006/fears-for-social-care-as-government-cuts-budgets-by-up-to-9.htmCouncils in England will lose an average of 4.4% in revenue next year due to Whitehall cuts, the government has announced, leading to fears for the future of social work services. Communities secretary Eric Pickles (pictured) told MPs that no authority would see its spending power cut by more than 9%.Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/12/2010/116005/council-alarming-disabled-people-over-charges.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/12/2010/116005/council-alarming-disabled-people-over-charges.htmA council has been accused of alarming disabled people by sending out confusing consultation letters over proposed changes to its adult care charging system. Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/12/2010/116004/council-will-struggle-to-maintain-social-care-after-funding-cut.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/12/2010/116004/council-will-struggle-to-maintain-social-care-after-funding-cut.htmEdinburgh Council will struggle to maintain its social care provision after being one of the worst hit by the Scottish government's local authorities settlement, the lead member for social care has warned.Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/12/2010/116001/localism-bill-would-allow-staff-to-run-councils-care-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/12/2010/116001/localism-bill-would-allow-staff-to-run-councils-care-services.htmSocial work services could be taken over by residents' groups or council employees under the Localism Bill published todayMon, 13 Dec 2010 12:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/12/2010/115986/charities-sound-alarm-over-rise-in-homelessness.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/12/2010/115986/charities-sound-alarm-over-rise-in-homelessness.htmThe government has admitted that a long-term fall in homelessness could be at an end after releasing figures showing that rates had risen in two consecutive quarters for the first time since 2003.Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/12/2010/115982/new-adults-directors-told-be-leaders-not-managers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/12/2010/115982/new-adults-directors-told-be-leaders-not-managers.htmNew directors of adult services are being urged to be leaders, not managers, in a groundbreaking training programme launching this week. Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2010/115975/benefits-system-to-encourage-drug-addicts-into-treatment.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2010/115975/benefits-system-to-encourage-drug-addicts-into-treatment.htmThe benefits system is to be used to encourage drug- or alcohol-dependent claimants into treatment, but will not penalise them for refusing to access services, under the government's drugs strategy published today.Wed, 08 Dec 2010 15:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2010/115974/council-bid-to-outsource-social-care-to-unified-health-trusts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2010/115974/council-bid-to-outsource-social-care-to-unified-health-trusts.htmSuffolk Council plans to integrate adults' and children's social care and health services into outsourced "trusts" as it radically reshapes services.Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2010/115970/effect-of-benefit-reforms-on-disabled-people-unknown-says-minister.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2010/115970/effect-of-benefit-reforms-on-disabled-people-unknown-says-minister.htmMinister for disabled people, Maria Miller, has said she does not know how many disabled people will be affected by government plans to reform disability living allowance (DLA), or how much the changes will cost.Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2010/115972/social-services-chiefs-too-soft-on-ministers-says-sector.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2010/115972/social-services-chiefs-too-soft-on-ministers-says-sector.htmSocial care sector chiefs are giving ministers too much of an easy time as cuts begin to bite, according to Community Care readers.Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2010/115971/thousands-more-to-face-50-a-week-disability-benefit-cut.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2010/115971/thousands-more-to-face-50-a-week-disability-benefit-cut.htmAn additional 20,000 disabled people in residential care are set to lose benefits worth up to £50 a week, according to revised government estimates. Picture: Fotex/Rex Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2010/115956/wheelchair-users-may-miss-out-in-benefits-shake-up.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2010/115956/wheelchair-users-may-miss-out-in-benefits-shake-up.htmDisability living allowance will be scrapped and replaced by a benefit with tighter eligibility criteria, under government plans announced today. (Picture: Rex)Wed, 08 Dec 2010 09:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2010/115969/ken-clarkes-reforms-to-divert-young-and-mentally-ill-from-jail.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2010/115969/ken-clarkes-reforms-to-divert-young-and-mentally-ill-from-jail.htmThe government will divert more offenders with mental health or drug problems into treatment and test giving councils responsibility for youth custody in order to reduce jail numbers, under plans announced by justice secretary Ken Clarke today. Tue, 07 Dec 2010 21:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2010/115968/charities-confidence-hits-record-low-as-cuts-loom.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2010/115968/charities-confidence-hits-record-low-as-cuts-loom.htmImpending public spending cuts have left charity leaders' confidence in their financial future at a record low, according to a survey published today by sector body the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2010/115961/coventry-uses-its-resource-allocation-system-to-aim-for-better-client-outcomes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2010/115961/coventry-uses-its-resource-allocation-system-to-aim-for-better-client-outcomes.htmCoventry Council is using the resource allocation system to ensure support for users is based on the outcomes they want to achieve, not their needs, finds Gordon CarsonTue, 07 Dec 2010 00:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2010/115947/are-day-centres-outdated-in-the-personalisation-era.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2010/115947/are-day-centres-outdated-in-the-personalisation-era.htmThe closure of council-run day centres attracts much negative press but, as Vern Pitt reports, the personalisation era is allowing other organisations to step in and provide support Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/12/2010/115963/charities-urge-reversal-of-funding-cut-for-homeless-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/12/2010/115963/charities-urge-reversal-of-funding-cut-for-homeless-services.htmHomelessness charities are urging pan-capital organisation London Councils to reverse its decision to end funding for 28 services for single homeless people. Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/12/2010/115959/national-eligibility-threshold-proposed-for-welsh-adult-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/12/2010/115959/national-eligibility-threshold-proposed-for-welsh-adult-care.htmProposals to establish a country-wide eligibility threshold in Wales have been heralded as a means of ending the postcode lottery for adult social care.Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/12/2010/115957/learning-disabled-placed-in-care-homes-for-older-people.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/12/2010/115957/learning-disabled-placed-in-care-homes-for-older-people.htmLearning disabled adults in Scotland are facing decades of "benign neglect" in older people's care homes where their needs are going unmet, campaigners warned today.Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2010/115948/councils-eye-birminghams-super-critical-care-threshold.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2010/115948/councils-eye-birminghams-super-critical-care-threshold.htmMany more councils could move to a super-critical eligibility threshold for care, following Birmingham Council's proposal to do so, according to sector heads.Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2010/115946/103-year-old-service-user-and-carer-gains-personal-budget.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2010/115946/103-year-old-service-user-and-carer-gains-personal-budget.htmLocum Lorraine Smith has helped add another dimension to Frank Whipple's life by introducing him to personal budgets - at the age of 103. Amy Taylor reports Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2010/115944/outsourced-social-workers-could-become-care-user-advocates.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2010/115944/outsourced-social-workers-could-become-care-user-advocates.htmPlans to outsource adult social workers from councils to social enterprises could enable practitioners to become user advocates, rather than gatekeepers of careFri, 03 Dec 2010 14:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2010/115941/carers-missing-out-on-840m-in-unclaimed-benefits.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2010/115941/carers-missing-out-on-840m-in-unclaimed-benefits.htmCarers are missing out on over £840m in benefits each year, Carers UK revealed today. On the annual Carers Rights Day, the charity said that about 300,000 people entitled to carer's allowance were missing out on the benefit. "We hear from families who are simply not told about the support that is there for them," said Carers UK chief executive Imelda Redmond (pictured). Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2010/115935/social-care-staff-battle-through-snow-to-reach-clients.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2010/115935/social-care-staff-battle-through-snow-to-reach-clients.htmSocial care staff have been battling snow and ice to provide services to frail and vulnerable people.Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2010/115939/storm-of-protest-greets-birminghams-super-critical-threshold.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2010/115939/storm-of-protest-greets-birminghams-super-critical-threshold.htmBirmingham Council's proposals to move to a "super-critical" eligibility threshold has been slammed as cruel, possibly illegal and an attack on the poor and vulnerable.Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2010/115937/top-campaigner-to-probe-government-work-support-for-disabled.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2010/115937/top-campaigner-to-probe-government-work-support-for-disabled.htmEmployment support programmes for disabled people are to be put under scrutiny in a government-commissioned review headed by leading disability campaigner Liz Sayce.Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2010/115927/nhs-reforms-could-put-mental-health-savings-at-risk.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2010/115927/nhs-reforms-could-put-mental-health-savings-at-risk.htmMental health services in England can enhance care and save hundreds of millions of pounds a year through measures including cutting unnecessary hospital bed use and out-of-area placements, research has found. However, such productivity improvements could be put at risk by the government's reforms to the NHS and a lack of joint working, the report by think-tank the King's Fund and charity the Centre for Mental Health said. Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2010/115931/council-to-outsource-social-workers-and-set-tightest-threshold.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2010/115931/council-to-outsource-social-workers-and-set-tightest-threshold.htmBirmingham Council would outsource all its adult social workers to a social enterprise and set the country's tightest eligibility threshold for care, under cost-cutting plans announced yesterday. (Pic: Rex Features)Wed, 01 Dec 2010 21:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2010/115926/tax-hike-on-super-strength-drinks-will-save-lives.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2010/115926/tax-hike-on-super-strength-drinks-will-save-lives.htmA homelessness leader has hailed the government's decision to increase taxes on high-strength beer, saying it will save the lives of vulnerable people.Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2010/115928/social-care-staff-urged-to-shape-future-adult-care-funding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2010/115928/social-care-staff-urged-to-shape-future-adult-care-funding.htmSocial care staff and others have been asked to have their say on how the care funding system in England should be reformed, as the Commission on Funding Care and Support launched a call for evidence today.Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2010/115923/lga-slams-public-health-white-paper-for-centralising-control.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2010/115923/lga-slams-public-health-white-paper-for-centralising-control.htmCouncil leaders have slammed yesterday's public health White Paper for centralising control, despite it purporting to empower councils.Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/11/2010/115915/review-of-adult-care-calls-for-all-wales-eligibility-criteria.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/11/2010/115915/review-of-adult-care-calls-for-all-wales-eligibility-criteria.htmWales should create national eligibility criteria for adult care services to end the postcode lottery for service users, a major review has concluded. (Picture: Welsh Assembly building, Millenium Centre, Pierhead building, Cardiff. Rex) Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/11/2010/115922/councils-promised-freedom-to-spend-public-health-cash.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/11/2010/115922/councils-promised-freedom-to-spend-public-health-cash.htmLocal authorities are to be given freedom to spend public health budgets transferred from the NHS, under the government's public health White Paper, published today.Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/11/2010/115917/councils-still-under-big-pressures-in-learning-disabilities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/11/2010/115917/councils-still-under-big-pressures-in-learning-disabilities.htmCouncils in England are continuing to face greater pressures in learning disabilities than in other service areas, figures out today show.Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/11/2010/115897/emily-thornberry-labours-shadow-care-services-minister.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/11/2010/115897/emily-thornberry-labours-shadow-care-services-minister.htmLabour's Emily Thornberry, shadow care services minister for the past two months, tells Jeremy Dunning why the coalition has so far proved to be more radical than anyone had suspected - but 'not in a good way'. (Pic: Chris Sharp).Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/11/2010/115913/newly-qualified-evaluation-raises-doubts-over-assessed-year.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/11/2010/115913/newly-qualified-evaluation-raises-doubts-over-assessed-year.htmLast week's evaluation of the support scheme for newly qualified children's social workers revealed the extent to which employers have struggled to provide extra supervision and support.Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/11/2010/115905/former-orchard-hill-residents-flourishing-out-in-the-community.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/11/2010/115905/former-orchard-hill-residents-flourishing-out-in-the-community.htmThree years after institutional abuse was found at Orchard Hill, England's last long-stay hospital, former residents and staff are flourishing out in the community. Natalie Valios reports Sun, 28 Nov 2010 14:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/11/2010/115893/nursing-home-faces-legal-action-after-cqc-finds-failings.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/11/2010/115893/nursing-home-faces-legal-action-after-cqc-finds-failings.htmA Bristol nursing home has suspended admissions and is facing legal action after inspectors found vulnerable residents were living in faeces-stained bedrooms and having their needs ignored, and staff were poorly trained and over-stretched. Fri, 26 Nov 2010 14:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/11/2010/115908/london-councils-undermines-claim-of-extra-2bn-for-adult-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/11/2010/115908/london-councils-undermines-claim-of-extra-2bn-for-adult-care.htmGovernment claims that it is providing an additional £2.1bn a year to fund adult social care from 2011-15 have been further...Fri, 26 Nov 2010 13:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/11/2010/115892/watchdog-to-probe-equality-impact-of-spending-review.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/11/2010/115892/watchdog-to-probe-equality-impact-of-spending-review.htmThe equality watchdog has said it will examine the impact of the government's spending review on disabled people, women and minority ethnic communities. Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/11/2010/115889/government-pledges-6m-to-help-gps-identify-carers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/11/2010/115889/government-pledges-6m-to-help-gps-identify-carers.htmGPs will get £6m worth of training over the next four years to help them identify carers earlier and tackle their health needs, the government has announced today. Thu, 25 Nov 2010 13:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/11/2010/115890/fears-for-social-work-role-as-councils-take-over-poverty-fund.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/11/2010/115890/fears-for-social-work-role-as-councils-take-over-poverty-fund.htmThe government is planning to hand councils responsibility for Social Fund poverty grants designed help people live independently. The move has prompted concerns about social workers' role from BASW's Ruth Cartwright (pictured) and other sector heads. Thu, 25 Nov 2010 13:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/11/2010/115873/councils-improve-for-eighth-year-running-in-adult-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/11/2010/115873/councils-improve-for-eighth-year-running-in-adult-care.htmCouncil performance in adult social care improved for the eighth year running in the final annual performance assessment for England, published today. Care Quality Commission chief executive Cynthia Bower praised the results but said councils need to strive to improve further.Thu, 25 Nov 2010 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2010/115885/sickness-benefit-reforms-will-not-work-warn-experts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2010/115885/sickness-benefit-reforms-will-not-work-warn-experts.htmChanges to sickness benefit assessments, announced yesterday, will not make the system fit for purpose and cannot be delivered before the government starts reassessing 1.5m existing claimants, experts have warned. Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2010/115882/stroke-survivors-face-unmet-needs-amid-threats-to-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2010/115882/stroke-survivors-face-unmet-needs-amid-threats-to-services.htmHalf of stroke survivors have unmet needs for support to address issues such as memory problems, fatigue and emotional concerns, as services are threatened with cuts, the largest UK survey of the client group has found.Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2010/115869/dismissing-pas-could-leave-users-liable-for-large-payouts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/11/2010/115869/dismissing-pas-could-leave-users-liable-for-large-payouts.htmService users who lose financial support from councils may be liable to substantial redundancy payments if they dismiss their personal assistants, an insurance company has warned. (Picture credit: Rex)Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/11/2010/115875/sickness-benefit-assessments-go-ahead-despite-flaws-in-test.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/11/2010/115875/sickness-benefit-assessments-go-ahead-despite-flaws-in-test.htmThe government will press on with its timetable to reassess 1.5m incapacity benefit claimants on their fitness to work despite a review published today that exposes serious flaws in the assessment process.Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/11/2010/115874/scots-set-out-10-year-plan-to-personalise-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/11/2010/115874/scots-set-out-10-year-plan-to-personalise-care.htmThe Scottish government today laid out a 10-year plan to personalise the country's adult social care and support services through self-directed support.Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/11/2010/115871/poor-services-have-had-performance-records-wiped-admits-cqc.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/11/2010/115871/poor-services-have-had-performance-records-wiped-admits-cqc.htmPoorly rated services have had their performance records wiped from the Care Quality Commission's website after re-registering with the regulator after changing small details such as their company name, it has admitted.Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/11/2010/115880/demise-of-primary-care-trusts-stalls-personal-health-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/11/2010/115880/demise-of-primary-care-trusts-stalls-personal-health-budgets.htmThe implementation of personal health budgets has been stymied by the government's plans to scrap primary care trusts and its focus on reducing the deficit, an evaluation report said today.Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/11/2010/115870/sickness-benefit-test-faces-overhaul-after-critical-review.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/11/2010/115870/sickness-benefit-test-faces-overhaul-after-critical-review.htmThe assessment for people claiming sickness benefit will be overhauled after an independent review found that it was characterised by poor decision-making and a lack of transparency. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/11/2010/115864/doubts-over-viability-of-new-adult-care-inspection-regime.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/11/2010/115864/doubts-over-viability-of-new-adult-care-inspection-regime.htmGovernment plans to overhaul the performance assessment of adult social care in England could be endangered by under-resourcing and a lack of expertise, sector heads have warned.Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/11/2010/115862/how-to-hire-a-personal-assistant.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/11/2010/115862/how-to-hire-a-personal-assistant.htmHiring a personal assistant can be empowering for many disabled and older people with personal budgets, but it also poses a series of challenges for both parties. Daniel Lombard asks experts for advice on how to get the employer-PA relationship right Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/11/2010/115854/safety-versus-choice-should-hiring-a-personal-assistant-be-more-closely-regulated.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/11/2010/115854/safety-versus-choice-should-hiring-a-personal-assistant-be-more-closely-regulated.htmSafety is a prime concern for disabled people when hiring a personal assistant, but must the price be extra bureaucracy and the loss of choice, asks Vern Pitt Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/11/2010/115852/empowering-personal-assistants.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/11/2010/115852/empowering-personal-assistants.htm Alex Fox If personalisation empowers people who use services, does that mean less power for social care workers? Or can everyone become more empowered together? The risks to vulnerable people of hiring their own unqualified, unsupervised personal assistants (PAs) have been well-rehearsed. But PAs experience risks too. For instance, some are pressurised to declare themselves self-employed, thus freeing the budget holder from tax and other employer responsibilities. Unless the arrangement really has the features of self-employment, such as the PA's right to substitute someone else to do their work, the arrangement is likely to be unlawful. This has resulted in PAs losing out on employee rights, and budget holders served with vast tax bills. So whose interests should win out: the user or the provider of support? I don't buy the zero sum game view of empowerment: the future can be mutually empowering. The best model for that may not be lone workers and isolated employers, but...Fri, 19 Nov 2010 10:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/11/2010/115850/integrated-services-for-people-with-long-term-neurological-conditions.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/11/2010/115850/integrated-services-for-people-with-long-term-neurological-conditions.htmRobin Miller and Helen Dickinson review research on the quality of local integrated services for people with long-term neurological conditions Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/11/2010/115846/councils-plan-to-merge-adult-director-posts-with-other-roles.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/11/2010/115846/councils-plan-to-merge-adult-director-posts-with-other-roles.htmPlans are afoot to merge adult social services director posts with other responsibilities in one in seven English councils, as authorities attempt to deal with spending cuts, a survey has revealed.Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/11/2010/115844/legal-aid-cuts-will-harm-vulnerable-warn-campaigners.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/11/2010/115844/legal-aid-cuts-will-harm-vulnerable-warn-campaigners.htmCampaigners have warned that vulnerable people will suffer from government plans to remove legal aid from many social welfare cases. Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/11/2010/115843/scots-and-welsh-cuts-aim-to-protect-social-care-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/11/2010/115843/scots-and-welsh-cuts-aim-to-protect-social-care-services.htmThe Scottish and Welsh governments have sought to protect social care from swingeing cuts in draft budgets that would see councils in the two countries face smaller reductions than counterparts in England.Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/11/2010/115823/unison-and-community-care-launch-website-to-support-social-care-professionals.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/11/2010/115823/unison-and-community-care-launch-website-to-support-social-care-professionals.htmUNISON and Community Care have launched a new website today to support social care professionals. The Workplace Zone brings together Community Care and UNISON content to better support UNISON's 350,000 social care members; 40,000 of which are social workers. Thu, 18 Nov 2010 09:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/11/2010/115836/government-drops-duty-on-councils-to-back-economic-equality.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/11/2010/115836/government-drops-duty-on-councils-to-back-economic-equality.htmThe government has ditched a duty on public bodies to take into account socio-economic inequalities when designing policies.Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/11/2010/115834/cuts-will-damage-personal-budget-roll-out-warn-charities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/11/2010/115834/cuts-will-damage-personal-budget-roll-out-warn-charities.htmThe government's roll-out of personal budgets could be scuppered by cuts, a lack of support for users and the collapse of traditional services.Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/11/2010/115829/short-breaks-for-carers-boosted-by-400m-in-extra-funds.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/11/2010/115829/short-breaks-for-carers-boosted-by-400m-in-extra-funds.htmShort breaks for carers in England have been boosted by an extra £400m over the next four years. Announcing the funding today, care services minister Paul Burstow said he wanted to see carers determine how the funding was used through direct payments. Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/11/2010/115828/government-overhauls-adult-care-ratings-system.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/11/2010/115828/government-overhauls-adult-care-ratings-system.htmCouncils will assess each other on adult social care and determine their own standards, while providers will no longer receive quality ratings, as part of an overhaul of the performance assessment system announced today.Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/11/2010/115826/service-user-budget-holders-could-be-priced-out-of-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/11/2010/115826/service-user-budget-holders-could-be-priced-out-of-services.htmPersonal budget holders could have their choice and control "critically undermined" by being priced out of the services that they want to access, according to a report by think tank Demos.Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/11/2010/115821/ministers-urge-councils-to-outsource-more.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/11/2010/115821/ministers-urge-councils-to-outsource-more.htmMinisters have told councils to protect the frontline from spending cuts by outsourcing more services, cutting care management costs and shifting resources out of residential care into the community. (Picture: home care provision; credit Rex) Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/11/2010/115820/payment-by-results-could-be-introduced-in-adult-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/11/2010/115820/payment-by-results-could-be-introduced-in-adult-care.htmPayment by results could be introduced to offer incentives for adult care providers to improve, the government said this week.Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/11/2010/115803/how-providers-are-failing-mental-health-in-patients.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/11/2010/115803/how-providers-are-failing-mental-health-in-patients.htmThe Care Quality Commission has highlighted poor practice among some mental health providers. Gordon Carson finds out where improvements can be made Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/11/2010/115812/the-role-of-private-insurance-in-the-future-funding-of-long-term-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/11/2010/115812/the-role-of-private-insurance-in-the-future-funding-of-long-term-care.htmPrivate insurance is likely to figure in any reform of long-term care funding. Chris Horlick's firm is waiting, he tells Mithran Samuel Fri, 12 Nov 2010 17:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/11/2010/115810/lack-of-evidence-blamed-for-esa-appeals-success.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/11/2010/115810/lack-of-evidence-blamed-for-esa-appeals-success.htmThe Department for Work and Pensions has blamed the high rate of successful appeals against decisions to deny disabled people employment and support allowance on failure to collect evidence. Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/11/2010/115806/charities-round-on-welfare-reform-plans.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/11/2010/115806/charities-round-on-welfare-reform-plans.htmDisability and mental health charities, as well as carers' groups, have questioned the feasibility of the government's welfare reform plans, published yesterday.Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/11/2010/115802/400000-at-risk-as-councils-slash-supporting-people.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/11/2010/115802/400000-at-risk-as-councils-slash-supporting-people.htmAbout 400,000 vulnerable people could lose vital support under projected cuts by councils to their Supporting People programmes, the National Housing Federation warned.Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/11/2010/115801/why-councils-should-embrace-social-media-online.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/11/2010/115801/why-councils-should-embrace-social-media-online.htmCare consultant Shirley Ayres tells Julie Griffiths that employers are denying practitioners a powerful way of engaging clients by restricting their access to social media websites Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/11/2010/115794/use-of-heroin-and-crack-is-falling-sharply-study-finds.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/11/2010/115794/use-of-heroin-and-crack-is-falling-sharply-study-finds.htmThe use of intravenous drugs among young adults in England is declining rapidly according to a report by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA).Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/11/2010/115790/cqc-alarm-over-mental-health-services-at-hospital.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/11/2010/115790/cqc-alarm-over-mental-health-services-at-hospital.htmMental health services at a community hospital in Wolverhampton are failing to comply with basic standards, the Care Quality Commission has warned. Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/11/2010/115786/research-effective-support-for-learning-disabled-parents.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/11/2010/115786/research-effective-support-for-learning-disabled-parents.htmA study in Wales shows that parents with learning disabilities have mixed experiences of services. Nick Gore looks at how the findings could inform better practice Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/11/2010/115781/how-the-spending-cuts-leave-a-shared-sense-of-insecurity.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/11/2010/115781/how-the-spending-cuts-leave-a-shared-sense-of-insecurity.htmGive it a few weeks, we thought, and it would all make sense. At least, that's what my colleagues and I hoped as we listened to the comprehensive spending review announcements last month. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/11/2010/115780/practice-panel-the-risk-of-a-disabled-man-returning-home.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/11/2010/115780/practice-panel-the-risk-of-a-disabled-man-returning-home.htmProfessionals offer advice on a case involving a man who has become disabled after an accident and wants to return home Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/11/2010/115776/home-care-providers-face-human-rights-probe.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/11/2010/115776/home-care-providers-face-human-rights-probe.htmAn investigation starts today into the protection of human rights of people receiving home care. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 10:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/11/2010/115775/thousands-of-care-home-residents-face-social-isolation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/11/2010/115775/thousands-of-care-home-residents-face-social-isolation.htmUp to 40,000 older people living in care in England are at risk of social isolation, according to the Relatives & Residents Association (R&RA).Wed, 10 Nov 2010 10:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/11/2010/115769/most-dementia-patients-die-in-care-homes-figures-show.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/11/2010/115769/most-dementia-patients-die-in-care-homes-figures-show.htmDementia patients are nearly twice as likely to die in a care home than those without the disease, a study published today has found.Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/11/2010/115756/new-immigration-rules-will-lead-to-social-care-skills-crisis.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/11/2010/115756/new-immigration-rules-will-lead-to-social-care-skills-crisis.htmThousands of overseas care workers could be forced out of the country due to a government crackdown on immigration, the English Community Care Association has warned. Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/11/2010/115759/social-care-staff-shortages-set-to-worsen-with-immigration-cap.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/11/2010/115759/social-care-staff-shortages-set-to-worsen-with-immigration-cap.htmA government crackdown on immigration is forcing overseas care workers out of the country, leaving the sector struggling with staff shortages. Mary-Louise Clews reports Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/11/2010/115768/cqc-report-reveals-care-home-size-is-increasing.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/11/2010/115768/cqc-report-reveals-care-home-size-is-increasing.htmThe average size of a care home is growing despite larger homes offering lower quality care, figures from the Care Quality Commission reveal.Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/11/2010/115766/councils-back-end-of-care-rating-despite-provider-doubts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/11/2010/115766/councils-back-end-of-care-rating-despite-provider-doubts.htmCouncil leaders have backed the government's decision to scrap the annual performance assessment of local authority adult care departments, but providers have warned that poor commissioning could go unchallenged as a result.Mon, 08 Nov 2010 14:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/11/2010/115762/door-opened-for-cheaper-social-care-provision.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/11/2010/115762/door-opened-for-cheaper-social-care-provision.htmSocial care service users could find their services being cut as councils look for the cheapest way of meeting their needs, experts are warning.Mon, 08 Nov 2010 11:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/11/2010/115761/solent-councils-brace-themselves-for-the-impact-of-spending-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/11/2010/115761/solent-councils-brace-themselves-for-the-impact-of-spending-cuts.htmDespite council reassurances to protect frontline services while making cuts Jeremy Dunning finds that a major scaling back is underway in Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/11/2010/115758/adass-urges-ministers-to-justify-no-need-for-care-cuts-claim.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/11/2010/115758/adass-urges-ministers-to-justify-no-need-for-care-cuts-claim.htmThe Association of Directors of Adult Social Services is seeking an urgent meeting with government over its claim that councils have no excuse to cut adult care services over the coming years.Sun, 07 Nov 2010 21:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/11/2010/115757/councils-to-get-hands-on-most-of-nhs-1bn-for-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/11/2010/115757/councils-to-get-hands-on-most-of-nhs-1bn-for-social-care.htmCouncils will get their hands on the majority of £1bn in annual NHS funding for social care over the next four years, and will be able to use it to help prop up existing care services, health secretary Andrew Lansley has said.Sun, 07 Nov 2010 20:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/11/2010/115746/the-new-directions-teams-work-with-excluded-adults.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/11/2010/115746/the-new-directions-teams-work-with-excluded-adults.htmNatalie Valios visits a scheme that aims to connect excluded adults to services and society and finds that it could be saving the emergency services moneySun, 07 Nov 2010 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/11/2010/115754/quarter-of-social-care-users-now-have-personal-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/11/2010/115754/quarter-of-social-care-users-now-have-personal-budgets.htmOne in four recipients of care services is now using a personal budget, new figures reveal.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/11/2010/115744/cqc-will-continue-to-probe-councils-when-there-are-concerns.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/11/2010/115744/cqc-will-continue-to-probe-councils-when-there-are-concerns.htmThe Care Quality Commission will continue to inspect councils when it has concerns about their adult social work practice, care minister Paul Burstow has revealed.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/11/2010/115752/social-work-practices-could-fragment-services-warns-adass.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/11/2010/115752/social-work-practices-could-fragment-services-warns-adass.htmAdult social work practices could fragment support for older and disabled people, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Richard Jones has warned.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/11/2010/115751/social-care-providers-swamped-by-eu-bureaucracy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/11/2010/115751/social-care-providers-swamped-by-eu-bureaucracy.htmExcessive adherence to European procurement rules, which are accused of swamping small-scale care providers with bureaucracy, is to be targeted in a new drive.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/11/2010/115743/lansley-backs-independent-practices-to-support-older-people.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/11/2010/115743/lansley-backs-independent-practices-to-support-older-people.htmAdult social workers will be invited to form independent practices to support older and disabled people, health secretary Andrew Lansley has said today. Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/11/2010/115748/investing-in-local-communities-could-save-millions.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/11/2010/115748/investing-in-local-communities-could-save-millions.htmInvesting in local communities can save social care hundreds of pounds per service user each year, research from the London School of Economics, soon to be published, will show.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 13:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/11/2010/115745/long-term-care-funding-commission-calls-for-bold-solution.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/11/2010/115745/long-term-care-funding-commission-calls-for-bold-solution.htmThe man tasked with reforming long-term care funding has called for the sector's help in reaching a "bold" solution that the government would be "deeply embarrassed" to oppose.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/11/2010/115747/research-police-notifications-of-domestic-violence-incidents.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/11/2010/115747/research-police-notifications-of-domestic-violence-incidents.htmThe police notify social services when they attend a domestic violence incident. Jo Finch reviews research on what happens next Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2010/115742/exclusive-lansley-to-tell-nhs-how-to-spend-social-care-cash.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2010/115742/exclusive-lansley-to-tell-nhs-how-to-spend-social-care-cash.htmThe government will tell primary care trusts how they should spend £1bn in funding on social care to prevent it disappearing into NHS budgets, health secretary Andrew Lansley will tell social care leaders tomorrow.Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2010/115738/burstow-defiant-over-funding-settlement-for-adult-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2010/115738/burstow-defiant-over-funding-settlement-for-adult-care.htmCare services minister Paul Burstow has issued a staunch defence of the comprehensive spending review settlement for adult social careThu, 04 Nov 2010 16:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2010/115734/labour-accuses-government-of-setting-up-councils-to-fail.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2010/115734/labour-accuses-government-of-setting-up-councils-to-fail.htmShadow health secretary John Healey, speaking at the National Children and Adult Services Conference, has accused the government of "setting up local government to fail" when it comes to social care.Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2010/115737/future-course-of-personalisation-plotted.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/11/2010/115737/future-course-of-personalisation-plotted.htmAdult social workers' roles should be more focused on service users in the most need to further the personalisation agenda, social care leaders have said.Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/11/2010/115726/burstow-scraps-annual-cqc-assessment-for-councils.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/11/2010/115726/burstow-scraps-annual-cqc-assessment-for-councils.htmCouncils will no longer be assessed annually on their adult social care performance by the Care Quality Commission from next year. Care services minister Paul Burstow made the announcement today at the National Children and Adult Services Conference in Manchester. Wed, 03 Nov 2010 22:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/11/2010/115724/council-slammed-by-cqc-for-failing-to-safeguard-adults.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/11/2010/115724/council-slammed-by-cqc-for-failing-to-safeguard-adults.htmRedcar and Cleveland Council has failed to effectively safeguard vulnerable adults due to inadequate leadership, training, supervision and investigations, the Care Quality Commission has found.Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/11/2010/115719/quarter-of-a-million-older-people-set-to-lose-home-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/11/2010/115719/quarter-of-a-million-older-people-set-to-lose-home-care.htmA quarter of a million older people in England could lose access to publicly funded home care next year on the back of the comprehensive spending review. (Picture credit: Alamy)Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/11/2010/115715/sector-gives-burstows-care-credits-short-shrift.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/11/2010/115715/sector-gives-burstows-care-credits-short-shrift.htmGovernment plans to reward social care volunteers with credits to fund their own care have been criticised by sector leaders.Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/11/2010/115716/councils-ordered-to-repay-reablement-charges.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/11/2010/115716/councils-ordered-to-repay-reablement-charges.htmCouncils in England must repay thousands of pounds in illegal reablement charges.Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/11/2010/115711/dla-cut-rouses-anger-of-disability-movement.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/11/2010/115711/dla-cut-rouses-anger-of-disability-movement.htmThe disability movement has risen up in anger against government plans to cut disability living allowance for care home residents. Those affected include Simon Greenwood, who uses his benefit to fund a car to get out and about.Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/11/2010/115675/personal-budgets-pose-financial-risk-for-councils.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/11/2010/115675/personal-budgets-pose-financial-risk-for-councils.htmPersonal budgets are unlikely to generate significant cost savings for local authorities and their implementation poses major financial challenges and risks, the Audit Commission warned today.Mon, 01 Nov 2010 12:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/10/2010/115710/users-must-have-say-on-cuts-says-adult-care-director.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/10/2010/115710/users-must-have-say-on-cuts-says-adult-care-director.htmLocal authorities should ask adult care service users and carers in deciding on proposed budget cuts to ensure they are sustainable, a director has said.Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/10/2010/115709/social-care-sector-failing-older-people-with-sight-loss.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/10/2010/115709/social-care-sector-failing-older-people-with-sight-loss.htmThe social care sector is failing to meet the needs of older people with sight loss because of a lack of staff training, poor co-ordination between agencies and insufficient emotional support, a study published today has found.Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/10/2010/115708/council-chief-warns-of-compulsory-job-losses-to-combat-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/10/2010/115708/council-chief-warns-of-compulsory-job-losses-to-combat-cuts.htmBlackburn with Darwen Council will have to make compulsory redundancies to combat a cut of 30% to its budget over the next four years, its chief executive has warned.Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/10/2010/115706/drama-workshops-for-fathers-in-young-offenders-institution.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/10/2010/115706/drama-workshops-for-fathers-in-young-offenders-institution.htmWhen director Jim Pope started drama workshops at a young offenders institution he did not realise that the experience would be translated into a play at London's Roundhouse Theatre. Louise Tickle reports Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/10/2010/115650/personalisation-walsall-councils-advice-and-information-service.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/10/2010/115650/personalisation-walsall-councils-advice-and-information-service.htmImproving advice and care for the public is key to personalisation and Walsall Council has made it a priority, finds Natalie Valios Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/10/2010/115704/balancing-safeguarding-and-personalisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/10/2010/115704/balancing-safeguarding-and-personalisation.htmPersonalisation is about letting older and disabled people take risks others take for granted. But this means councils must find new ways of keeping them safe. Vern Pitt reports Fri, 29 Oct 2010 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/10/2010/115702/council-risks-rift-with-mental-health-trust-over-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/10/2010/115702/council-risks-rift-with-mental-health-trust-over-cuts.htmNorfolk Council is risking a rift with the county's mental health trust over its plans to cut £53m from adult care over the next three years.Fri, 29 Oct 2010 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/10/2010/115701/good-practice-time-to-share-scheme-for-dementia-patients.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/10/2010/115701/good-practice-time-to-share-scheme-for-dementia-patients.htmShared Lives schemes are increasingly being used to support people with dementia and they are proving cheaper than alternative forms of help, reports Natalie Valios Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/10/2010/115700/scottish-councils-to-pool-commissioning-and-training.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/10/2010/115700/scottish-councils-to-pool-commissioning-and-training.htmEight councils in Scotland have agreed to pool their social care commissioning and training resources as they prepare to save £70m over five years. Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/10/2010/115697/council-admits-53m-cuts-are-risk-to-disabled-and-elderly.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/10/2010/115697/council-admits-53m-cuts-are-risk-to-disabled-and-elderly.htmNorfolk Council has admitted it risks limiting disabled and older people's independence and quality of life through a planned £53m cut to adult social care over the next three years.Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/10/2010/115689/kings-fund-warns-of-loss-of-momentum-on-end-of-life-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/10/2010/115689/kings-fund-warns-of-loss-of-momentum-on-end-of-life-care.htmMomentum on improving end-of-life care may be lost because of the government's decision to delay a review of the issue until 2013, the King's Fund warned today in a report outlining good practice in the field.Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/10/2010/115682/cqc-mental-health-services-risk-breaching-patient-rights.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/10/2010/115682/cqc-mental-health-services-risk-breaching-patient-rights.htmMental health services risk breaching patients' human rights by placing unnecessary restrictions on their care, the Care Quality Commission warned today. Chief executive Cynthia Bower said the regulator had found 'unacceptable practice'.Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2010/115681/care-funding-commission-sets-out-criteria-for-reform.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2010/115681/care-funding-commission-sets-out-criteria-for-reform.htmThe future long-term care funding system must be easy for the public to understand, the commission charged with reforming it has said as it set out its criteria for change.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2010/115677/what-the-spending-review-welfare-cuts-mean-for-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2010/115677/what-the-spending-review-welfare-cuts-mean-for-social-care.htmThe £7bn cuts in benefit spending announced in the comprehensive spending review, along with £11bn in welfare cuts from the Budget, will have significant implications for social care, says Gary Vaux.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2010/115676/cqc-proposes-3.3m-hike-in-fees-for-care-providers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2010/115676/cqc-proposes-3.3m-hike-in-fees-for-care-providers.htmAdult care providers in England face a £3.3m hike in annual regulatory fees next year under proposals launched for consultation today by the Care Quality Commission.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2010/115671/dementia-care-leaders-sign-pledge-to-improve-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/10/2010/115671/dementia-care-leaders-sign-pledge-to-improve-care.htmDementia care leaders have produced a charter vowing to improve care across England over the next four years.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 09:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/10/2010/115663/up-to-50000-jobs-at-risk-in-social-care-union-warns.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/10/2010/115663/up-to-50000-jobs-at-risk-in-social-care-union-warns.htmUp to 50,000 social care workers’ jobs could be at risk as council budgets are slashed by 28%, a union leader has warned. (Pic: Geoffrey Robinson/Rex)Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/10/2010/115666/adult-nqsws-given-too-little-time-for-development.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/10/2010/115666/adult-nqsws-given-too-little-time-for-development.htmMany newly qualified adult social workers are allowed no time for professional development and are allocated cases regardless of their experience, according to a report by Skills for Care. Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/10/2010/115665/spending-review-analysis-follow-the-money-and-it-isnt-there.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/10/2010/115665/spending-review-analysis-follow-the-money-and-it-isnt-there.htm"Some in local government have concerns about the financing of social care. I can announce that grant funding for social care will be increased by an additional £1bn by the fourth year of the spending review. And a further £1bn for social care will be provided through the NHS to support joint working with councils." Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/10/2010/115661/unions-fear-privatisation-in-london-councils-services-merger.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/10/2010/115661/unions-fear-privatisation-in-london-councils-services-merger.htmUnions are concerned that a move by three London councils to merge will see social workers becoming remote from families and that more services will be privatised. Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/10/2010/115662/csr-housing-cuts-risk-deepening-homelessness-and-poverty.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/10/2010/115662/csr-housing-cuts-risk-deepening-homelessness-and-poverty.htmHomelessness and poverty will rise on the back of cuts to housing funding and benefits announced in this week's comprehensive spending review (CSR), sector leaders have warned. Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/10/2010/115647/poorest-will-be-hit-hardest-by-spending-cuts-warns-ifs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/10/2010/115647/poorest-will-be-hit-hardest-by-spending-cuts-warns-ifs.htmPoorer families and those who benefit most from public services will be hardest hit by chancellor George Osborne's "regressive" spending review, experts have warned. (Picture: Rex)Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/10/2010/115652/key-recent-research-findings-in-mental-health.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/10/2010/115652/key-recent-research-findings-in-mental-health.htmProfessor Martin Knapp examines key research findings in mental health Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/10/2010/115649/tory-councils-target-100m-saving-by-merging-all-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/10/2010/115649/tory-councils-target-100m-saving-by-merging-all-services.htmThree Tory councils have announced plans to merge all their service to save up to £100m a year.Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/10/2010/115645/is-the-drive-for-more-personal-budgets-a-cover-for-service-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/10/2010/115645/is-the-drive-for-more-personal-budgets-a-cover-for-service-cuts.htmMinisters want more users to access personal budgets but councils must convince sceptics that this is not a cover for cutting services, reports Jeremy DunningThu, 21 Oct 2010 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/10/2010/115644/carers-targeted-in-next-personal-budgets-push.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/10/2010/115644/carers-targeted-in-next-personal-budgets-push.htmPersonal budgets for carers will be at the heart of the government's new vision for adult care, due next month. Although uptake is patchy, they can transform lives, finds Gordon Carson Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/10/2010/115625/disability-groups-furious-at-sickness-benefits-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/10/2010/115625/disability-groups-furious-at-sickness-benefits-cuts.htmDisability campaigners have slammed £2bn cuts to sickness benefits announced today by chancellor George Osborne as part of the comprehensive spending review.Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/10/2010/115640/alex-fox-on-the-future-of-personalisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/10/2010/115640/alex-fox-on-the-future-of-personalisation.htmSoon we will have Putting People First 2.0 –a new vision and concordat for personalisation. What progress will it report and which aspirations will survive the brutal financial circumstances, asks Alex Fox?Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/10/2010/115632/paul-burstow-councils-have-no-excuse-to-cut-adult-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/10/2010/115632/paul-burstow-councils-have-no-excuse-to-cut-adult-care.htmCare services minister Paul Burstow has told councils that they have no excuse to cut adult social care despite yesterday's spending review delivering cuts of 28% to councils over the next four years.Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/10/2010/115629/council-budget-cuts-may-cancel-out-boost-for-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/10/2010/115629/council-budget-cuts-may-cancel-out-boost-for-care.htmLocal government budget cuts of 28% threaten to cancel out the extra money found by the government for social care.Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/10/2010/115621/spending-review-cash-for-adult-care-will-not-be-ring-fenced.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/10/2010/115621/spending-review-cash-for-adult-care-will-not-be-ring-fenced.htmFunding to compensate adult social care for cuts to council budgets in today's spending review will not be ring-fenced, it has emerged.Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/10/2010/115619/osborne-finds-2bn-to-help-social-care-weather-council-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/10/2010/115619/osborne-finds-2bn-to-help-social-care-weather-council-cuts.htmAdult social care will receive an extra £2bn a year by 2014-15 to help the sector withstand massive cuts to council funding announced today by Chancellor George Osborne in the spending review.Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/10/2010/115622/expansion-in-talking-therapies-announced.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/10/2010/115622/expansion-in-talking-therapies-announced.htmChancellor George Osborne today confirmed the government would expand access to talking therapies and invest in services to divert mentally ill offenders away from the justice system and into treatment. Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/10/2010/115608/social-care-faces-up-to-spending-review-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/10/2010/115608/social-care-faces-up-to-spending-review-cuts.htmSocial care is facing its biggest funding cuts in decades as the government prepares to announce its comprehensive spending review at 12.30 today. (Pictured: chancellor George Osborne; credit: Rex)Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2010/115598/social-care-charities-must-adapt-to-survive-spending-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2010/115598/social-care-charities-must-adapt-to-survive-spending-cuts.htmSocial care charities will need to become less reliant on public funding or go into partnership with each other to win public contracts if they are to survive a "maelstrom" of government cuts and funding changes.Tue, 19 Oct 2010 09:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2010/115610/adult-care-may-escape-spending-review-axe.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/10/2010/115610/adult-care-may-escape-spending-review-axe.htm Adult social care may escape the axe in the comprehensive spending review, it has emerged. Tue, 19 Oct 2010 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/10/2010/115607/community-care-readers-vote-to-scrap-cwdc-and-ofsted.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/10/2010/115607/community-care-readers-vote-to-scrap-cwdc-and-ofsted.htmThe Children's Workforce Development Council and Ofsted are the quangos Community Care readers would most like to see axed, a snap poll has shown.Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/10/2010/115596/budget-cuts-are-no-excuse-for-council-law-breaking.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/10/2010/115596/budget-cuts-are-no-excuse-for-council-law-breaking.htmAs councils consider how to implement the spending cuts set out in this week's comprehensive spending review, one issue they must bear in mind is the law, writes Ed Mitchell.Sun, 17 Oct 2010 15:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2010/115601/homelessness-warning-as-notts-plans-72m-adult-care-cut.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2010/115601/homelessness-warning-as-notts-plans-72m-adult-care-cut.htmCampaigners are warning that homelessness could rise in Nottinghamshire because of a planned £12.5m cut to Supporting People funding.Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2010/115600/council-adult-chief-steps-down-following-damning-cqc-verdict.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2010/115600/council-adult-chief-steps-down-following-damning-cqc-verdict.htm Wirral Council adult services director John Webb is to take early retirement, after the authority's adult care performance was heavily criticised in a Care...Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2010/115586/council-plans-to-axe-care-for-isolated-with-new-threshold.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2010/115586/council-plans-to-axe-care-for-isolated-with-new-threshold.htmThurrock Council, Essex, would no longer meet the needs of adults "experiencing extreme isolation and distress" under plans to create a new 'upper substantial' eligibility band.Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2010/115584/working-age-disabled-adults-could-bear-brunt-of-care-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2010/115584/working-age-disabled-adults-could-bear-brunt-of-care-cuts.htmDisabled adults of working age could bear the brunt of forthcoming adult care cuts because of council efforts to equalise the value of care packages between older and younger users, research has found. (Picture credit: Rex Features)Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2010/115593/assessment-that-fails-its-own-test.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2010/115593/assessment-that-fails-its-own-test.htmThe government has started reassessing sickness benefit claimants on their fitness to work in order to boost job prospects. But campaigners say the assessment process ignores crucial factors and will lead to poverty and stress for service users. Vern Pitt reports Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2010/115577/yjb-to-be-scrapped-in-quango-reform.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2010/115577/yjb-to-be-scrapped-in-quango-reform.htmThe Youth Justice Board is to be scrapped as part of the government's "bonfire of the quangos" it was announced today, but the future of other social care public bodies remains uncertain. (Picture: Dominic's on flickr)Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2010/115587/ilfs-future-still-up-for-grabs-says-adass-head.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2010/115587/ilfs-future-still-up-for-grabs-says-adass-head.htmThe Independent Living Fund could still have a future under government plans to consult on whether to retain it or transfer its funds to local authorities.Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2010/115574/man-with-schizophrenia-decides-not-to-take-his-medication-how-should-social-workers-respond.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/10/2010/115574/man-with-schizophrenia-decides-not-to-take-his-medication-how-should-social-workers-respond.htmA social worker and approved mental health professional discuss a real case in which a man with longstanding mental health problems decides to live without his medicationFri, 15 Oct 2010 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/10/2010/115580/council-set-to-outsource-social-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/10/2010/115580/council-set-to-outsource-social-services.htmSwindon Council last night approved proposals to move adult social workers into a social enterprise alongside community health colleagues from the local primary care trust.Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/10/2010/115582/learning-disability-health-services-still-failing.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/10/2010/115582/learning-disability-health-services-still-failing.htmProgress on improving health and social care for learning disabled people has been slow despite a damning report last year, the Department of Health said today.Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/10/2010/115579/independent-living-fund-reprieve-welcomed-by-disability-sector.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/10/2010/115579/independent-living-fund-reprieve-welcomed-by-disability-sector.htmThe Independent Living Fund may have been granted a reprieve from closure as the government published plans to axe the numbers of quangos. The body...Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/10/2010/115578/equality-commission-to-lose-functions-in-quango-shake-up.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/10/2010/115578/equality-commission-to-lose-functions-in-quango-shake-up.htmThe Equality and Human Rights Commission is to lose functions to government departments or the private and voluntary sectors under government plans to "substantially streamline" its remit.Thu, 14 Oct 2010 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/10/2010/115576/adult-legal-update-on-how-councils-must-check-the-law-before-making-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/10/2010/115576/adult-legal-update-on-how-councils-must-check-the-law-before-making-cuts.htmAs councils consider how to implement the spending cuts set out in this week's comprehensive spending review, one issue they must bear in mind is the law, writes Ed MitchellThu, 14 Oct 2010 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/10/2010/115575/international-stammering-awareness-day-stuttering-is-not-funny.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/10/2010/115575/international-stammering-awareness-day-stuttering-is-not-funny.htmIrina Papencheva and Phil Madden demand a fresh start in attitudes towards stammering Thu, 14 Oct 2010 10:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/10/2010/115559/burstow-gives-qualified-backing-to-social-work-contract.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/10/2010/115559/burstow-gives-qualified-backing-to-social-work-contract.htmCare services minister Paul Burstow has given a qualified backing to Community Care and Unison's campaign for fairer working conditions.Thu, 14 Oct 2010 09:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2010/115572/access-to-talking-therapies-still-patchy-finds-mind.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2010/115572/access-to-talking-therapies-still-patchy-finds-mind.htmOne in 10 people referred for talking therapies is waiting more than two years for treatment, to the detriment of their mental health and job prospects, Mind reveals today.Wed, 13 Oct 2010 20:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2010/115558/exclusive-burstow-announces-4.4m-boost-for-carers-support.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2010/115558/exclusive-burstow-announces-4.4m-boost-for-carers-support.htmIn an exclusive interview, care services minister Paul Burstow has revealed details of targeted measures to improve awareness of carers among frontline professionals and give charities such as Carers UK the means to provide training themselves. Wed, 13 Oct 2010 15:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2010/115571/council-plans-to-outsource-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2010/115571/council-plans-to-outsource-social-workers.htmAdult social workers in Swindon could be transferred to a new social enterprise under plans being considered by the council and primary care trust. Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2010/115564/mps-warn-that-suburban-childrens-services-will-be-swamped.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2010/115564/mps-warn-that-suburban-childrens-services-will-be-swamped.htmChildren's services in outer London could be swamped as families from inner parts of the city are forced out because of housing benefit changes, MPs claimed today.Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2010/115557/voluntary-sector-can-provide-the-answers-in-an-era-of-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/10/2010/115557/voluntary-sector-can-provide-the-answers-in-an-era-of-cuts.htmIn these turbulent financial times there is an increasing recognition of the key role that the voluntary sector has in delivering social care. Recently, I attended a course about community resources for older people. Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/10/2010/115552/nhs-reform-threat-to-joint-social-care-and-health-working.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/10/2010/115552/nhs-reform-threat-to-joint-social-care-and-health-working.htmThe government’s NHS reforms risk driving health and social care apart unless action is taken to promote joint commissioning, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Richard Jones has warned.Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/10/2010/115515/enforcing-drugs-prohibition-is-a-waste-of-money.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/10/2010/115515/enforcing-drugs-prohibition-is-a-waste-of-money.htmUnless we are sorely mistaken, one area of expenditure that will not be subject to cuts in the spending review will be drug law enforcement, writes Danny KushlickMon, 11 Oct 2010 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/10/2010/115537/emphasis-of-drugs-policy-shifts-from-harm-reduction-to-abstinence.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/10/2010/115537/emphasis-of-drugs-policy-shifts-from-harm-reduction-to-abstinence.htmThe government is shifting the drug treatment emphasis. Gordon Carson hears concerns that, as a result, agencies may lose some flexibility in their approach to users Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/10/2010/115533/how-turning-point-in-somerset-tackled-difficulties-of-providing-a-rural-substance-misuse-service.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/10/2010/115533/how-turning-point-in-somerset-tackled-difficulties-of-providing-a-rural-substance-misuse-service.htmThe amalgamation of three Somerset substance misuse services has paid dividends.Natalie Valios reports Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/10/2010/115529/telehealth-technology-saves-money-study-finds.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/10/2010/115529/telehealth-technology-saves-money-study-finds.htmA project in Kent to assess the viability of telehealth technology has demonstrated that it has the potential to realise multi-million pound savings if rolled out across the UK.Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/10/2010/115528/john-healey-named-as-labours-shadow-health-secretary.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/10/2010/115528/john-healey-named-as-labours-shadow-health-secretary.htmFormer housing minister John Healey has been named as the new shadow health secretary...Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/10/2010/115525/how-former-heroin-user-jim-keane-turned-his-life-around-is-now-helping-drug-users.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/10/2010/115525/how-former-heroin-user-jim-keane-turned-his-life-around-is-now-helping-drug-users.htmUsing benefit withdrawal to steer people away from drugs would become just another failed anti-drug policy according to former user Jim Keane, who now works for a charity. Jeremy Dunning hears his story Fri, 08 Oct 2010 10:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/10/2010/115524/the-prospects-for-drugs-decriminalisation-in-england.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/10/2010/115524/the-prospects-for-drugs-decriminalisation-in-england.htmWith a review of the drugs strategy for England and Wales under way, there are calls for possession of some substances to be decriminalised. Josephine Hocking considers how this might affect substance misuse workers Fri, 08 Oct 2010 10:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/10/2010/115522/burnham-and-balls-win-in-shadow-cabinet-election.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/10/2010/115522/burnham-and-balls-win-in-shadow-cabinet-election.htmAndy Burnham and Ed Balls will both return to the shadow cabinet under Ed Miliband.Fri, 08 Oct 2010 09:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/10/2010/115520/cqc-1000-care-homes-lack-managers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/10/2010/115520/cqc-1000-care-homes-lack-managers.htmNearly 1,000 care homes are operating without a registered manager according to figures published by the Care Quality Commission.Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/10/2010/115519/fiona-pilkingtons-family-sues-leicestershire-council.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/10/2010/115519/fiona-pilkingtons-family-sues-leicestershire-council.htmLeicestershire Council social services are being sued by the family of Fiona Pilkington, who killed herself and her disabled daughter following months of harassment.Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/10/2010/115538/service-cuts-and-welfare-reform-may-cue-storm-of-protest.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/10/2010/115538/service-cuts-and-welfare-reform-may-cue-storm-of-protest.htmThe row over the government's decision to end child benefits for higher rate tax payers provides a taste of the storm to come once major spending cuts are announced on 20 October.Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/10/2010/115513/too-far-too-fast-kings-fund-urges-caution-on-health-reforms.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/10/2010/115513/too-far-too-fast-kings-fund-urges-caution-on-health-reforms.htm The King's Fund has called on ministers to reconsider the speed and scale of new health reforms warning of "significant risks" at a time of increasing financial...Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/10/2010/115504/joint-social-care-and-health-commissioning-under-threat.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/10/2010/115504/joint-social-care-and-health-commissioning-under-threat.htmThe chairman of the health select committee has warned that joint social care and health commissioning could be destabilised by the government's health reform plan.Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/10/2010/115502/cameron-vows-to-protect-troubled-families-despite-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/10/2010/115502/cameron-vows-to-protect-troubled-families-despite-cuts.htmDavid Cameron has insisted the government can invest in early years projects and help put troubled families back on track, despite looming spending cuts.Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/10/2010/115499/half-of-scottish-councils-only-help-people-with-high-needs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/10/2010/115499/half-of-scottish-councils-only-help-people-with-high-needs.htmNearly half of all local authorities in Scotland only provide services for people with critical and substantial needs.Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2010/115496/sharp-rise-in-mental-health-act-detentions.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2010/115496/sharp-rise-in-mental-health-act-detentions.htmThe numbers of people being detained under the Mental Health Act rose by 1,692 in the last financial year according to figures published by the NHS information centre. Steve Shrubb, director of the NHS Confederation's Mental Health network, said: "Detention in hospital will often be the most clinically appropriate response at a time of acute crisis." Tue, 05 Oct 2010 18:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2010/115492/doctors-body-warns-of-brain-drain-over-gp-commissioning.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2010/115492/doctors-body-warns-of-brain-drain-over-gp-commissioning.htm The government's health reform proposals are already resulting in a brain drain of management and commissioning expertise from the sector the Royal College...Tue, 05 Oct 2010 13:56:28 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2010/115487/government-pledges-extra-70m-for-reablement-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2010/115487/government-pledges-extra-70m-for-reablement-services.htmThe government has pledged an extra £70m for reablement services in England over the next six months to support an estimated 35,000 people leaving hospital.Tue, 05 Oct 2010 13:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2010/115490/ombudsman-to-hear-complaints-from-self-funders.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2010/115490/ombudsman-to-hear-complaints-from-self-funders.htm Adults who fund their own social care now have the right to take complaints to the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO). Previously self-funders have had...Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:27:59 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2010/115489/cqc-ratings-will-measure-staff-service-user-relationships.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2010/115489/cqc-ratings-will-measure-staff-service-user-relationships.htm Staff relationships with service users will be at the heart of a revised quality rating system for providers run by the Care Quality Commission. The...Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:15:09 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2010/115495/cqc-reaches-20000-service-provider-registrations.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/10/2010/115495/cqc-reaches-20000-service-provider-registrations.htm A total of 20,000 adult social care services have registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Over the summer the CQC has been registering adult...Tue, 05 Oct 2010 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/10/2010/115485/osborne-axes-child-benefit-and-confirms-welfare-cap.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/10/2010/115485/osborne-axes-child-benefit-and-confirms-welfare-cap.htm Families on welfare benefits will have their payments capped at about £500 a week from 2013 while child benefit will be withdrawn from higher-income families,...Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/10/2010/115483/control-of-care-cash-would-save-councils-billions-says-lga.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/10/2010/115483/control-of-care-cash-would-save-councils-billions-says-lga.htmCouncils could save £6bn a year if they had local control over integrated health and social care budgets, according to the Local Government Association.Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/10/2010/115467/interview-stephen-burke-outgoing-head-of-counsel-and-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/10/2010/115467/interview-stephen-burke-outgoing-head-of-counsel-and-care.htmThe short-term outlook for adult care is very bleak, Stephen Burke, outgoing head of older people’s advice charity Counsel and Care, tells Vern Pitt. Yet he retains some optimism Mon, 04 Oct 2010 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/10/2010/115479/adult-care-sector-warns-burstow-over-efficiencies.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/10/2010/115479/adult-care-sector-warns-burstow-over-efficiencies.htmCare minister Paul Burstow does not deny that it will be difficult to achieve the efficiencies that chancellor George Osborne is looking for in adult social care services. His vision for adult care will map out how efficiencies can be delivered without affecting care. But some sector leaders are sceptical. Mon, 04 Oct 2010 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/10/2010/115472/axe-hangs-over-specific-grants-putting-vital-services-at-risk.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/10/2010/115472/axe-hangs-over-specific-grants-putting-vital-services-at-risk.htmIn the first of three articles on the imminent spending review, Jeremy Dunning examines the value of grants targeted at specific client groups as they face the axe Fri, 01 Oct 2010 21:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/10/2010/115475/council-cuts-will-damage-social-care-warn-doctors-leaders.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/10/2010/115475/council-cuts-will-damage-social-care-warn-doctors-leaders.htmGovernment plans for closer working between health and social care could be damaged because of savage cuts to local council budgets, doctors' leaders are...Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/10/2010/115464/birmingham-council-grapples-with-personalisation-agenda-amid-cuts-threat.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/10/2010/115464/birmingham-council-grapples-with-personalisation-agenda-amid-cuts-threat.htmBirmingham has a plan to transform services that has started making savings, but the forthcoming spending review will put it in jeopardy, report Vern Pitt and Mithran Samuel Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/10/2010/115453/incapacity-benefit-and-housing-benefit-scrapped.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/10/2010/115453/incapacity-benefit-and-housing-benefit-scrapped.htm Incapacity benefit and housing benefit will be scrapped to generate £9bn of cuts to benefits under plans agreed by the Chancellor and Iain Duncan Smith,...Fri, 01 Oct 2010 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2010/115442/age-uk-claims-elderly-will-lose-2200-of-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2010/115442/age-uk-claims-elderly-will-lose-2200-of-services.htmHouseholds with people aged over 75 will lose £2,200 worth of services per year by 2015 because of government spending cuts, according to research published today by Age UK. (Picture: Rex Features)Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2010/115447/spending-review-cuts-to-social-care-impossible-to-deliver.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2010/115447/spending-review-cuts-to-social-care-impossible-to-deliver.htmCouncils will find it impossible to deliver the cuts to adult social care expected in the coming spending review without a change in their statutory responsibilities, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (led by Richard Jones, pictured) has warned.Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2010/115449/euro-rules-could-combat-care-cuts-says-mep.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2010/115449/euro-rules-could-combat-care-cuts-says-mep.htmMoves to set out a common European standard for care services could be used to fight cuts in social care provision, a leading Labour MEP has predicted.Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2010/115441/care-charity-mounts-legal-challenge-to-immigrant-cap.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/09/2010/115441/care-charity-mounts-legal-challenge-to-immigrant-cap.htm The English Community Care Association has issued a legal challenge to the government's interim cap on non-European...Thu, 30 Sep 2010 10:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/09/2010/115438/cqc-takes-action-to-close-failing-care-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/09/2010/115438/cqc-takes-action-to-close-failing-care-services.htmForty two adult care services have closed in the past year following enforcement action by the Care Quality Commission for reasons including abuse, illegal migrant staff, poor management of medication and low levels of cleanliness.Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/09/2010/115433/join-the-fight-for-fair-working-conditions-for-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/09/2010/115433/join-the-fight-for-fair-working-conditions-for-social-workers.htmCommunity Care and trade union Unison have joined forces to demand a groundbreaking Social Work Contract to ensure fair working conditions for social workers. Tue, 28 Sep 2010 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/09/2010/115436/adass-hits-back-after-burstows-attack-on-council-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/09/2010/115436/adass-hits-back-after-burstows-attack-on-council-cuts.htmMinisterial statements on public spending have thrown councils into "turmoil", leading some to start cutting adult care services in advance of next month's comprehensive spending review (CSR).Tue, 28 Sep 2010 10:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/09/2010/115435/care-minister-burstow-unveils-plan-to-improve-dementia-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/09/2010/115435/care-minister-burstow-unveils-plan-to-improve-dementia-care.htmDementia patients and their carers will be encouraged to hold councils and the NHS to account for their performance on dementia care as part of an action plan launched today by care services minister Paul Burstow.Tue, 28 Sep 2010 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/09/2010/115430/small-steps-back-to-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/09/2010/115430/small-steps-back-to-work.htmA talking therapies scheme in Berkshire is exceeding expectations in supporting people with mental health issues into employment. Julie Griffiths finds outMon, 27 Sep 2010 12:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/09/2010/115425/labour-leader-ed-miliband-backs-national-care-service.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/09/2010/115425/labour-leader-ed-miliband-backs-national-care-service.htmLabour 's new leader Ed Miliband (left) backs the creation of a national care service to provide social care free at the point of need for older and disabled people. (pic credit: Rex Features)Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/09/2010/115422/research-and-evidence-user-involvement-in-commissioning-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/09/2010/115422/research-and-evidence-user-involvement-in-commissioning-services.htmJon Glasby reviews an "unusual" paper that defies traditional research methods Fri, 24 Sep 2010 17:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/09/2010/115408/ilf-to-shut-and-cafcass-under-review-in-bonfire-of-quangos.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/09/2010/115408/ilf-to-shut-and-cafcass-under-review-in-bonfire-of-quangos.htmThe Independent Living Fund will shut while the future of family courts body Cafcass is in doubt as part of a government cull of quangos, it has emerged. (Image: Dominic's on Flickr)Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/09/2010/115420/cut-public-health-initiatives-to-improve-health.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/09/2010/115420/cut-public-health-initiatives-to-improve-health.htmHealth advisers need to go back on the frontline, says Michael FitzpatrickFri, 24 Sep 2010 16:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/09/2010/115418/more-councils-likely-to-follow-suffolk-in-outsourcing-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/09/2010/115418/more-councils-likely-to-follow-suffolk-in-outsourcing-services.htmCouncils are likely to outsource more and more social care services to the private and voluntary sectors as massive spending cuts biteFri, 24 Sep 2010 16:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/09/2010/115413/social-workers-to-gain-key-role-in-any-assisted-suicide-law.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/09/2010/115413/social-workers-to-gain-key-role-in-any-assisted-suicide-law.htmSocial workers will be integral to the assessment of mental capacity and risk to people choosing to end their life, if Scotland passes a bill to legalise assisted suicide. Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/09/2010/115414/the-fuse-is-lit-on-free-personal-care-in-scotland.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/09/2010/115414/the-fuse-is-lit-on-free-personal-care-in-scotland.htmA timebomb of rising demand and funding cuts is putting Scotland's flagship care policy at risk, yet it still has many defenders, reports Jeremy Dunning Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/09/2010/115419/social-worker-fights-for-asbestos-victims.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/09/2010/115419/social-worker-fights-for-asbestos-victims.htmHospice social worker Roy Nightingale tells Vern Pitt of his fight for Londoners whose lives have been blighted by deadly asbestos fibres Fri, 24 Sep 2010 10:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/09/2010/115407/council-bids-to-outsource-nearly-all-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/09/2010/115407/council-bids-to-outsource-nearly-all-services.htmSuffolk Council is planning to outsource nearly all its services to cut costs by 30%.Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/09/2010/115383/carers-heading-towards-crisis-point.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/09/2010/115383/carers-heading-towards-crisis-point.htmNearly half of carers (45%) are depressed about their financial position, a Princess Royal Trust for Carers (PRTC) study published today reveals. Pictured is Karen Holdsworth-Cannon and husband Mark who have faced poverty after he became ill.Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/09/2010/115395/paul-burstow-personal-budget-take-up-is-a-disgrace.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/09/2010/115395/paul-burstow-personal-budget-take-up-is-a-disgrace.htmCare services minister Paul Burstow has attacked councils over levels of personal budget take-up, though a social work blogger has challenged him on his comments.Wed, 22 Sep 2010 09:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/09/2010/115404/housing-benefit-cuts-could-leave-thousands-homeless-in-london.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/09/2010/115404/housing-benefit-cuts-could-leave-thousands-homeless-in-london.htmMinisters are pursuing a populist welfare cuts agenda and turning a deaf ear to the consequences of cutting housing benefit, an adults' social services director has warned.Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/09/2010/115400/burstow-slams-councils-for-cutting-care-before-spending-review.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/09/2010/115400/burstow-slams-councils-for-cutting-care-before-spending-review.htmCare services minister Paul Burstow has criticised councils for slashing social care support before knowing the results of the public sector spending review, due next month.Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/09/2010/115392/reablement-charges-councils-could-face-huge-repayment-bill.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/09/2010/115392/reablement-charges-councils-could-face-huge-repayment-bill.htmCouncils could face bills of thousands of pounds in repayments after illegally charging for reablement services.Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/09/2010/115386/cleggs-council-finance-changes-could-benefit-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/09/2010/115386/cleggs-council-finance-changes-could-benefit-social-care.htmSocial care could benefit from Nick Clegg's announcement today of changes to council finance. During his leader's speech to the Liberal Democrat conference, Clegg said he would give local authorities the freedom to borrow money against taxes raised by business rates to fund new developments. Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/09/2010/115391/reablement-charges-community-care-finds-serious-legal-failures.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/09/2010/115391/reablement-charges-community-care-finds-serious-legal-failures.htmIt is clear that some, and possibly most, of the reablement services for which councils are charging should in fact be provided free of chargeMon, 20 Sep 2010 17:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/09/2010/115390/reablement-charges-social-workers-should-blow-the-whistle.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/09/2010/115390/reablement-charges-social-workers-should-blow-the-whistle.htmSocial workers and other frontline practitioners should blow the whistle on their councils' charges for reablement services, professional bodies have said.Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/09/2010/115389/what-is-reablement.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/09/2010/115389/what-is-reablement.htmReablement is one of councils' main tools in managing the costs of an ageing population and will be important as authorities face cuts in government funding of 25% or more from 2011-15.Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/09/2010/115345/council-charges-for-home-care-on-the-increase.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/09/2010/115345/council-charges-for-home-care-on-the-increase.htmA growing number of councils in England are planning to increase charges for non-residential care. This is likely to deter users and lead to increased crisis care later. Vern Pitt reports Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/09/2010/115393/one-in-five-councils-illegally-charge-for-reablement-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/09/2010/115393/one-in-five-councils-illegally-charge-for-reablement-services.htmMore than one in five councils in England is illegally charging service users for reablement packages of care, research by Community Care has found. (Picture credit: Rex)Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/09/2010/115356/adult-social-care-cuts-hitting-half-of-councils.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/09/2010/115356/adult-social-care-cuts-hitting-half-of-councils.htmAdult social care cuts are hitting one in two English councils, a survey by charity Counsel and Care revealed today.Mon, 20 Sep 2010 08:28:33 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/09/2010/115343/adult-care-at-risk-from-20bn-funding-gap-warn-council-heads.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/09/2010/115343/adult-care-at-risk-from-20bn-funding-gap-warn-council-heads.htmLocal authority leaders have warned that councils could struggle to maintain adult social care services in the face of a funding shortfall of up to £20bn a year by 2015. (Picture: Rex Features)Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/09/2010/115349/good-practice-reducing-the-cost-of-expensive-residential-placements.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/09/2010/115349/good-practice-reducing-the-cost-of-expensive-residential-placements.htmHertfordshire Council has cut the costs of its residential placements in adult care while maintaining its level of service, reports Jeremy DunningFri, 17 Sep 2010 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/09/2010/115341/managing-challenging-behaviour-in-dementia-sufferers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/09/2010/115341/managing-challenging-behaviour-in-dementia-sufferers.htmTwo practitioners, Walter Brennan and Alison Kingston Miles, advise on how social care professionals can handle challenging behaviour among people with dementia Thu, 16 Sep 2010 15:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/09/2010/115321/councils-to-deny-social-care-support-to-all-but-most-needy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/09/2010/115321/councils-to-deny-social-care-support-to-all-but-most-needy.htmEight in 10 councils in England will not meet adult service users' moderate care needs by next year on current trends, exclusive Community Care research reveals. (Pictured: Ann McFadden who faces losing support services, credit: UNP).Wed, 15 Sep 2010 09:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2010/115327/cqc-streamlines-test-of-council-adult-care-performance.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2010/115327/cqc-streamlines-test-of-council-adult-care-performance.htmCouncils will be judged on fewer adult social care outcomes this year than previously under Care Quality Commission plans to streamline the annual assessment process.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 18:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2010/115320/stress-for-social-workers-as-councils-raise-thresholds.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2010/115320/stress-for-social-workers-as-councils-raise-thresholds.htmSocial workers face increasing stress as they struggle to ensure clients retain a service as councils tighten eligibility thresholds.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2010/115319/raised-threshold-would-spell-end-of-befriending-lifeline.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2010/115319/raised-threshold-would-spell-end-of-befriending-lifeline.htmAnn McFadden, who has multiple sclerosis, is facing having an important social outlet removed under Bolton Council's plans to raise its eligibility threshold from moderate to substantial.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2010/115324/care-for-mental-health-patients-must-improve-says-cqc.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2010/115324/care-for-mental-health-patients-must-improve-says-cqc.htmToo many community mental health patients are not getting the care they need, the Care Quality Commission said today, as it released the results of a survey of 17,000 service users in England. Cynthia Bower (pictured), CQC chief executive, said care standards were falling short.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2010/115322/independent-living-fund-to-shut-in-government-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2010/115322/independent-living-fund-to-shut-in-government-cuts.htmThe Independent Living Fund looks set to close and have its £360m care budget for disabled people reallocated through councils, as part of government plans to slash spending.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2010/115317/how-can-caseloads-be-managed.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2010/115317/how-can-caseloads-be-managed.htmSocial workers want caseloads to be capped but what is the best way of doing this? Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2010/115323/needs-of-women-with-personality-disorder-go-unmet-in-jails.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/09/2010/115323/needs-of-women-with-personality-disorder-go-unmet-in-jails.htmThe needs of women with personality disorder are going unnoticed in prisons, despite them making up a quarter of female inmates, the Centre for Mental Health said today in a report.Tue, 14 Sep 2010 01:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/09/2010/115295/wales-should-have-own-social-care-laws-says-government.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/09/2010/115295/wales-should-have-own-social-care-laws-says-government.htmThe government has backed separate adult social care laws for England and Wales, to enable further divergence of the two countries' social care systems in the future.Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/09/2010/115296/can-faith-groups-help-deliver-the-big-society.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/09/2010/115296/can-faith-groups-help-deliver-the-big-society.htmIs there room for religious groups as players in the Big Society, asks Jeremy Dunning. Yes, says the Bishop of Oxford, Rt Rev John Pritchard, but only with caveats Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/09/2010/115293/thousands-more-could-be-stripped-of-incapacity-benefit.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/09/2010/115293/thousands-more-could-be-stripped-of-incapacity-benefit.htmThousands of people could be stripped of their incapacity benefit under Treasury plans to introduce means testing. Sources within the Treasury have...Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/09/2010/115291/alex-fox-allow-service-users-to-take-ordinary-risks.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/09/2010/115291/alex-fox-allow-service-users-to-take-ordinary-risks.htmWill the future social care workforce be "professionalised": rigorously CRB-checked and highly qualified?Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/09/2010/115273/is-health-taking-over-social-care-again.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/09/2010/115273/is-health-taking-over-social-care-again.htmHealth seems to be taking over social care again, says James Churchill, who is about to retire as chief executive of the Association for Real Change. Vern Pitt reports on his fears for the learning disability sector Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/09/2010/115270/hippy-era-drug-users-pose-new-challenge-for-social-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/09/2010/115270/hippy-era-drug-users-pose-new-challenge-for-social-services.htmSocial services face a new challenge from rising numbers of ageing substance misusers who started taking drugs in the 1960s, research has found.Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/09/2010/115261/one-in-six-social-workers-have-more-than-40-cases.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/09/2010/115261/one-in-six-social-workers-have-more-than-40-cases.htmSixteen per cent of social workers have more than 40 cases on the go, while nearly 90% say high case-loads are affecting their ability to practise good social work, a Community Care survey has revealed. (Picture: Rex Features, posed by model)Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2010/115254/welfare-rights-the-reassessment-of-incapacity-benefit-claimants.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2010/115254/welfare-rights-the-reassessment-of-incapacity-benefit-claimants.htmThe implications of the fitness-to-work regime for social services usersMon, 06 Sep 2010 17:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2010/115256/elderly-people-fear-effect-of-cuts-on-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2010/115256/elderly-people-fear-effect-of-cuts-on-services.htmElderly people fear that care services for the over-65s will be the first thing to be cut by councils struggling to balance their budgets.Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2010/115251/campaigners-bid-to-save-care-grants-from-axe.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2010/115251/campaigners-bid-to-save-care-grants-from-axe.htmCampaigners are bidding to save adult social care grants from the chop to protect vulnerable clients, amid widespread expectations that ministers will axe them, as predicted by Adass president Richard Jones (pictured) in the summer.Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2010/115248/adult-care-system-still-baffling-the-public.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/09/2010/115248/adult-care-system-still-baffling-the-public.htmWidespread public confusion remains over how the adult care system works, two years after councils in England were set personalisation targets to improve information and advice for citizens, research has found.Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/09/2010/115246/mental-capacity-and-the-battle-of-best-interests.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/09/2010/115246/mental-capacity-and-the-battle-of-best-interests.htmSocial workers can come into conflict with families when deciding whether a person should be deprived of their liberty. So whose view should prevail? Vern Pitt reports Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/09/2010/115244/practice-panel-an-older-person-with-a-drink-problem.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/09/2010/115244/practice-panel-an-older-person-with-a-drink-problem.htmSubstance misuse staff and a service user offer advice on a case involving a man on a downward spiral of alcohol abuse Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/09/2010/115238/disabled-man-who-died-at-dignitas-known-to-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/09/2010/115238/disabled-man-who-died-at-dignitas-known-to-social-workers.htmSocial workers and other professionals met to discuss the safeguarding of a man who seven months later took his own life at the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland, it has emerged.Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/09/2010/115233/burstow-to-put-mental-health-on-par-with-physical-health.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/09/2010/115233/burstow-to-put-mental-health-on-par-with-physical-health.htmCare services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) has vowed to put mental health care on a par with treating physical illness as he outlined plans for a new mental health strategy today.Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/09/2010/115230/council-to-cut-8m-from-social-care-budget.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/09/2010/115230/council-to-cut-8m-from-social-care-budget.htmFunding for social care services at Edinburgh Council will be cut by nearly £8m over the next three years.Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/09/2010/115218/care-services-minister-outlines-revised-mental-health-strategy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/09/2010/115218/care-services-minister-outlines-revised-mental-health-strategy.htmCare services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) writes exclusively for Community Care on the link between poor mental health and deprivation.Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/09/2010/115176/a-watchful-eye-on-malnutrition.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/09/2010/115176/a-watchful-eye-on-malnutrition.htmOlder people with social care support often need help to eat healthily. But is this best achieved by providing them with good advice and personal budgets or nutritious food, asks Vern Pitt Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2010/115224/research-into-the-use-of-direct-payments-by-people-with-dementia.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2010/115224/research-into-the-use-of-direct-payments-by-people-with-dementia.htmResearch institute director Alison Petch reviews findings from Scotland on the use of direct payments by people with dementiaWed, 01 Sep 2010 17:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2010/115219/councils-seek-to-abolish-maximum-care-charges.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2010/115219/councils-seek-to-abolish-maximum-care-charges.htmTwo councils are among the latest authorities to issue proposals to raise charges for adult care users, as a wave of belt-tightening measures sweep authorities across England.Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2010/115178/masterchef-interview-with-craig-dewhurst-care-cook-of-the-year-2010.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2010/115178/masterchef-interview-with-craig-dewhurst-care-cook-of-the-year-2010.htmCooking tasty, nutritious meals to a tight budget for older people in a care home is a challenge Craig Dewhurst relishes. Natalie Valios spoke to the award-winning chefWed, 01 Sep 2010 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2010/115175/cafe-society-serves-up-jobs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2010/115175/cafe-society-serves-up-jobs.htmTwo self-financing cafés in London are raising horizons for people with learning disabilities, reports Andrew MickelWed, 01 Sep 2010 12:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2010/115210/adult-placement-schemes-hit-by-council-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2010/115210/adult-placement-schemes-hit-by-council-cuts.htmAdult placement services are facing cuts with some councils freezing new placements and the recruitment of carers.Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2010/115206/70m-extra-cost-of-hiring-agency-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2010/115206/70m-extra-cost-of-hiring-agency-social-workers.htmAgency social workers could be costing councils £70m a year more than if permanent staff were employed to perform the same roles, Community Care can reveal. (Pic credit: Alamy) Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2010/115203/gscc-chief-aims-for-strong-legacy-after-reform-plan-dashed.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/09/2010/115203/gscc-chief-aims-for-strong-legacy-after-reform-plan-dashed.htmThe General Social Care Council will strive to leave a strong legacy for the sector's workforce when the organisation is disbanded in 2012, its chief executive has said.Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/08/2010/115177/older-and-disabled-people-face-wave-of-care-charge-rises.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/08/2010/115177/older-and-disabled-people-face-wave-of-care-charge-rises.htmSteep rises in charges for non-residential care at three councils is sparking fears that a wave of increases could endanger access to care for older and disabled adults. Picture: Rex FeaturesFri, 27 Aug 2010 11:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/08/2010/115165/wide-variation-in-end-of-life-care-investment.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/08/2010/115165/wide-variation-in-end-of-life-care-investment.htmInvestment in end-of-life care depends on the area where the service user lives, the latest Department of Health figures show.Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/08/2010/115164/disability-charities-launch-legal-challenge-over-budget.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/08/2010/115164/disability-charities-launch-legal-challenge-over-budget.htmDisability charities are threatening to challenge the government's Budget in the courts on the grounds that the Treasury had not considered its impact on disabled people. (Picture: Rex Features)Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/08/2010/115162/conservative-budget-will-hit-the-poor-hardest-warn-experts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/08/2010/115162/conservative-budget-will-hit-the-poor-hardest-warn-experts.htmExperts have criticised the government's budget as "regressive" and have said it could increase the burden on social care.Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/08/2010/115152/minister-confident-that-vacancy-rate-will-fall.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/08/2010/115152/minister-confident-that-vacancy-rate-will-fall.htmAction is being taken to address high vacancy rates and other problems in social work, children's minister Tim Loughton has insisted.Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/08/2010/115153/one-in-10-social-work-posts-vacant.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/08/2010/115153/one-in-10-social-work-posts-vacant.htmOne in 10 social work posts are empty, Community Care has found. Our investigation shows that social worker vacancy rates have increased despite the millions of pounds that have been pumped into staff recruitment and reforming the profession. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/08/2010/115160/budget-hits-poorest-families-hardest-says-ifs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/08/2010/115160/budget-hits-poorest-families-hardest-says-ifs.htmLow income families with children will be hit hardest by the coalition government’s first Budget, the Institute for Fiscal Studies has claimed.Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/08/2010/115156/supporting-disabled-employment-saves-council-money.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/08/2010/115156/supporting-disabled-employment-saves-council-money.htmSupporting disabled people into employment can save taxpayers more than £3,500 a year for every successful individual, a study in Kent has found.Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/08/2010/115150/council-cleared-of-failure-to-help-frozen-couple.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/08/2010/115150/council-cleared-of-failure-to-help-frozen-couple.htmA serious case review has cleared Northamptonshire Council of any failures in the case of an elderly couple suspected of freezing to death in their home in January.Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/08/2010/115148/service-users-unaffected-by-care-providers-going-bust.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/08/2010/115148/service-users-unaffected-by-care-providers-going-bust.htmSocial care users are unlikely to be affected by rising private sector insolvencies, say experts.Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/08/2010/115139/adass-to-question-councils-slow-to-roll-out-personal-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/08/2010/115139/adass-to-question-councils-slow-to-roll-out-personal-budgets.htmAdult social care chiefs are to ask some councils why they have so few service users on personal budgets.Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/08/2010/115108/care-providers-to-be-stuck-with-poor-ratings-until-may.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/08/2010/115108/care-providers-to-be-stuck-with-poor-ratings-until-may.htmAdult care providers will be stuck with outdated ratings until at least May next year, following a decision by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to retain old information on its website. (Pic credit: Alamy)Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/08/2010/115111/drug-abusers-who-refuse-treatment-face-benefit-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/08/2010/115111/drug-abusers-who-refuse-treatment-face-benefit-cuts.htmSubstance misusers who refuse treatment could have their welfare benefits cut or withdrawn under plans being considered by the Home Office. (Picture: Design Pics/Rex)Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/08/2010/115112/supporting-people-cuts-to-hit-more-than-400000-people.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/08/2010/115112/supporting-people-cuts-to-hit-more-than-400000-people.htmMore than 400,000 vulnerable people could lose vital support under projected cuts to the Supporting People programme, the National Housing Federation warned.Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/08/2010/115107/scotlands-brain-injured-patients-denied-proper-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/08/2010/115107/scotlands-brain-injured-patients-denied-proper-care.htmPeople with brain damage are not receiving the help they need to recover because of missed diagnoses and a lack of specialist care, the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland said today. Commission director Dr Donald Lyons (pictured) said: "Expert assessment… is essential and we were disappointed to find that this did not always happen.”Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/08/2010/115103/civil-servants-form-enterprise-to-protect-learning-disabled.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/08/2010/115103/civil-servants-form-enterprise-to-protect-learning-disabled.htmGovernment officials at risk of redundancy are setting up a social enterprise to ensure vital work to support people with learning disabilities is not lost. (Picture from Design Pics/Rex).Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/08/2010/115101/mental-health-patients-should-be-spared-jail-say-public.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/08/2010/115101/mental-health-patients-should-be-spared-jail-say-public.htmMental health patients who offend but pose no risk should be spared short-term jail terms and receive treatment instead, according to two-thirds of the public.Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/08/2010/115102/social-worker-struck-off-after-canoe-trip-with-client.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/08/2010/115102/social-worker-struck-off-after-canoe-trip-with-client.htm A mental health social worker who took a service user canoeing in her spare time has been struck off for breaches of professional boundaries. Judith...Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/08/2010/115099/tuc-100-unfair-cuts-in-coalitions-first-100-days.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/08/2010/115099/tuc-100-unfair-cuts-in-coalitions-first-100-days.htmThe Trades Union Congress has accused the coalition of making 100 "unfair" spending cuts in its first 100 days, hitting vulnerable groups.Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/08/2010/115097/im-no-political-stooge-says-care-funding-commission-head.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/08/2010/115097/im-no-political-stooge-says-care-funding-commission-head.htmThe commission on adult care funding will be fully independent, its chair Andrew Dilnot (left) has insisted, despite the government blocking any recommendation to introduce a compulsory "death tax".Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/08/2010/115094/housing-agencies-disturbed-by-looming-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/08/2010/115094/housing-agencies-disturbed-by-looming-cuts.htm Vulnerable clients face a "disturbing picture" of cuts in housing benefit and supported housing services. This is the scenario portrayed by the National...Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:21:27 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/08/2010/115092/sex-and-personal-budgets-coverage-may-hinder-social-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/08/2010/115092/sex-and-personal-budgets-coverage-may-hinder-social-work.htmAlarmist coverage about the use of direct payments for sex could make social workers' jobs tougher and endanger council funding for disabled people, experts warn. Picture: Rex FeaturesMon, 16 Aug 2010 14:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2010/115084/personal-budget-rates-double-but-big-gaps-between-councils.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2010/115084/personal-budget-rates-double-but-big-gaps-between-councils.htmThe proportion of service users and carers on personal budgets in England has doubled in the past year but there are wide variations between councils, figures published today show.Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2010/115077/four-in-10-social-workers-have-unmanageable-caseloads.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/08/2010/115077/four-in-10-social-workers-have-unmanageable-caseloads.htmFour in 10 social workers feel their caseload is unmanageable and two-thirds say it has increased in the past 12 months, a survey has found. Picture: Rex FeaturesThu, 12 Aug 2010 10:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/08/2010/115079/council-protects-childrens-social-workers-from-job-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/08/2010/115079/council-protects-childrens-social-workers-from-job-cuts.htm Nottinghamshire Council has vowed to protect child protection social workers from job cuts over the next three years. The cuts will affect up to 3,000 other...Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/08/2010/115075/postcode-lottery-in-end-of-life-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/08/2010/115075/postcode-lottery-in-end-of-life-care.htmThe proportion of people who die in hospital varies hugely across England, figures published today reveal. See where people die in your area through Community Care's map of the figures.Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/08/2010/115074/fears-of-learning-disability-institutionalisation-unfounded.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/08/2010/115074/fears-of-learning-disability-institutionalisation-unfounded.htmFears that learning disabled people leaving NHS residential accommodation are being "institutionalised by the back door" in private hospitals are unfounded, a Community Care investigation has revealed.Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/08/2010/115069/service-users-personal-budgets-and-amsterdam.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/08/2010/115069/service-users-personal-budgets-and-amsterdam.htmDoes the spirit of personalisation extend to councils allowing people to spend direct payments on sexual services? Vern Pitt examines a debate that has divided social workers Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/08/2010/115064/joint-working-between-health-and-social-care-in-herefordshire.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/08/2010/115064/joint-working-between-health-and-social-care-in-herefordshire.htmCouncils would be wise to look west when they draw up their plans to integrate health and social care services. As Jeremy Dunning reports, Herefordshire is already ahead of the game Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/08/2010/115070/council-set-to-cut-support-for-users-with-moderate-needs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/08/2010/115070/council-set-to-cut-support-for-users-with-moderate-needs.htmPeople with moderate care needs would be excluded from support under plans to increase the eligibility threshold for care to substantial in Derbyshire. Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/08/2010/115068/thousands-die-alone-without-support-council-report-finds.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/08/2010/115068/thousands-die-alone-without-support-council-report-finds.htmThousands of people are dying alone without friends or family support, a report by the Local Government Association has found.Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/08/2010/115061/better-access-to-advocates-urged-for-adult-placement-users.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/08/2010/115061/better-access-to-advocates-urged-for-adult-placement-users.htmGreater access to independent advocates for adult placement users has been urged to prevent "deplorable" decisions such as the one in which Manchester Council removed a teenager from his family. Picture: Rex FeaturesFri, 06 Aug 2010 13:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2010/115050/ministers-discussed-400m-cash-shift-from-nhs-to-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2010/115050/ministers-discussed-400m-cash-shift-from-nhs-to-social-care.htmFollowing a call from Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Richard Jones (left) for NHS funding to be shunted into adult social care a report today suggests ministers have considered shifting £400m to protect adult social care from harmful cuts.Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2010/115047/four-in-10-councils-miss-personalisation-target.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/08/2010/115047/four-in-10-councils-miss-personalisation-target.htmFour in ten councils have missed a key target for the roll-out of personalisation, a survey has revealed.Thu, 05 Aug 2010 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/08/2010/115044/older-tenants-need-better-incentives-to-move-finds-report.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/08/2010/115044/older-tenants-need-better-incentives-to-move-finds-report.htmOlder people living in under-occupied social housing must be given attractive alternatives if they are to make way for families in overcrowded accommodation or on waiting lists, a key report has said.Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/08/2010/115040/health-regulator-social-workers-have-nothing-to-fear.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/08/2010/115040/health-regulator-social-workers-have-nothing-to-fear.htmSocial work has nothing to fear from the Health Professions Council, the body's chief executive, Marc Seale (pictured), has insisted, as it takes over responsibility for regulating the profession.Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/08/2010/115039/social-services-had-tried-to-help-mum-and-daughter-found-dead.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/08/2010/115039/social-services-had-tried-to-help-mum-and-daughter-found-dead.htmA mother and her disabled daughter found dead in their house at the weekend had refused help from social services, it has emerged.Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2010/115029/social-worker-banned-for-stealing-19k-from-disabled-client.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2010/115029/social-worker-banned-for-stealing-19k-from-disabled-client.htmA social worker who stole £19,000 from a severely disabled elderly service user has been struck off the social care register.Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2010/115034/social-workers-imposed-direct-payments-on-users.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2010/115034/social-workers-imposed-direct-payments-on-users.htmSocial workers have foisted direct payments on to adult social care users, a study in Essex has found.Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2010/115028/community-care-launches-daily-email-service.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/08/2010/115028/community-care-launches-daily-email-service.htmCommunity Care has launched a free daily email service to help readers stay up to date with the latest news in social care. Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/07/2010/115016/moving-back-to-employment-is-still-fraught-with-pitfalls.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/07/2010/115016/moving-back-to-employment-is-still-fraught-with-pitfalls.htmGary Vaux knows the government understands how the poverty trap works, but he asks, why can't it come up with some better solutions? Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/07/2010/115014/councils-planning-for-40-adult-care-cuts-says-adass-head.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/07/2010/115014/councils-planning-for-40-adult-care-cuts-says-adass-head.htmSome councils are considering cuts of up to 40% to adult services due to demographic pressures and expected government spending limits, Adass president Richard Jones (left), has said.Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/07/2010/115010/scottish-government-urged-to-protect-social-care-from-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/07/2010/115010/scottish-government-urged-to-protect-social-care-from-cuts.htmThe Scottish government has been urged to ensure social care does not suffer from its pledge to protect NHS spending from cuts over the next four years.Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/07/2010/115001/dh-shunts-50m-from-social-care-to-fund-cancer-drugs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/07/2010/115001/dh-shunts-50m-from-social-care-to-fund-cancer-drugs.htmThe government has shunted £50m earmarked by Labour to finance personal care at home to increase access to cancer drugs.Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/07/2010/115007/free-personal-care-here-to-stay-says-scottish-government.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/07/2010/115007/free-personal-care-here-to-stay-says-scottish-government.htmThe Scottish government is insisting it will preserve its free personal care policy for older people - rejecting the recommendations of an independent review of public expenditure in the country.Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/07/2010/115005/free-personal-care-hard-to-justify-finds-scottish-review.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/07/2010/115005/free-personal-care-hard-to-justify-finds-scottish-review.htmFree personal care for older people in Scotland is "hard to justify", according to an independent review of public expenditure in the country.Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/07/2010/114992/disabled-back-to-work-scheme-work-choice-will-go-ahead.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/07/2010/114992/disabled-back-to-work-scheme-work-choice-will-go-ahead.htmThe government confirmed today it would go ahead with Work Choice, the specialist employment scheme for disabled people, ending months of speculation.Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/07/2010/114994/conservative-think-tank-urges-nhs-takeover-of-care-funding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/07/2010/114994/conservative-think-tank-urges-nhs-takeover-of-care-funding.htmCouncils should lose responsibility to the NHS for long-term care funding to reduce costs, a think-tank close to the prime minister said today.Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/07/2010/114983/gscc-to-be-scrapped.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/07/2010/114983/gscc-to-be-scrapped.htmThe General Social Care Council is to be scrapped as part of a government review of quangos. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/07/2010/114989/role-of-the-health-professions-council-and-changes-to-quangos.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/07/2010/114989/role-of-the-health-professions-council-and-changes-to-quangos.htmThe Health Professions Council regulates 15 health workforces and was set up in 2001.Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/07/2010/114990/what-gscc-abolition-could-mean-for-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/07/2010/114990/what-gscc-abolition-could-mean-for-social-workers.htmThe abolition of the General Social Care Council will have far-reaching implications for social care and social workers, including the cost of registration, regulation of professionals and training.Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/07/2010/114988/adass-reorganises-to-meet-adult-care-policy-challenges.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/07/2010/114988/adass-reorganises-to-meet-adult-care-policy-challenges.htm The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has reorganised itself to respond to the current policy and economic challenges facing adult social...Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/07/2010/114980/coalition-to-decide-whether-ilf-has-a-future-this-year.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/07/2010/114980/coalition-to-decide-whether-ilf-has-a-future-this-year.htmThe government will decide whether the Independent Living Fund has a future later this year after disability minister Maria Miller lambasted the Labour administration's handling of the UK-wide care funding agencyMon, 26 Jul 2010 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/07/2010/114965/minister-ilf-snubbed-disabled-people-before-eligibility-changes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/07/2010/114965/minister-ilf-snubbed-disabled-people-before-eligibility-changes.htmDisabled people were not consulted by the Independent Living Fund before it tightened its eligibility criteria in March, Maria Miller (pictured), minister for disabled people, has revealed. Picture: John BehetsMon, 26 Jul 2010 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/07/2010/114960/care-funding-commission-must-not-forget-disabled.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/07/2010/114960/care-funding-commission-must-not-forget-disabled.htmThe commission set up this week to reform care funding must give equal weight to the needs of adults with lifelong conditions as older people, one of its...Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/07/2010/114956/thousands-set-to-lose-out-on-social-services-support.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/07/2010/114956/thousands-set-to-lose-out-on-social-services-support.htmSupport for thousands of vulnerable people may be slashed as budgetary pressures force councils to raise eligibility thresholds to the highest level. Picture: Rex FeaturesThu, 22 Jul 2010 20:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/07/2010/114955/government-rules-out-death-tax-to-fund-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/07/2010/114955/government-rules-out-death-tax-to-fund-care.htmThe government has ruled out a compulsory "death tax" to fund long-term care, despite saying the newly formed care funding commission can examine all options.Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/07/2010/114958/one-third-of-dla-claimants-fear-worst-from-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/07/2010/114958/one-third-of-dla-claimants-fear-worst-from-cuts.htmOne in three disability living allowance (DLA) claimants think it unlikely that they will be able to work if their benefits are cut under government plans, a poll has found.Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/07/2010/114952/care-provider-registration-errors-tie-up-cqc.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/07/2010/114952/care-provider-registration-errors-tie-up-cqc.htm Almost one in six adult care providers have made mistakes in applying to register with the Care Quality Commission, costing the regulator in staff time and...Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:56:19 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/07/2010/114950/disabled-adults-put-at-risk-in-care-centre.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/07/2010/114950/disabled-adults-put-at-risk-in-care-centre.htmPoor management and staff training at a care and respite centre in Plymouth put severely disabled adults at risk, according to a...Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/07/2010/114948/mps-councils-will-struggle-to-take-on-health-white-paper-role.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/07/2010/114948/mps-councils-will-struggle-to-take-on-health-white-paper-role.htmCash-strapped local authorities may not have sufficient resource to deliver their added responsibilities set out in the health White Paper, health secretary Andrew Lansley has been warned.Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/07/2010/114946/lansley-urges-quick-action-from-care-funding-commission.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/07/2010/114946/lansley-urges-quick-action-from-care-funding-commission.htmThe commission established today to reform care funding will have to act quickly in setting out how its direction of travel, health secretary Andrew Lansley has made clear.Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/07/2010/114943/who-are-the-members-of-the-care-funding-commission.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/07/2010/114943/who-are-the-members-of-the-care-funding-commission.htmThe members of the government's Commission on the Funding of Care and Support, announced today, bring a diverse range of experience to the task of sorting out the future funding of adult social care in England.Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/07/2010/114942/government-launches-adult-care-funding-commission.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/07/2010/114942/government-launches-adult-care-funding-commission.htmFormer social services directors Jo Williams and Lord Norman Warner will be charged with shaping the future system of adult care funding, as the government announced the establishment of its Commission on the Funding of Care and Support today.Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/07/2010/114944/personal-health-budgets-run-into-resource-problems.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/07/2010/114944/personal-health-budgets-run-into-resource-problems.htm Personal health budget pilot sites have faced early challenges in funding personalised care packages for patients, a national...Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:16:50 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/07/2010/114930/national-college-co-chairs-pledge-to-engage-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/07/2010/114930/national-college-co-chairs-pledge-to-engage-social-workers.htmEngaging social workers will be a major short-term challenge for the College of Social Work, according to its newly-appointed joint interim chairs Maurice Bates and Corinne May-Chahal (pictured)Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/07/2010/114922/testing-a-councils-use-of-a-resource-allocation-system.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/07/2010/114922/testing-a-councils-use-of-a-resource-allocation-system.htmEd Mitchell finds councils should retain descretion if using a resource allocation system to quantify a service user's care budget Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/07/2010/114919/white-paper-gps-will-need-to-buy-in-specialist-support.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/07/2010/114919/white-paper-gps-will-need-to-buy-in-specialist-support.htmGPs will need to buy in expertise to meet the needs of vulnerable groups, NHS leaders admitted after plans to give family doctors responsibility for health commissioning sparked concerns from social care charities.Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/07/2010/114917/councils-and-gps-urged-to-start-white-paper-talks.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/07/2010/114917/councils-and-gps-urged-to-start-white-paper-talks.htmLocal government leaders, including Richard Jones, president of the ADASS (left), have told councils to begin urgent talks with GPs over the integration of health and social care locally.Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/07/2010/114912/sector-concern-as-nhs-regulators-encroach-on-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/07/2010/114912/sector-concern-as-nhs-regulators-encroach-on-social-care.htmGovernment plans to give healthcare monitoring bodies powers over social care have sparked concerns from sector head, including Ruth Cartwright, of the British Association of Social WorkersThu, 15 Jul 2010 15:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/07/2010/114873/end-of-life-care-oxfordshire-community-matron-scheme.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/07/2010/114873/end-of-life-care-oxfordshire-community-matron-scheme.htmA community matron role funded by Sue Ryder Care and Community Health Oxfordshire is letting more people end their lives in familiar surroundings, writes Natalie Valios Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/07/2010/114902/safeguards-to-prevent-wrongful-detentions-in-care-need-review.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/07/2010/114902/safeguards-to-prevent-wrongful-detentions-in-care-need-review.htmA Mental Health Alliance report has called for an urgent review of the deprivation of liberty safeguards (DoLS) after finding that health and social care professionals lacked the understanding to properly implement them.Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/07/2010/114901/care-minister-burstow-rejects-council-job-cuts-claim.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/07/2010/114901/care-minister-burstow-rejects-council-job-cuts-claim.htmCare services minister Paul Burstow has rejected predictions from a former top civil servant of cuts of up to 25% to council adult social care staff numbers as a result of the government's austerity drive.Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/07/2010/114900/survey-reveals-prejudice-against-learning-disabilities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/07/2010/114900/survey-reveals-prejudice-against-learning-disabilities.htmPeople with learning disabilities still face widespread prejudice and ignorance among the general population, a Turning Point survey reveals today.Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/07/2010/114898/charities-say-gps-lack-expertise-to-commission-all-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/07/2010/114898/charities-say-gps-lack-expertise-to-commission-all-services.htmGPs lack the expertise to commission care services, when it comes to some conditions, and their proposed new powers could lead to postcode lotteries, campaigners warn.Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/07/2010/114899/burstow-pcts-scrapped-to-aid-health-and-social-care-links.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/07/2010/114899/burstow-pcts-scrapped-to-aid-health-and-social-care-links.htmPrimary care trusts were no longer "fit for purpose" and had to go as the price to deliver integrated health and social care, according to care services minister Paul Burstow.Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/07/2010/114897/valuing-people-now-under-threat.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/07/2010/114897/valuing-people-now-under-threat.htmStaff delivering the key government programme to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities have been told their jobs could be axed, Community Care has learned.Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2010/114896/councils-to-be-granted-powers-over-public-health.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2010/114896/councils-to-be-granted-powers-over-public-health.htmLocal authorities will be given statutory responsibility for bringing health and social care together under radical NHS reforms announced by health secretary Andrew Lansley today. (Picture credit Rex)Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2010/114895/future-of-social-care-institute-for-excellence-in-doubt.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2010/114895/future-of-social-care-institute-for-excellence-in-doubt.htmThe future of the Social Care Institute for Excellence has been called into question after the government announced the National Institute for Health and...Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2010/114891/adult-social-care-workforce-set-to-double-in-15-years.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2010/114891/adult-social-care-workforce-set-to-double-in-15-years.htmThe adult social care workforce in England could almost double over the next 15 years...Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2010/114888/low-morale-at-cqc-driven-by-overwork-and-safety-concerns.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2010/114888/low-morale-at-cqc-driven-by-overwork-and-safety-concerns.htmLow staff morale at the Care Quality Commission is being driven by overwork and the fact that inspectors fear their ability to keep service users safe is being compromised.Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2010/114886/do-social-workers-need-some-medical-training.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/07/2010/114886/do-social-workers-need-some-medical-training.htmShould social workers' training include basic medicine to help them identify clients' needs and find appropriate help? Journalist and mental health service user Richard Shrubb says that it should Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/07/2010/114883/blackburn-merges-management-of-nhs-and-council.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/07/2010/114883/blackburn-merges-management-of-nhs-and-council.htmManagement of local government and health will be merged in Blackburn with Darwen after the council backed the plan last night.Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/07/2010/114878/lansley-launches-review-of-end-of-life-care-funding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/07/2010/114878/lansley-launches-review-of-end-of-life-care-funding.htm Health secretary Andrew Lansley today launched a review of palliative care funding that is designed to help more people die at home. The review will...Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:20:46 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/07/2010/114870/council-chiefs-believe-social-care-will-escape-worst-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/07/2010/114870/council-chiefs-believe-social-care-will-escape-worst-cuts.htm Social care is one of the least likely council services to suffer cuts according to local authority chiefs, research by the New Local Government Network...Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/07/2010/114865/cqc-slammed-by-own-staff-as-survey-exposes-low-morale.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/07/2010/114865/cqc-slammed-by-own-staff-as-survey-exposes-low-morale.htmThe Care Quality Commission's management has been slammed by its own staff in an internal survey that found morale at the regulator was low. The CQC's chief executive, Cynthia Bower (pictured), has agreed to address concerns. Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/07/2010/114854/smaller-care-providers-face-being-squeezed.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/07/2010/114854/smaller-care-providers-face-being-squeezed.htmSmaller care providers risk being driven out of the older people's market because of rising costs and council cuts, a survey has found. Des Kelly (pictured) director of the National Care Forum has backed the findings.Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/07/2010/114863/welsh-social-services-chief-questions-collaboration-policy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/07/2010/114863/welsh-social-services-chief-questions-collaboration-policy.htm Directors of social services are calling on the Welsh Assembly Government to clarify the outcomes of its drive for councils to collaborate with other public...Wed, 07 Jul 2010 21:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/07/2010/114860/kate-hoey-leads-commons-bid-to-reverse-dla-cut.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/07/2010/114860/kate-hoey-leads-commons-bid-to-reverse-dla-cut.htmA Labour MP is spearheading a cross-party campaign to stop the government's plan to slash the disability living allowance budget. Kate...Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2010/114848/adults-services-face-jobs-cull-as-cuts-bite.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2010/114848/adults-services-face-jobs-cull-as-cuts-bite.htmAdult social care departments will have to slash jobs and increase service user charges as funding is cut by up to one-third, former government social care finance chief John Bolton (pictured) has warned.Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2010/114821/paul-maynard-mp-life-with-cerebral-palsy-and-epilepsy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2010/114821/paul-maynard-mp-life-with-cerebral-palsy-and-epilepsy.htmConservative MP Paul Maynard talks to Jeremy Dunning about how he will influence policy on disability in parliament Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2010/114842/call-for-dementia-services-to-raise-profile.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/07/2010/114842/call-for-dementia-services-to-raise-profile.htmDementia services need a higher profile so that people know where to find support after a diagnosis, the Alzheimer's Society said today. Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/07/2010/114844/social-services-in-wales-fear-job-losses.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/07/2010/114844/social-services-in-wales-fear-job-losses.htm Directors of social services in Wales are refusing to rule out job losses as they attempt to tackle the funding crisis hitting their departments. Back-office...Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:54:05 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/07/2010/114832/support-scheme-did-not-reach-enough-carers-burstow-claims.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/07/2010/114832/support-scheme-did-not-reach-enough-carers-burstow-claims.htmGovernment cash for a leading carers' support scheme was halted because the programme was not reaching enough carers, it has emerged. Care services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) told MPs: "We were not getting value for money from the delivery." Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/07/2010/114841/spare-elderly-and-child-protection-from-cuts-survey.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/07/2010/114841/spare-elderly-and-child-protection-from-cuts-survey.htmOnly 1% of the public believe social care for older people or child protection services should be cut to save public money, a Local Government Association survey has found.Mon, 05 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/07/2010/114831/ten-year-plan-for-welsh-social-services-to-be-published-in-2011.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/07/2010/114831/ten-year-plan-for-welsh-social-services-to-be-published-in-2011.htm A blueprint for reforming social services in Wales over the next ten years will be published in early 2011, the Welsh Assembly government has announced. Speaking...Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/07/2010/114830/backing-for-single-legal-framework-for-adult-care-assessment.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/07/2010/114830/backing-for-single-legal-framework-for-adult-care-assessment.htm The Law Commission looks set to take forward plans to free social workers from adult care's "confusing and complex" assessment framework after they won "unanimous...Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/07/2010/114824/care-charges-set-to-soar-for-users-in-warwickshire.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/07/2010/114824/care-charges-set-to-soar-for-users-in-warwickshire.htmAdult care user charges at Warwickshire Council look set to rocket, sparking concerns that other authorities could follow suit.Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/07/2010/114823/government-scraps-leading-carer-support-scheme.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/07/2010/114823/government-scraps-leading-carer-support-scheme.htmThe government has today scrapped a multimillion pound support package for carers, Community Care has learned. It has pulled the plug on the Caring with Confidence programme (pictured, credit Michael Donald), worth £4.4m a year. Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/07/2010/114816/shaw-trust-welfare-to-work-uncertainty-could-hit-disabled.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/07/2010/114816/shaw-trust-welfare-to-work-uncertainty-could-hit-disabled.htmDisabled employment support clients could be badly hit by the uncertainty over the future of a specialist welfare-to-work programme for the group, Shaw Trust has warned.Thu, 01 Jul 2010 08:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/06/2010/114820/full-time-family-carer-roles-double-in-a-decade.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/06/2010/114820/full-time-family-carer-roles-double-in-a-decade.htmThe proportion of people caring full-time for a loved-one has doubled in the past decade to one fifth of all carers, figures published today have shown.Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/06/2010/114817/care-home-owner-and-manager-neglected-residents.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/06/2010/114817/care-home-owner-and-manager-neglected-residents.htm The owner and manager of a care home have been found guilty of the neglect of vulnerable residents after leaving them underweight and with bed sores. Care...Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:14:16 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/06/2010/114812/personalisation-may-force-day-centre-closures-in-liverpool.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/06/2010/114812/personalisation-may-force-day-centre-closures-in-liverpool.htmCash-strapped Liverpool Council is set to shed 164 jobs and close nine day centres as part of major changes to adult care, driven by personalisation.Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/06/2010/114815/care-workers-compete-in-bid-to-be-uks-top-care-worker.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/06/2010/114815/care-workers-compete-in-bid-to-be-uks-top-care-worker.htmLast week 10 care workers displayed their case management skills before two judges in London in a bid to become the UK's top care worker. Kirsty McGregor reports Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/06/2010/114813/welfare-to-work-fears-heighten-at-disability-groups.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/06/2010/114813/welfare-to-work-fears-heighten-at-disability-groups.htmConcerns that disabled people will be failed by the government's welfare-to-work plans have been heightened after a key policy statement failed to clarify the future of a specialist employment support scheme for the group.Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/06/2010/114805/social-workers-must-make-end-of-life-care-their-business.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/06/2010/114805/social-workers-must-make-end-of-life-care-their-business.htmSocial workers do not see end-of-life care as relevant to them, according to experts at the government's National End of Life Care Programme.Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/06/2010/114802/government-scraps-social-care-recruitment-subsidies.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/06/2010/114802/government-scraps-social-care-recruitment-subsidies.htmThe government has slashed a £75m programme to help 50,000 young unemployed people enter the adult social care workforce, in a move condemned by a leading care provider.Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/06/2010/114798/councils-must-transform-not-slash-services-to-meet-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/06/2010/114798/councils-must-transform-not-slash-services-to-meet-cuts.htm Councils must transform social services through preventive measures rather than simply slash budgets if they are to shield vulnerable children, families...Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/06/2010/114792/budget-predicted-to-hit-poorest-and-most-vulnerable-hardest.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/06/2010/114792/budget-predicted-to-hit-poorest-and-most-vulnerable-hardest.htm The UK's poorest families will be the worst hit by the government's emergency Budget to reduce the public sector deficit, experts and sector leaders have...Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/06/2010/114785/mps-to-probe-long-term-care-funding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/06/2010/114785/mps-to-probe-long-term-care-funding.htmThe House of Commons' health select committee is to examine the funding of long-term care to help shape the government's plan to overhaul the system.Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/06/2010/114783/dla-cuts-set-to-hit-learning-disabled-and-mentally-ill.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/06/2010/114783/dla-cuts-set-to-hit-learning-disabled-and-mentally-ill.htmPeople with learning disabilities, mental health problems, autism and fluctuating health conditions could be at increased risk of hardship under coalition plans to restrict access to disability living allowance, experts have warned.Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/06/2010/114780/social-care-budgets-could-be-slashed-by-a-third-say-experts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/06/2010/114780/social-care-budgets-could-be-slashed-by-a-third-say-experts.htmSocial care budgets could be slashed by one-third over the next four years after yesterday's emergency Budget, public spending experts have warned.Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/06/2010/114784/housing-benefit-cuts-risk-increases-to-homelessness.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/06/2010/114784/housing-benefit-cuts-risk-increases-to-homelessness.htmPlans to cut housing benefit in yesterday's Budget risk increasing homelessness and demand for social services, experts have warned.Wed, 23 Jun 2010 07:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2010/114775/unison-osborne-declaring-war-with-pay-freeze.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2010/114775/unison-osborne-declaring-war-with-pay-freeze.htmA two-year public sector pay freeze from 2011 proposed by chancellor George Osborne in today's emergency Budget speech is a "declaration of war", according to trade union Unison.Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2010/114774/lowest-paid-public-sector-works-spared-pay-cut-in-budget.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2010/114774/lowest-paid-public-sector-works-spared-pay-cut-in-budget.htmThe lowest earning public sector workers will be spared a pay freeze, under plans announced by chancellor George Osborne in today's Budget.Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2010/114777/single-adult-social-care-law-brought-forward.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2010/114777/single-adult-social-care-law-brought-forward.htm The timetable for drafting a single adult social care law has been brought forward to coincide with planned reform of long-term care funding. The government...Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2010/117033/good-practice-in-residential-care-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2010/117033/good-practice-in-residential-care-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmWith proper recruitment and training standards, institutional settings for people with disabilities can be beacons of good practice. By Mithran SamuelTue, 22 Jun 2010 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2010/114767/people-with-sight-loss-denied-assessments.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/06/2010/114767/people-with-sight-loss-denied-assessments.htm Many people in need of services to cope with sight loss are denied access to an assessment because registration criteria for visual impairment are overly...Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/06/2010/114769/nhs-plans-suggest-health-funding-for-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/06/2010/114769/nhs-plans-suggest-health-funding-for-social-care.htm NHS resources could be directed at funding social care support for people leaving hospital, according to NHS guidance published today. A...Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:37:07 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/06/2010/114764/disabled-people-denied-ilf-cash.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/06/2010/114764/disabled-people-denied-ilf-cash.htmSeverely disabled people have been denied access to Independent Living Fund care funding despite receiving indications that they would receive it, the ILF has admitted.Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/06/2010/114758/essexs-social-care-health-and-housing-in-cash-saving-plan.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/06/2010/114758/essexs-social-care-health-and-housing-in-cash-saving-plan.htmFive councils and two primary care trusts in South Essex are to look at how to save money by combining their commissioning powers across social care, health and housing.Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/06/2010/114751/mencap-learning-disabled-still-discriminated-against-by-nhs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/06/2010/114751/mencap-learning-disabled-still-discriminated-against-by-nhs.htmPeople with learning disabilities are still facing discriminatory healthcare while medical professionals lack training in meeting their needs, despite a string of inquiries into the issue in recent years.Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/06/2010/114761/ofsted-chief-will-step-down-early-if-helpful-to-government.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/06/2010/114761/ofsted-chief-will-step-down-early-if-helpful-to-government.htmOfsted's chief inspector Christine Gilbert will not be renewing her contract when it expires in 2011 and she has indicated she might be prepared to leave her post earlierMon, 21 Jun 2010 13:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/06/2010/114738/ilf-closes-door-on-new-applicants-for-care-payments.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/06/2010/114738/ilf-closes-door-on-new-applicants-for-care-payments.htmThe Independent Living Fund has barred disabled people from applying for its care payments for the rest of 2010-11 to stave off a funding crisis.Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/06/2010/114737/professionals-fail-to-comply-with-mental-capacity-act.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/06/2010/114737/professionals-fail-to-comply-with-mental-capacity-act.htm More than half of health and social care professionals are failing to comply with the Mental Capacity Act 2005's requirements when conducting assessments...Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:48:08 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/06/2010/114736/nearly-half-of-areas-miss-dementia-strategy-deadline.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/06/2010/114736/nearly-half-of-areas-miss-dementia-strategy-deadline.htm Almost half of primary care trusts and council partnerships failed to meet a deadline to produce joint plans to implement the national dementia strategy,...Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:44:55 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/06/2010/114731/burnham-nhs-funding-boost-will-mean-social-care-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/06/2010/114731/burnham-nhs-funding-boost-will-mean-social-care-cuts.htmFormer health secretary Andy Burnham has urged the coalition to drop its pledge to increase NHS spending in real terms during this parliament to avoid substantial cuts to social care.Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/06/2010/114527/practitioners-lack-confidence-in-personalisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/06/2010/114527/practitioners-lack-confidence-in-personalisation.htm Personalisation losi ng favour among social workers Most social workers cite increased bureaucracy as a reason for declining support mithran.samuel@rbi.co.uk Adult...Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/06/2010/114725/councils-already-cutting-social-care-to-hit-savings-target.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/06/2010/114725/councils-already-cutting-social-care-to-hit-savings-target.htmCouncils are already planning to cut social care services to meet a government savings target of £1.1bn this year.Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/06/2010/114724/devon-dementia-unit-misused-painkillers-says-cqc.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/06/2010/114724/devon-dementia-unit-misused-painkillers-says-cqc.htm Poor oversight by Devon Partnership NHS Trust led to excessive use of drugs to control dementia patients at one of its units, the...Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/06/2010/114719/social-workers-judge-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/06/2010/114719/social-workers-judge-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmParents with learning disabilities feel the most harshly judged by social workers according to a report from the children's commissioner published today.Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/06/2010/114706/london-agencies-agree-2012-rough-sleepers-target.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/06/2010/114706/london-agencies-agree-2012-rough-sleepers-target.htm London agencies have agreed a new homelessness policy designed to ensure that no-one will sleep rough for a second night in succession in the capital by...Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/06/2010/114692/equality-commission-launches-disability-harassment-probe.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/06/2010/114692/equality-commission-launches-disability-harassment-probe.htmCouncils' record in tackling the harassment of disabled people will come under scrutiny in a major inquiry launched by the Equality and Human Rights Commission today.Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/06/2010/114700/liverpool-council-faces-11m-deficit-in-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/06/2010/114700/liverpool-council-faces-11m-deficit-in-social-care.htm Liverpool Council is facing an £11m overspend in social care in 2010-11 unless cuts to in-house services are made. Today, the council revealed there...Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/06/2010/114695/blackburn-puts-plan-to-hive-off-care-services-on-hold.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/06/2010/114695/blackburn-puts-plan-to-hive-off-care-services-on-hold.htm Blackburn Council has put on hold controversial plans to outsource its in-house care services, pending a consultation that will consider other options. Councillors...Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/06/2010/114693/timebanks-back-to-life-project.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/06/2010/114693/timebanks-back-to-life-project.htmLoneliness and depression go hand in hand, prompting a mental health mentoring scheme in south London to strive hard to ensure its clients can re-engage with society. Natalie Valios reports Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/06/2010/114690/gangmasters-body-bids-to-combat-exploitation-of-care-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/06/2010/114690/gangmasters-body-bids-to-combat-exploitation-of-care-workers.htmA regulator has called for powers to clamp down on the growing exploitation of migrant labourers in the care sector.Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/06/2010/114687/councils-may-get-health-commissioning-role.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/06/2010/114687/councils-may-get-health-commissioning-role.htmCouncils may get a bigger role in health commissioning, under government plans to radically scale back the role of primary care trusts.Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/06/2010/114683/ring-fencing-removed-from-social-care-grants.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/06/2010/114683/ring-fencing-removed-from-social-care-grants.htm Services for people with learning disabilities, stroke and HIV/Aids and social care IT schemes are at risk this year after the government announced today...Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/06/2010/114685/blackburn-under-fire-over-plan-to-outsource-all-adult-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/06/2010/114685/blackburn-under-fire-over-plan-to-outsource-all-adult-services.htm Plans from Blackburn with Darwen Council to outsource its remaining in-house adult care services have sparked a row with unions. Tonight,...Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/06/2010/114684/welfare-shake-up-for-disabled-to-go-ahead-in-2011.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/06/2010/114684/welfare-shake-up-for-disabled-to-go-ahead-in-2011.htm A shake-up in government support for disabled and other benefit claimants seeking work will go live next summer, employment minister Chris Grayling said...Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/06/2010/114676/hospitals-to-be-forced-to-fund-community-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/06/2010/114676/hospitals-to-be-forced-to-fund-community-services.htm Hospitals will have to fund community services to avoid costly readmissions of patients to hospital, health secretary Andrew Lansley has said. The...Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:34:10 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2010/114675/hospital-trust-fined-50000-over-death-of-disabled-man.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2010/114675/hospital-trust-fined-50000-over-death-of-disabled-man.htmAn Essex NHS trust has been fined £50,000 following the death of a severely disabled young man in its care.Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2010/114674/chancellor-vows-vulnerable-will-be-protected-from-huge-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2010/114674/chancellor-vows-vulnerable-will-be-protected-from-huge-cuts.htmChancellor George Osborne has promised to limit spending cuts on the most vulnerable and on areas heavily dependent on the public sector as he outlined his framework for future spending decisions today.Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2010/114669/adult-social-care-grants-safe-from-axe-burstow-confirms.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2010/114669/adult-social-care-grants-safe-from-axe-burstow-confirms.htmNo Department of Health grants for adult social care are going to be cut this year, care services minister Paul Burstow has revealed.Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2010/114668/solihull-case-raises-questions-over-support-for-self-funders.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/06/2010/114668/solihull-case-raises-questions-over-support-for-self-funders.htm Concerns about the lack of support for self-funders have been raised in a...Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:30:02 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/06/2010/114664/dementia-care-providers-to-face-fixed-fee-tariff.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/06/2010/114664/dementia-care-providers-to-face-fixed-fee-tariff.htmGovernment efforts to reduce the numbers of dementia patients entering hospital will include the introduction of a fixed-fee tariff for providers of community care. Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/06/2010/114665/cutbacks-under-way-as-councils-prepare-for-slashing-of-grants.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/06/2010/114665/cutbacks-under-way-as-councils-prepare-for-slashing-of-grants.htm Supporting People housing projects for vulnerable adults could face cuts of up to 20% this year in response to huge reductions in government grantsMon, 07 Jun 2010 18:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/06/2010/114653/experienced-social-work-staff-to-be-replaced-by-call-centres.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/06/2010/114653/experienced-social-work-staff-to-be-replaced-by-call-centres.htmHundreds of experienced social work staff are to be replaced by a call centre at Glasgow Council as part of a plan to save £180m over the next three years. (Pic credit: Rex)Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/06/2010/114658/burstow-sets-autumn-2011-deadline-for-new-adult-care-sytem.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/06/2010/114658/burstow-sets-autumn-2011-deadline-for-new-adult-care-sytem.htm Care services minister Paul Burstow has said he wants a plan for a new adult social care funding system in place by autumn 2011. Burstow said that...Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:38:50 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/06/2010/114651/cumbria-shootings-mental-health-services-offer-support.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/06/2010/114651/cumbria-shootings-mental-health-services-offer-support.htmSpecialist services have been put in place in West Cumbria to provide support to people affected by the massacre of 12 people by Derrick Bird on Wednesday afternoonFri, 04 Jun 2010 17:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/06/2010/114641/ministers-to-be-lobbied-on-personalisation-development.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/06/2010/114641/ministers-to-be-lobbied-on-personalisation-development.htmAdult social care leaders in England are to lobby ministers on the next phase of the personalisation agenda.Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/06/2010/114638/q-and-a-what-does-the-national-college-mean-for-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/06/2010/114638/q-and-a-what-does-the-national-college-mean-for-social-workers.htmQ and A: What does the national college mean for social workers? Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/06/2010/114637/gove-promises-support-for-taskforce-recommendations.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/06/2010/114637/gove-promises-support-for-taskforce-recommendations.htmThe government will support the recommendations of the Social Work Task Force, education secretary Michael Gove has said. Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/06/2010/114636/disabilities-worker-jailed-for-stealing-19000-from-client.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/06/2010/114636/disabilities-worker-jailed-for-stealing-19000-from-client.htmA social worker who stole £19,000 from a vulnerable service user after she had a stroke has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/06/2010/114632/carers-ministers-urged-to-deliver-on-election-promises.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/06/2010/114632/carers-ministers-urged-to-deliver-on-election-promises.htmMinisters are "in danger of looking as if they made empty promises" if they do not make a statement soon on their policies for carers, say campaigners.Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/06/2010/114633/brighton-to-appoint-combined-adults-and-childrens-director.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/06/2010/114633/brighton-to-appoint-combined-adults-and-childrens-director.htmBrighton and Hove Council will become the latest authority to combine responsibility for vulnerable adults and children in a single post as part of a wholesale restructure designed to save £45m over the next three years.Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2010/114631/scots-aim-to-transform-dementia-care-but-with-no-new-money.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2010/114631/scots-aim-to-transform-dementia-care-but-with-no-new-money.htmThe Scottish government issued plans to transform dementia care today in the country's first strategy for the condition - but it has not pledged any new money to meet its ambitions.Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2010/114622/behan-and-gilbert-among-whitehalls-top-earners.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2010/114622/behan-and-gilbert-among-whitehalls-top-earners.htmAdult care mandarin David Behan (pictured) and Ofsted chief inspector Christine Gilbert are among Whitehall's top earners, a list of the highest-paid civil servants published by the government today reveals.Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2010/114620/identifying-and-supporting-people-at-risk-on-hospital-admission.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/06/2010/114620/identifying-and-supporting-people-at-risk-on-hospital-admission.htmMultidisciplinary teams in Croydon are leading work to identify people at risk of hospital admission and support them in the community, potentially saving substantial sums. Mark Hunter reports Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/05/2010/114618/coalition-plans-could-test-health-and-social-care-links.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/05/2010/114618/coalition-plans-could-test-health-and-social-care-links.htmMoves to integrate health and social care in England may be put to the test under coalition government plans for primary care trusts and GPs, it has emerged.Fri, 28 May 2010 17:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/05/2010/114610/nao-slams-failure-of-pathways-to-cut-incapacity-benefit-count.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/05/2010/114610/nao-slams-failure-of-pathways-to-cut-incapacity-benefit-count.htm The spending watchdog today urged the government to learn from the failings of its predecessor in its efforts to get disabled people and those with long-term...Fri, 28 May 2010 16:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/05/2010/114606/rhys-bradley-the-best-and-worst-decisions-ive-made.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/05/2010/114606/rhys-bradley-the-best-and-worst-decisions-ive-made.htmRhys Bradley found that his highs and lows came in the same case Fri, 28 May 2010 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/05/2010/114604/regional-disparities-found-in-progress-on-personalisation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/05/2010/114604/regional-disparities-found-in-progress-on-personalisation.htmThere are wide regional variations in English councils' progress towards meeting a series of personalisation targets, a survey has found.Thu, 27 May 2010 16:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/05/2010/114598/councils-set-to-miss-personal-budgets-target.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/05/2010/114598/councils-set-to-miss-personal-budgets-target.htmCouncils are on course to miss a target of moving 30% of adult social care recipients on to personal budgets by April 2011, according to a survey. Thu, 27 May 2010 14:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/05/2010/114601/incapacity-benefit-claimants-to-face-flawed-work-assessment.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/05/2010/114601/incapacity-benefit-claimants-to-face-flawed-work-assessment.htmExisting incapacity benefit claimants look set to be assessed on their fitness to work using a test widely criticised as flawed, it has emerged.Thu, 27 May 2010 13:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/05/2010/114597/personalisation-grant-saved-from-cuts-ministers-confirm.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/05/2010/114597/personalisation-grant-saved-from-cuts-ministers-confirm.htmThe government has confirmed that local authority funding to support the personalisation agenda will not be cut this year.Thu, 27 May 2010 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/05/2010/114587/queens-speech-benefits-claimants-who-refuse-work-targeted.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/05/2010/114587/queens-speech-benefits-claimants-who-refuse-work-targeted.htmPlans for legislation to penalise benefits claimants who refuse jobs were included in the Queen's Speech today.Tue, 25 May 2010 16:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/05/2010/114584/dawson-why-basw-stood-firm-over-national-college.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/05/2010/114584/dawson-why-basw-stood-firm-over-national-college.htmHilton Dawson, chief executive of the British Association of Social Workers, tells Community Care about the association's stance over the national college of social work. He reveals the college's creation could leave members facing a decision over BASW's future.Tue, 25 May 2010 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/05/2010/114582/personalisation-grant-stays-ring-fenced-but-cuts-fear-remains.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/05/2010/114582/personalisation-grant-stays-ring-fenced-but-cuts-fear-remains.htmLocal authority funding to support the personalisation agenda will remain ring-fenced this year but doubts remain over whether the £237m grant will be cut.Tue, 25 May 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/05/2010/114579/mental-health-foundation-loneliness-must-be-tackled.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/05/2010/114579/mental-health-foundation-loneliness-must-be-tackled.htmAction is needed to raise awareness of loneliness and tackle the impact that it can have on people's health and well-being, a Mental Health Foundation report published today has said.Mon, 24 May 2010 19:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/05/2010/114575/personalisation-grant-could-be-cut-warns-think-tank.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/05/2010/114575/personalisation-grant-could-be-cut-warns-think-tank.htmA £230m grant to help councils implement personalisation could be at risk from the cuts announced by the Treasury today, a think-tank has warned.Mon, 24 May 2010 15:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/05/2010/114563/personal-budgets-help-rough-sleepers-into-accommodation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/05/2010/114563/personal-budgets-help-rough-sleepers-into-accommodation.htmPersonal budgets have helped entrenched rough sleepers into accommodation or treatment in a pilot scheme in North Devon and Exeter.Fri, 21 May 2010 15:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/05/2010/114560/glasgow-care-partnerships-scrapped-over-nhs-council-row.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/05/2010/114560/glasgow-care-partnerships-scrapped-over-nhs-council-row.htm Five multi-million pound health and social care partnerships in Glasgow collapsed this week following a dispute between the council and the local NHS board...Fri, 21 May 2010 15:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/05/2010/114557/anger-over-cqc-decision-to-end-star-ratings.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/05/2010/114557/anger-over-cqc-decision-to-end-star-ratings.htmCare sector chiefs have reacted angrily to the Care Quality Commission's decision to scrap star ratings in October before deciding on a new system for assessing the quality of providers.Fri, 21 May 2010 13:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/05/2010/114551/government-must-act-on-care-funding-commissions-findings.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/05/2010/114551/government-must-act-on-care-funding-commissions-findings.htmThe government must give its proposed commission on the future of care funding a wide remit and take action on its recommendations, sector leaders have warned. Thu, 20 May 2010 17:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/05/2010/114550/adult-protection-experts-ignored-by-labour-cc-live-told.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/05/2010/114550/adult-protection-experts-ignored-by-labour-cc-live-told.htmThe Labour government "totally ignored" adult protection experts' advice on how to improve safeguarding, Community Care Live was told yesterday.Thu, 20 May 2010 16:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/05/2010/114548/government-scraps-labours-free-personal-care-plan.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/05/2010/114548/government-scraps-labours-free-personal-care-plan.htmThe government has axed Labour's plan to provide free personal care to about 110,000 more people in England, despite the measure already being on the statute...Thu, 20 May 2010 12:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/05/2010/114546/coalition-deal-victory-for-community-care-dementia-campaign.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/05/2010/114546/coalition-deal-victory-for-community-care-dementia-campaign.htmCommunity Care's Dementia Declaration campaign has claimed a victory after the government made prioritising dementia research funding one of its pledges in its full coalition agreement, published today.Thu, 20 May 2010 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/05/2010/114542/commission-on-long-term-funding-of-adult-care-to-be-launched.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/05/2010/114542/commission-on-long-term-funding-of-adult-care-to-be-launched.htmA commission on the long-term funding of adult social care will be set up and will report within a year, the Lib-Con coalition announced today in its programme for government.Thu, 20 May 2010 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/05/2010/114540/council-cuts-could-hurt-carers-services-cc-live-hears.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/05/2010/114540/council-cuts-could-hurt-carers-services-cc-live-hears.htmExperts fear that budget cuts could lead to tougher times for carers as councils seek to claw back savings, Community Care LIVE heard today.Wed, 19 May 2010 16:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/05/2010/114524/star-ratings-end-for-english-care-providers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/05/2010/114524/star-ratings-end-for-english-care-providers.htmFrom this year care providers in England will no longer receive star ratings as part of a shake-up of the system by the Care Quality Commission.Wed, 19 May 2010 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/05/2010/114533/coalition-would-be-foolish-to-drop-reform-gibb-tells-cc-live.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/05/2010/114533/coalition-would-be-foolish-to-drop-reform-gibb-tells-cc-live.htmThe new coalition government would be foolish to scrap England's social work reform programme in order to save money, the chair of the reform board has said.Tue, 18 May 2010 15:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/05/2010/114491/social-care-whos-who-in-the-new-government.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/05/2010/114491/social-care-whos-who-in-the-new-government.htmSocial care: who's who in the new coalition governmentMon, 17 May 2010 17:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/05/2010/114528/spending-cuts-threaten-to-derail-personal-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/05/2010/114528/spending-cuts-threaten-to-derail-personal-budgets.htm Spending cuts threaten to derail personal budgets Impending public spending cuts imposed by the new coalition government could cause personalisation...Mon, 17 May 2010 14:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/05/2010/114509/sector-welcomes-paul-burstow-as-care-minister.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/05/2010/114509/sector-welcomes-paul-burstow-as-care-minister.htm Social work experts are welcoming the appointment of Liberal Democrat MP Paul Burstow as the new care services minister. The Sutton and Cheam MP is...Fri, 14 May 2010 17:01:50 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/05/2010/114507/paul-burstow-appointed-care-services-minister.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/05/2010/114507/paul-burstow-appointed-care-services-minister.htmLiberal Democrat MP Paul Burstow has been appointed as the minister for care services, Community Care can reveal.Fri, 14 May 2010 16:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/05/2010/114497/cqc-picks-former-york-adult-care-chief-as-adviser.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/05/2010/114497/cqc-picks-former-york-adult-care-chief-as-adviser.htmA former director of adult social care has been appointed to advise the Care Quality Commission on social care.Thu, 13 May 2010 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/05/2010/114492/experts-urge-care-funding-action-from-coalition-government.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/05/2010/114492/experts-urge-care-funding-action-from-coalition-government.htmExperts are pressing new health secretary Andrew Lansley to commit to immediate talks with other parties on reforming adult care funding to ensure momentum is not lost.Thu, 13 May 2010 15:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/05/2010/114494/most-providers-meet-cqc-registration-deadline.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/05/2010/114494/most-providers-meet-cqc-registration-deadline.htmOver 90% of care service providers met the deadline for registering with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in its first round of registrations, it has revealed.Thu, 13 May 2010 07:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2010/114493/social-workers-to-get-more-dementia-training-in-wales.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2010/114493/social-workers-to-get-more-dementia-training-in-wales.htmSocial workers in Wales will get more training in organising care and assessing risk for dementia patients as part of the country's long-awaited plan to improve dementia care.Wed, 12 May 2010 21:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2010/114490/welfare-coalition-to-pursue-controversial-plans.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2010/114490/welfare-coalition-to-pursue-controversial-plans.htmThe government will pursue controversial Tory plans to introduce a single welfare-to-work programme and move more people from incapacity benefit to jobseeker's allowance, the written coalition agreement reveals.Wed, 12 May 2010 15:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2010/114472/tories-andrew-lansley-to-take-charge-of-adult-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2010/114472/tories-andrew-lansley-to-take-charge-of-adult-social-care.htmThe Conservatives' Andrew Lansley will become health secretary, with responsibility for adult social care, while the new coalition government will also take forward plans to make £6bn in cuts that could cut thousands of public sector jobs this year, the BBC has reported. Wed, 12 May 2010 15:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2010/114478/social-care-absent-from-tory-lib-dem-coalition-document.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2010/114478/social-care-absent-from-tory-lib-dem-coalition-document.htmThe social care agenda is absent from the Conservative-Liberal Democrats coaltion document. Wed, 12 May 2010 15:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2010/114473/profile-of-andrew-lansley-the-new-health-secretary.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/05/2010/114473/profile-of-andrew-lansley-the-new-health-secretary.htmThe son of a pathologist who worked for the NHS since its inception and a former civil servant, Andrew Lansley is often credited with bringing his party round to supporting the health service.Wed, 12 May 2010 10:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/05/2010/114470/sector-expects-imminent-shift-on-adult-social-care-policy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/05/2010/114470/sector-expects-imminent-shift-on-adult-social-care-policy.htmSocial care leaders have predicted a major statement on adult social care funding reform if a Conservative-led government is formed this week.Tue, 11 May 2010 17:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/05/2010/114471/liberal-democrat-influence-good-news-for-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/05/2010/114471/liberal-democrat-influence-good-news-for-social-care.htmAn election pact with the Liberal Democrats could force the Conservatives to abandon policies that would have starved social care of money, experts say.Tue, 11 May 2010 13:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/05/2010/114460/tory-led-government-would-produce-new-care-white-paper.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/05/2010/114460/tory-led-government-would-produce-new-care-white-paper.htmA Conservative-led government would produce a new White Paper on adult care funding reform should it take power, as expected, this week, a sector leader has said.Mon, 10 May 2010 16:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/05/2010/114437/disability-champion-looks-back-on-pioneering-1970-law.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/05/2010/114437/disability-champion-looks-back-on-pioneering-1970-law.htmForty years on from the first disability rights legislation, its architect, Alf Morris, tells Vern Pitt how he overcame government opposition to reform Mon, 10 May 2010 12:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/05/2010/114451/pioneering-1970-disability-law-never-fulfilled-its-promise.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/05/2010/114451/pioneering-1970-disability-law-never-fulfilled-its-promise.htmThe enactment of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 was a historic event. For the first time, parliament, and by extension wider society, recognised the concept of rights for disabled people. However, the rights under the 1970 act never quite lived up to their billing. Mon, 10 May 2010 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/05/2010/114448/disability-rights-40-years-on-sector-leaders-give-their-view.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/05/2010/114448/disability-rights-40-years-on-sector-leaders-give-their-view.htmLeading disabled people give their views on the legacy of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, the first disability rights law in this country.Mon, 10 May 2010 12:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/05/2010/114454/progress-of-disability-rights-1970-2010.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/05/2010/114454/progress-of-disability-rights-1970-2010.htmHow the rights of disabled people have progressed since the pioneering Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 was passed.Mon, 10 May 2010 12:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/05/2010/114453/election-triggers-fears-over-adult-social-care-reform.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/05/2010/114453/election-triggers-fears-over-adult-social-care-reform.htmSocial care has "lost the road map" for reforming adult social care funding following the election of a hung parliament with the Conservatives as the biggest party, says Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Richard Jones (pictured).Fri, 07 May 2010 17:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/05/2010/114432/hung-parliament-means-uncertainty-for-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/05/2010/114432/hung-parliament-means-uncertainty-for-social-care.htmCare services minister Phil Hope has lost his seat in the election and children's secretary Ed Balls secured a narrow victory as a hung parliament creates uncertainty for social care. Fri, 07 May 2010 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/05/2010/114431/sector-leaders-set-care-agenda-for-new-government.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/05/2010/114431/sector-leaders-set-care-agenda-for-new-government.htm The new government must prioritise reform of care services despite the constraints on public finances, sector leaders have demanded. Social workers...Fri, 07 May 2010 00:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/05/2010/114427/medical-students-lack-elder-abuse-training-finds-study.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/05/2010/114427/medical-students-lack-elder-abuse-training-finds-study.htmMedical students are not receiving training in spotting elder abuse on half of university courses, research reveals today.Thu, 06 May 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/05/2010/114414/labour-wins-back-social-worker-vote-finds-pre-election-poll.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/05/2010/114414/labour-wins-back-social-worker-vote-finds-pre-election-poll.htmSocial care professionals look set to return Labour in this week's election with almost half pledging to back the governing party in an online poll by Community Care.Tue, 04 May 2010 15:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/05/2010/114415/disabled-voters-unimpressed-with-politicians-over-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/05/2010/114415/disabled-voters-unimpressed-with-politicians-over-social-care.htmDisabled voters are unimpressed with the way all political parties have addressed their concerns over social care and other issues. Tue, 04 May 2010 13:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/04/2010/114397/election-immigration-plans-spell-trouble-for-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/04/2010/114397/election-immigration-plans-spell-trouble-for-social-care.htmPlans from all three parties to tighten immigration controls could restrict recruitment to adult social care and damage the quality of services, according to sector heads. (Picture: Alamy)Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/04/2010/114408/care-worker-who-barricaded-service-user-in-room-loses-appeal.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/04/2010/114408/care-worker-who-barricaded-service-user-in-room-loses-appeal.htmA care worker who barricaded a man with severe physical and mental disabilities in a room with a mop handle has lost his appeal over his removal from the Protection of Vulnerable Adults list.Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/04/2010/114407/adass-and-lga-warn-of-extra-council-costs-from-ilf-cut.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/04/2010/114407/adass-and-lga-warn-of-extra-council-costs-from-ilf-cut.htm Council leaders have warned that local authorities face extra costs from the Independent Living Fund's decision to restrict its care payments in future to...Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:53:50 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/04/2010/114395/home-care-charges-a-postcode-lottery.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/04/2010/114395/home-care-charges-a-postcode-lottery.htmHome care charges are a postcode lottery with fees for users ranging from zero to nearly £18 an hour between areas, according to a study by Which?.Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/04/2010/114392/bureaucracy-restricts-dementia-direct-payment-take-up.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/04/2010/114392/bureaucracy-restricts-dementia-direct-payment-take-up.htmDirect payment take-up among dementia patients in Scotland remains low because of bureaucracy, high eligibility thresholds and a lack of promotion by councils, Alzheimer Scotland said today.Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/04/2010/114390/conservatives-to-ring-fence-nhs-dementia-funding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/04/2010/114390/conservatives-to-ring-fence-nhs-dementia-funding.htmShadow care minister Stephen O'Brien has revealed for the first time that the Conservatives would ring-fence NHS money for dementia care and other specific health programmes.Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/04/2010/114391/basw-members-vote-in-favour-of-uk-college-of-social-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/04/2010/114391/basw-members-vote-in-favour-of-uk-college-of-social-work.htmNearly 90% of British Association of Social Workers’ members have voted in favour of an independent, UK-wide college of social work.Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/04/2010/114380/fears-tories-would-take-axe-to-social-care-funding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/04/2010/114380/fears-tories-would-take-axe-to-social-care-funding.htmConcerns are being raised that the Tories plan to spend far less than Labour on social care, should they be elected to power on 6 May.Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/04/2010/114377/blackadder-star-tony-robinson-backs-dementia-declaration.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/04/2010/114377/blackadder-star-tony-robinson-backs-dementia-declaration.htmActor Tony Robinson has become the latest celebrity figure to back Community Care's Dementia Declaration campaign.Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/04/2010/114375/too-much-waste-on-pointless-mental-health-therapies.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/04/2010/114375/too-much-waste-on-pointless-mental-health-therapies.htmAlthough Michael Fitzpatrick concedes some treatments for mental health problems are valid, too much is spent on those that are not Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/04/2010/114373/the-benefits-of-cognitive-stimulation-therapy-for-dementia-patients.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/04/2010/114373/the-benefits-of-cognitive-stimulation-therapy-for-dementia-patients.htmCognitive stimulation therapy is gaining a positive reputation among some professionals but news of its benefits is slow to travel, writes Jackie Cosh Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/04/2010/114353/lib-dems-would-push-for-care-settlement-in-hung-parliament.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/04/2010/114353/lib-dems-would-push-for-care-settlement-in-hung-parliament.htmThe Liberal Democrats would use their influence in a hung parliament to push for a new funding settlement for social care based on all-party agreement.Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/04/2010/114348/kings-fund-care-reform-could-be-kicked-into-long-grass.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/04/2010/114348/kings-fund-care-reform-could-be-kicked-into-long-grass.htmThe King's Fund has warned that reform of long-term care funding may be "kicked into the political long grass" after the election because of the lack of consensus between the major parties.Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/04/2010/114346/best-practice-in-dementia-care-home-staff-training.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/04/2010/114346/best-practice-in-dementia-care-home-staff-training.htmWhile the overuse of antipsychotic drugs remains a problem in care homes, one provider has pioneered a person-centred approach that has cut drug use and distress levels. Natalie Valios reports on how staff can gain a better insight into dementia Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/04/2010/114339/tributes-paid-to-disability-campaigner-david-morris.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/04/2010/114339/tributes-paid-to-disability-campaigner-david-morris.htmTributes have been paid to disability campaigner and London mayoral advisor David Morris, who has died aged 51.Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/04/2010/114338/gordon-brown-backs-community-cares-dementia-campaign.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/04/2010/114338/gordon-brown-backs-community-cares-dementia-campaign.htmPrime minister Gordon Brown has given his personal endorsement to Community Care's campaign to make dementia a political priority.Thu, 22 Apr 2010 09:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/04/2010/114337/move-to-community-services-held-up-by-risk-averse-culture.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/04/2010/114337/move-to-community-services-held-up-by-risk-averse-culture.htmEfforts to shift health and social care out of institutions and into the community are being hampered by risk-averse commissioning and a lack of government policy direction.Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/04/2010/114316/new-adass-president-says-services-must-change-as-cuts-bite.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/04/2010/114316/new-adass-president-says-services-must-change-as-cuts-bite.htmRichard Jones, who becomes Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president today, tells Jeremy Dunning that the next 12 months will be a time of delivering care differently as cuts start to bite Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/04/2010/114334/ukhca-warning-for-scottish-personalisation-plan.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/04/2010/114334/ukhca-warning-for-scottish-personalisation-plan.htm Scotland's national strategy for self-directed support could lead to increased costs, reduced income for service providers and a lower quality of care, the...Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:48:07 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/04/2010/114333/staff-suspended-at-troubled-southern-cross-care-home.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/04/2010/114333/staff-suspended-at-troubled-southern-cross-care-home.htm Twelve members of staff at a Tyneside care home have been suspended as part of an ongoing probe into the deaths of 16 residents. The...Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:32:15 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/04/2010/114329/community-care-dementia-campaign-gets-all-party-support.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/04/2010/114329/community-care-dementia-campaign-gets-all-party-support.htmCommunity Care's Dementia Declaration has won the support of all three major parties, after the Tories gave the campaign their endorsement this week.Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/04/2010/114322/conservatives-promise-more-dementia-spending.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/04/2010/114322/conservatives-promise-more-dementia-spending.htmThe Conservatives have promised more funding for dementia research and expanded access to drug treatments for Alzheimer's patients should they take power following May's general election. Tory leader David Cameron (pictured, credit Rex) said: "We need a revolution in the way we treat older people.”Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/04/2010/114249/benefits-changes-abound-as-election-race-gets-underway.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/04/2010/114249/benefits-changes-abound-as-election-race-gets-underway.htmChanges regarding savings, school meals and child support bring some good news in the coming months, reports Gary Vaux Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/04/2010/114319/research-will-limit-rising-costs-of-dementia-say-experts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/04/2010/114319/research-will-limit-rising-costs-of-dementia-say-experts.htmDementia care may cost England less in future than had been previously thought on the back of improved treatment and scientific developments, according to experts.Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/04/2010/114310/cqc-admits-administrative-errors-in-registration-process.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/04/2010/114310/cqc-admits-administrative-errors-in-registration-process.htmThe Care Quality Commission has admitted administrative mistakes have been made in its communications with care providers about registering with the regulator.Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/04/2010/114302/brown-cameron-and-clegg-set-out-stall-on-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/04/2010/114302/brown-cameron-and-clegg-set-out-stall-on-social-care.htm Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg all backed the need to support carers and forge consensus on social care funding reform in yesterday's first televised debate between the three party leaders. (Pic: Ken McKay/ITV/Rex Features)Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2010/114285/lib-dem-manifesto-backs-dementia-research-funding-boost.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2010/114285/lib-dem-manifesto-backs-dementia-research-funding-boost.htmThe Liberal Democrats have pledged to make dementia the priority area for medical research in their general election manifesto, launched by leader Nick Clegg today.Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2010/114284/charity-urges-quality-of-life-boost-for-dementia-patients.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/04/2010/114284/charity-urges-quality-of-life-boost-for-dementia-patients.htmDementia services need to develop ways to monitor sufferers' quality of life, the Alzheimer's Society has demanded in a report published today.Thu, 15 Apr 2010 08:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/04/2010/114290/labour-backs-community-cares-dementia-declaration.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/04/2010/114290/labour-backs-community-cares-dementia-declaration.htmCare services minister Phil Hope has endorsed Community Care's Dementia Declaration campaign on behalf of the Labour Party.Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/04/2010/114281/age-uk-tory-manifesto-worse-than-labours-for-older-people.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/04/2010/114281/age-uk-tory-manifesto-worse-than-labours-for-older-people.htmThe Tories lost a key skirmish to Labour today as the charity Age UK accused the Conservatives of ducking the issues of an ageing society in their manifesto.Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/04/2010/114282/gender-pay-gap-revealed-in-adult-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/04/2010/114282/gender-pay-gap-revealed-in-adult-social-care.htmMale managers in adult social care earn at least £1 an hour more than women who do the same jobs, research has shown. Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/04/2010/114280/leonard-cheshire-more-help-to-confront-discrimination-needed.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/04/2010/114280/leonard-cheshire-more-help-to-confront-discrimination-needed.htmTribunals should be set up to rule on cases where disabled people face discrimination from service providers, charity Leonard Cheshire Disability said today.Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/04/2010/114275/tories-omit-home-care-and-social-work-from-manifesto.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/04/2010/114275/tories-omit-home-care-and-social-work-from-manifesto.htmThe Conservative Party manifesto has been unveiled today containing not one reference to social work and no detail on the party's long-awaited plan to fund home care. Picture: Rex FeaturesTue, 13 Apr 2010 11:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/04/2010/114274/kings-fund-labours-13-year-mental-health-record-falls-short.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/04/2010/114274/kings-fund-labours-13-year-mental-health-record-falls-short.htmLabour's record on mental health services is mixed, according to a King's Fund review of its 13 years in power.Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/04/2010/114258/labour-pledges-improved-services-for-dementia-patients.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/04/2010/114258/labour-pledges-improved-services-for-dementia-patients.htmLabour has pledged to ensure that dementia patients in every area have access to psychological therapy, counselling and memory clinics if it wins the election, in its manifesto, published today.Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/04/2010/114252/council-chief-attacks-tory-and-labour-plans-to-cap-top-pay.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/04/2010/114252/council-chief-attacks-tory-and-labour-plans-to-cap-top-pay.htmPlans to cap senior pay in councils will drive away talent and undermine local accountability, a local authority chief has said. Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/04/2010/114246/carers-uk-fears-free-care-act-will-not-be-implemented.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/04/2010/114246/carers-uk-fears-free-care-act-will-not-be-implemented.htm Supporters of Gordon Brown's flagship free personal care legislation are concerned it will not be implemented, despite...Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/04/2010/114242/toolkit-to-help-adult-social-care-make-case-for-support.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/04/2010/114242/toolkit-to-help-adult-social-care-make-case-for-support.htmA questionnaire for service users may make it easier for councils to make the economic case for adult social care interventions. Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/04/2010/114247/disability-alliance-slams-tory-plan-to-combat-benefit-fraud.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/04/2010/114247/disability-alliance-slams-tory-plan-to-combat-benefit-fraud.htmMany vulnerable people could lose out under the Tories' proposed 'three strikes' policy to crack down on those who repeatedly defraud the benefits system, a campaign group has warned.Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/04/2010/114240/michael-parkinson-backs-dementia-declaration-campaign.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/04/2010/114240/michael-parkinson-backs-dementia-declaration-campaign.htmDignity in care champion Michael Parkinson has thrown his weight behind Community Care's campaign to make dementia an election priority. (Picture: Rex)Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/04/2010/114241/learning-disabled-people-institutionalised-by-back-door.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/04/2010/114241/learning-disabled-people-institutionalised-by-back-door.htmThe NHS and councils are "institutionalising people with learning disabilities by the back door", according to the head of a provider umbrella body.Fri, 09 Apr 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/04/2010/114238/drug-users-to-be-given-personal-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/04/2010/114238/drug-users-to-be-given-personal-budgets.htmDrug abusers are to be given personal budgets to help them overcome their addictions in a pilot in West Sussex. But instead of direct payments, they will each be given a virtual allocation, managed by the council, and some control over how it is spent. Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/04/2010/114239/gordon-browns-free-personal-care-bill-becomes-law.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/04/2010/114239/gordon-browns-free-personal-care-bill-becomes-law.htmGordon Brown's flagship free personal care bill became law today after it was passed by the House of Lords.Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/04/2010/114232/backing-for-scots-plan-to-make-direct-payments-default-option.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/04/2010/114232/backing-for-scots-plan-to-make-direct-payments-default-option.htmThe social care sector is backing plans in Scotland to make direct payments the default option for care users.Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/04/2010/114235/target-to-close-nhs-campuses-will-be-missed.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/04/2010/114235/target-to-close-nhs-campuses-will-be-missed.htm The government will miss its target to close NHS campuses for people with learning disabilities by the end of 2010, a Department of Health report has revealed. Its...Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:04:44 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2010/114186/social-care-white-paper-heralds-free-national-care-service.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2010/114186/social-care-white-paper-heralds-free-national-care-service.htmHealth secretary Andy Burnham today announced plans to create a national care service to provide all eligible users with free care and support but delayed any decision on how it would be funded, in a White Paper on reform.Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2010/114222/lib-dems-snp-and-plaid-back-community-cares-dementia-campaign.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2010/114222/lib-dems-snp-and-plaid-back-community-cares-dementia-campaign.htmThe Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru have announced their backing for Community Care’s Dementia Declaration campaign.Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2010/114226/white-paper-sector-split-on-personal-budgets-for-all-target.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2010/114226/white-paper-sector-split-on-personal-budgets-for-all-target.htmSocial care experts are divided over the achievability of a pledge in the care White Paper to give all eligible users a personal budget by 2012.Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2010/114225/self-funding-gscc-would-send-registration-fees-soaring.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2010/114225/self-funding-gscc-would-send-registration-fees-soaring.htmRegistration fees for social workers in England could rise "dramatically" if the government's proposal to form a self-funded General Social Work Council goes ahead, unions have warned.Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2010/114224/gibb-calls-for-single-programme-to-support-nqsws.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2010/114224/gibb-calls-for-single-programme-to-support-nqsws.htmThe chair of the Social Work Reform Board has called on England's skills councils to create a single, unified programme to support newly qualified practitioners across children's and adults' social work. Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2010/114223/action-on-elder-abuse-helpline-forced-to-cut-hours.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/04/2010/114223/action-on-elder-abuse-helpline-forced-to-cut-hours.htmAction on Elder Abuse's helpline faces reduced hours after the government stopped funding the charity on 1 April.Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/04/2010/114218/ukip-chief-suspended-over-racist-rant-on-community-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/04/2010/114218/ukip-chief-suspended-over-racist-rant-on-community-care.htmUK Independence Party chief Paul Wiffen has been suspended following his racist rant on Community Care. Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/04/2010/114217/balls-urges-basw-to-resolve-differences-over-college.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/04/2010/114217/balls-urges-basw-to-resolve-differences-over-college.htmChildren's secretary Ed Balls has called on the British Association of Social Workers to resolve its dispute over the national college and back the official development group. Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/04/2010/114211/personalisation-board-game-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/04/2010/114211/personalisation-board-game-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmAdvocacy charity Speaking Up has launched a board game to guide people with learning disabilities through the personal budgets maze, writes Amy Taylor Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/04/2010/114206/directors-reject-legally-binding-employers-code-of-practice.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/04/2010/114206/directors-reject-legally-binding-employers-code-of-practice.htm Directors have warned against using a legally binding code of practice for social work employers as a "one size fits all" solution to the problems facing...Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/04/2010/114205/royal-commission-chair-dismisses-need-for-new-care-inquiry.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/04/2010/114205/royal-commission-chair-dismisses-need-for-new-care-inquiry.htm The government's plan to set up an independent commission on care funding "is a recipe for doing nothing", the chair of the 1997-9 Royal Commission on Long...Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/03/2010/114196/providers-attack-white-paper-as-sector-splits-on-reform-plans.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/03/2010/114196/providers-attack-white-paper-as-sector-splits-on-reform-plans.htmCare providers have emerged as the harshest critics of the care White Paper, amid support from other groups for the reform plan launched yesterday by health secretary Andy Burnham.Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/03/2010/114191/concessions-may-not-save-free-personal-care-bill.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/31/03/2010/114191/concessions-may-not-save-free-personal-care-bill.htm The future of Labour's free personal care bill still hangs in the balance despite key concessions having been offered to the government's opponents in the...Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:50:53 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/03/2010/114182/social-care-white-paper-welcomed-amid-funding-questions.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/03/2010/114182/social-care-white-paper-welcomed-amid-funding-questions.htmThe social care sector has applauded the government’s social care white paper referring to it as bold and a milestone. However, many have expressed concern at the lack of detailed funding proposals.Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/03/2010/114188/tories-and-lib-dems-unimpressed-with-care-white-paper.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/03/2010/114188/tories-and-lib-dems-unimpressed-with-care-white-paper.htmThe Tories and Liberal Democrats have rejected significant elements of Labour's plans to reform adult social care care, outlined in today's White Paper.Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/03/2010/114183/social-care-white-paper-attendance-allowance-stays-for-now.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/03/2010/114183/social-care-white-paper-attendance-allowance-stays-for-now.htmThe social care White Paper, published today by health secretary Andy Burnham (pictured), has ruled out scrapping attendance allowance or disability living allowance for the duration of the next parliament.Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/03/2010/114179/white-paper-backs-free-care-service-but-defers-death-tax-plan.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/03/2010/114179/white-paper-backs-free-care-service-but-defers-death-tax-plan.htmHealth secretary Andy Burnham will back a national care service free at the point of need but defer a decision on how it will be funded in a White Paper today.Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/03/2010/114177/personalisation-councils-get-30m-to-boost-it-and-user-advice.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/03/2010/114177/personalisation-councils-get-30m-to-boost-it-and-user-advice.htmCouncils are being give £30m to fund IT improvements and improved information services to help transform adult care in line with personalisation in 2010-11.Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/03/2010/114172/incapacity-benefit-claimants-face-reduced-welfare-payments.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/03/2010/114172/incapacity-benefit-claimants-face-reduced-welfare-payments.htmLarge numbers of incapacity benefit claimants could receive £25 a week less in welfare payments after the government announced today they would be reassessed under a tougher eligibility system from October onwards.Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/03/2010/114170/adult-care-employers-get-workforce-planning-boost.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/03/2010/114170/adult-care-employers-get-workforce-planning-boost.htm Social care and NHS employers are to get more support in workforce planning from an agency designed to help them deliver more efficient and personalised...Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/03/2010/114152/community-care-dementia-campaign-wins-early-backing.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/03/2010/114152/community-care-dementia-campaign-wins-early-backing.htmCommunity Care's campaign to put dementia at the heart of the election has won the backing of a number of social care bodies following its launch yesterday.Fri, 26 Mar 2010 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/03/2010/114151/councils-and-nhs-given-guide-to-promoting-mental-well-being.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/03/2010/114151/councils-and-nhs-given-guide-to-promoting-mental-well-being.htmCouncils and the NHS have been urged to improve the psychological well-being of their communities through a government public mental health framework launched today, including evidence of what works.Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/03/2010/114147/masters-degree-in-social-work-practice-piloted-in-2011.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/03/2010/114147/masters-degree-in-social-work-practice-piloted-in-2011.htmAll social workers in England will be able to take a master's degree in social work practice, ministers have promised. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/03/2010/114144/national-college-to-prioritise-reputation-of-social-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/03/2010/114144/national-college-to-prioritise-reputation-of-social-work.htmThe national college of social work has been tasked with improving the reputation of the profession as a top priority. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/03/2010/114145/unison-let-councils-employ-pas-to-protect-working-conditions.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/03/2010/114145/unison-let-councils-employ-pas-to-protect-working-conditions.htmPersonal assistants should be employed by local authorities rather than direct payment users to protect their working conditions, a Unison-commissioned report said this week.Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/03/2010/114140/independent-living-fund-defends-funding-restriction.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/03/2010/114140/independent-living-fund-defends-funding-restriction.htmThe Independent Living Fund has predicted a bright future for itself supporting severely disabled people despite making what it admitted was an "unpopular" decision to restrict new funding to clients in work.Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/03/2010/114142/can-man-of-62-live-independently-despite-suffering-stroke.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/03/2010/114142/can-man-of-62-live-independently-despite-suffering-stroke.htmSocial workers and a service user offer advice on a case involving a stroke sufferer whose stay in a care home raised questions about his ability to live independently Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/03/2010/114120/dementia-what-should-be-the-priority-for-the-election.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/03/2010/114120/dementia-what-should-be-the-priority-for-the-election.htmWhat should be the next government's priorities for improving dementia care? Vern Pitt asks service users, carers, practitioners and service leaders Thu, 25 Mar 2010 08:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/03/2010/114137/taskforce-set-up-to-drive-adults-social-services-efficiency.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/03/2010/114137/taskforce-set-up-to-drive-adults-social-services-efficiency.htmA taskforce is to be established to improve the efficiency of the adult care system, the Treasury has revealed. Chancellor Alistair Darling used his Budget statement to announce an unspecified funding boost for older people's social care, paid for by freezing the inheritance tax threshold for four years. Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/03/2010/114129/free-care-guaranteed-as-scots-launch-ageing-society-debate.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/03/2010/114129/free-care-guaranteed-as-scots-launch-ageing-society-debate.htmThe Scottish government today launched a debate on meeting the future costs of social care for older people, but has pledged to retain the flagship free personal care policy.Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/03/2010/114134/budget-darling-heralds-era-of-public-services-austerity.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/03/2010/114134/budget-darling-heralds-era-of-public-services-austerity.htmAlistair Darling has used his final Budget before the general election to warn of a looming era of austerity in public services.Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/03/2010/114133/dementia-research-funding-guaranteed-phil-hope.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/03/2010/114133/dementia-research-funding-guaranteed-phil-hope.htmFunding for some areas of dementia research is to be guaranteed, care services minister Phil Hope announced last week.Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/03/2010/114124/quarter-of-social-workers-handling-30-cases-at-once-basw.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/03/2010/114124/quarter-of-social-workers-handling-30-cases-at-once-basw.htmAbout one in four social workers are handling more than 30 cases at once, according to a survey by the British Association of Social Workers. Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/03/2010/114118/social-worker-struck-off-for-sexual-relationship-with-client.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/03/2010/114118/social-worker-struck-off-for-sexual-relationship-with-client.htmA social worker from Wales who formed a sexual relationship with a service user and failed to tell his employers the woman may have been a risk to herself has been struck off.Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/03/2010/114117/care-white-paper-government-told-not-to-shirk-from-reform.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/03/2010/114117/care-white-paper-government-told-not-to-shirk-from-reform.htmSixteen charities have urged ministers to ensure the forthcoming care White Paper contains explicit pledges to introduce a new, long-term funding settlement, amid reports that the government will avoid committing itself.Tue, 23 Mar 2010 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/03/2010/114113/loved-ones-written-off-by-services-study-finds.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/03/2010/114113/loved-ones-written-off-by-services-study-finds.htmPrejudice, discrimination and low expectations are preventing people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities from getting the support they need, a government-commissioned report has found. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/03/2010/114110/cps-we-must-raise-our-game-on-disability-hate-crime.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/03/2010/114110/cps-we-must-raise-our-game-on-disability-hate-crime.htmThe Crown Prosecution Service has admitted it needs to "raise its game" in prosecuting cases of disability hate crime. It has issued new guidelines for the police, which it said would increase the number of prosecutions.Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/03/2010/114106/alistair-burns-my-priorities-for-national-dementia-strategy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/03/2010/114106/alistair-burns-my-priorities-for-national-dementia-strategy.htmAlistair Burns takes up his post as national clinical director for dementia next week. He tells Vern Pitt of his priorities for the five-year strategy for England Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/03/2010/114086/charities-delay-to-free-personal-care-bill-will-hurt-families.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/03/2010/114086/charities-delay-to-free-personal-care-bill-will-hurt-families.htmCare charities said today they were "disappointed" that government plans to provide free care at home for people with high needs had been delayed and potentially wrecked.Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/03/2010/114088/personal-budget-rollout-could-increase-pressure-on-councils.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/03/2010/114088/personal-budget-rollout-could-increase-pressure-on-councils.htmCouncils could face pressure on resources by having to commission traditional services alongside innovative ones as they roll out personal budgets, research by think-tank Demos shows.Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/03/2010/114079/browns-flagship-free-personal-care-bill-dismantled-by-lords.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/03/2010/114079/browns-flagship-free-personal-care-bill-dismantled-by-lords.htmGordon Brown's flagship free personal care bill has been torpedoed in the House of Lords and now has little chance of becoming law until after the general election.Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/03/2010/114058/two-thirds-of-pcts-cannot-account-for-dementia-strategy-money.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/03/2010/114058/two-thirds-of-pcts-cannot-account-for-dementia-strategy-money.htmNearly two-thirds of primary care trusts (PCTs) are unable to show where they have spent money intended to support the national dementia strategy, Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/03/2010/114062/basw-urges-rest-of-uk-to-copy-scottish-roles-and-tasks-model.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/03/2010/114062/basw-urges-rest-of-uk-to-copy-scottish-roles-and-tasks-model.htmThe rest of the UK ought to follow Scotland in setting down enforceable guidance on the roles and tasks of social workers, according to the British Association of Social Workers.Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2010/114076/care-white-paper-likely-to-be-vague-on-state-funding-figures.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2010/114076/care-white-paper-likely-to-be-vague-on-state-funding-figures.htmThe mammoth public spending deficit is likely to prevent ministers from making significant financial commitments in the forthcoming care funding White Paper, experts have warned.Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2010/114077/sector-welcomes-building-a-safe-and-confident-future.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2010/114077/sector-welcomes-building-a-safe-and-confident-future.htmSocial work leaders have broadly welcomed Building a Safe and Confident Future: Implementing the recommendations of the Social Work Task Force. Here, five of them give their views.Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2010/114071/national-college-of-social-work-in-place-by-2011.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/03/2010/114071/national-college-of-social-work-in-place-by-2011.htmAn independent college of social work will be established by March 2011, the government has pledged. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/03/2010/114064/social-work-task-force-survey-reveals-supervision-gaps.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/03/2010/114064/social-work-task-force-survey-reveals-supervision-gaps.htmOne in four children's social workers and one-third of adults' social workers miss out on monthly supervision, according to a survey by the Social Work Task Force.Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/03/2010/114055/in-control-personal-budgets-delivering-improved-outcomes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/03/2010/114055/in-control-personal-budgets-delivering-improved-outcomes.htmPersonal budgets have improved the lives of most users but fewer clients have true control over their care and support than official estimates indicate, In Control said today.Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/03/2010/114046/royal-college-of-psychiatrists-to-lead-hospital-dementia-audit.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/03/2010/114046/royal-college-of-psychiatrists-to-lead-hospital-dementia-audit.htmA comprehensive audit of dementia care in hospitals in England and Wales is to commence this week with a view to developing a quality mark for dementia care.Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/03/2010/114041/youth-arrested-over-death-of-david-askew.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/03/2010/114041/youth-arrested-over-death-of-david-askew.htm An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over the death of...Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/03/2010/114042/care-providers-slam-cqc-for-handling-of-registration-process.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/03/2010/114042/care-providers-slam-cqc-for-handling-of-registration-process.htm The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is not adequately prepared to handle the process of registering care services in England that will start within weeks,...Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/03/2010/114021/how-the-shaw-trust-and-scope-have-used-workstep-to-help-disabled-people-find-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/03/2010/114021/how-the-shaw-trust-and-scope-have-used-workstep-to-help-disabled-people-find-work.htmVern Pitt investigates how Scope has supported disabled people to find and retain jobs through the Workstep scheme, due to be replaced this year by Work ChoiceFri, 12 Mar 2010 14:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/03/2010/114039/mps-let-public-decide-on-fully-tax-funded-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/03/2010/114039/mps-let-public-decide-on-fully-tax-funded-social-care.htmThe public should be asked whether it supports full tax funding for adult social care, rather than have the option closed off by government, an influential cross-party group of MPs said today.Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/03/2010/114038/proven-practice-shared-lives-schemes-for-adults.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/03/2010/114038/proven-practice-shared-lives-schemes-for-adults.htmThe Social Care Institute for Excellence presents the latest guidance on Shared Lives schemes for adults Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/03/2010/114033/politicians-lack-will-to-reform-care-funding-rules.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/03/2010/114033/politicians-lack-will-to-reform-care-funding-rules.htmPoliticians have been accused of lacking the will to fix the problems afflicting ordinary residence rules, which can place a huge burden on some local authorities and trap disabled people in unsuitable housing.Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/03/2010/114026/burnham-hints-white-paper-will-back-compulsory-care-levy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/03/2010/114026/burnham-hints-white-paper-will-back-compulsory-care-levy.htmHealth secretary Andy Burnham has strongly suggested the forthcoming adult white paper will back a compulsory levy to fund care as he talked up the idea in a debate with his Tory and Lib Dem opposite numbers yesterday. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/03/2010/114029/news-round-up-failings-over-raped-daughters-death-tax.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/03/2010/114029/news-round-up-failings-over-raped-daughters-death-tax.htmHeadlines in today’s papers include:- Litany of failures that let father rape his daughters for years; Labour refuses to rule out 'death tax' to fund care for elderly; Teacher had affair with teenager at special needs school, court told; Schoolgirl, 13, found hanged amid claims she was bullied because she was pretty. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2010/114018/phil-hope-pcts-will-be-held-to-account-on-carers-funding.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2010/114018/phil-hope-pcts-will-be-held-to-account-on-carers-funding.htmPrimary care trusts will be held to account for their spending on carers following revelations that dedicated resources for short breaks were not being spent as desired, care services minister Phil Hope has pledged.Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2010/114002/personalisation-chief-john-bolton-to-leave-department-of-health.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2010/114002/personalisation-chief-john-bolton-to-leave-department-of-health.htmThe civil servant who has led on the implementation of the personalisation programme in England is to leave the Department of Health.Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2010/114015/news-round-up-jon-venables-laming-adult-care-row-election.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2010/114015/news-round-up-jon-venables-laming-adult-care-row-election.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- Parties clash ahead of elderly social care summit; Psychiatric report said Jon Venables was a 'negligible risk'; Public sector pay has risen 15% more than private since Labour came to powerWed, 10 Mar 2010 08:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2010/114017/political-leaders-urged-to-stop-bickering-over-social-care-reform.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/03/2010/114017/political-leaders-urged-to-stop-bickering-over-social-care-reform.htmAn Age Concern and Help the Aged poll has revealed that six out of 10 adults think politicians are not doing enough to work together to improve the care and support system.Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/03/2010/114011/adult-care-debate-in-wales-fails-to-attract-interest-of-young.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/03/2010/114011/adult-care-debate-in-wales-fails-to-attract-interest-of-young.htm The debate on the future funding of adult social care in Wales has failed to connect with the younger population who will end up paying for it, according...Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/03/2010/113999/stroke-association-lack-of-stroke-physio-puts-strain-on-carers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/03/2010/113999/stroke-association-lack-of-stroke-physio-puts-strain-on-carers.htmA lack of community physiotherapy for stroke patients is putting a strain on carers, the Stoke Association and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy revealed in a report today.Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/03/2010/114010/councils-could-do-more-to-cut-childrens-budgets-says-adass.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/03/2010/114010/councils-could-do-more-to-cut-childrens-budgets-says-adass.htmCouncils could go further in cutting children’s services budgets by improving efficiency, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has said.Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/03/2010/113986/mental-health-service-for-veterans-rolled-out-across-wales.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/03/2010/113986/mental-health-service-for-veterans-rolled-out-across-wales.htmA pilot project to support armed services personnel experiencing mental health problems as a result of their service will be extended across Wales.Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/03/2010/113990/news-round-up-bulger-killer-care-funding-civil-servants-strike.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/03/2010/113990/news-round-up-bulger-killer-care-funding-civil-servants-strike.htmHeadlines in today's papers include: Bulger killer Jon Venables held over child porn claims; Blueprint on funding elderly care aims to call halt to politicking; Civil servants stage strike over redundancy pay Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/03/2010/113988/integration-birmingham-to-create-315m-health-and-care-budget.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/03/2010/113988/integration-birmingham-to-create-315m-health-and-care-budget.htmBirmingham Council and its NHS partners are set to create a pooled budget of £315m, establishing what is believed to be one of the country's biggest health and social care partnership arrangements.Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/03/2010/113987/retail-scheme-to-provide-disability-aids-launched-in-london.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/03/2010/113987/retail-scheme-to-provide-disability-aids-launched-in-london.htmA government-backed programme to roll out a "retail model" of community equipment provision was launched across London yesterday, after evidence that its pilot areas had improved people's lives and saved money.Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/03/2010/113980/report-into-roles-and-tasks-of-adult-social-workers-published.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/03/2010/113980/report-into-roles-and-tasks-of-adult-social-workers-published.htmSocial workers will have new opportunities in a changing world dominated by the personalisation agenda and the recession, according to a delayed report on the future roles of social workers in adult care.Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/03/2010/113979/adult-care-faces-cuts-as-councils-protect-childrens-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/03/2010/113979/adult-care-faces-cuts-as-councils-protect-childrens-services.htmMost councils are planning savage cuts to adult social care but intend to protect children's services from financial pain, public finance chiefs have found.Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/03/2010/113959/basw-asked-to-step-down-from-social-work-college-talks.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/03/2010/113959/basw-asked-to-step-down-from-social-work-college-talks.htmThe British Association of Social Workers has been asked to step down from the national college development group amid growing criticism of its decision to launch a breakaway social work college. Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2010/113975/childrens-minister-criticises-basw-college-pledge.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2010/113975/childrens-minister-criticises-basw-college-pledge.htmA government minister has criticised the British Association of Social Workers for pledging to form its own independent college of social work. Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2010/113974/scottish-msps-issue-evidence-call-on-assisted-dying-legislation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2010/113974/scottish-msps-issue-evidence-call-on-assisted-dying-legislation.htm A Scottish Parliament committee is calling for written evidence to help shape its examination of legislation on assisted dying. The End of Life Assistance...Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2010/113973/lansley-and-burnham-to-share-platform-at-care-summit.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2010/113973/lansley-and-burnham-to-share-platform-at-care-summit.htm Age Concern and Help the Aged has scored a coup by persuading health secretary Andy Burnham and Tory shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley to share a platform...Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2010/113970/welfare-rights-benefits-changes-from-6-april-2010.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2010/113970/welfare-rights-benefits-changes-from-6-april-2010.htmGary Vaux provides a guide to the far-reaching changes to benefits that will come into effect in the new tax year starting on 6 April Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2010/113803/political-debate-on-care-descends-into-acrimony.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2010/113803/political-debate-on-care-descends-into-acrimony.htmThe political debate on the future of care has descended into acrimony over the past week.Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2010/113968/risk-factor-new-start-for-a-stroke-survivior.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2010/113968/risk-factor-new-start-for-a-stroke-survivior.htmMark Drinkwater on how a 39-year-old man with a stroke was able to live in the community with his wife and a live-in carerThu, 04 Mar 2010 10:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2010/113950/free-personal-care-bill-faces-general-election-deadline.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2010/113950/free-personal-care-bill-faces-general-election-deadline.htmThe government's battle to pass legislation to introduce free personal care at home before the general election looks set to go right down to the wire.Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2010/113948/inspectors-urge-indeterminate-prison-sentence-review.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/03/2010/113948/inspectors-urge-indeterminate-prison-sentence-review.htmThe prisons and probation inspectorates have called for a major review of indeterminate prison sentences in a report today which renewed concerns over disabled...Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/03/2010/113941/autism-strategy-no-requirement-to-set-up-specialist-teams.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/03/2010/113941/autism-strategy-no-requirement-to-set-up-specialist-teams.htmThe government has resisted calls to require councils and the NHS to establish specialist autism teams to support adults with the condition in England's first strategy for the client group, published today.Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/03/2010/113947/jobcentre-staff-disabled-people-wrongly-deemed-fit-for-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/03/2010/113947/jobcentre-staff-disabled-people-wrongly-deemed-fit-for-work.htmJobcentre Plus staff feel many people who pass work capability assessments are not fit for work, according to a study by the Department of Work and Pensions published yesterday.Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/03/2010/113946/welsh-tories-slam-failure-to-publish-dementia-plan.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/03/2010/113946/welsh-tories-slam-failure-to-publish-dementia-plan.htmThe Welsh Conservatives have slammed the country's government for failing to publish its dementia plan, nearly two years after it was promised.Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/03/2010/113945/mental-health-worker-suspended-after-client-commits-suicide.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/03/2010/113945/mental-health-worker-suspended-after-client-commits-suicide.htmA mental health social worker who failed to properly assess a man who later committed suicide has been suspended from the social care register for a year.Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/03/2010/113943/news-round-up-james-bulger-sarahs-law-autism-care-lottery.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/03/2010/113943/news-round-up-james-bulger-sarahs-law-autism-care-lottery.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- James Bulger's killer 'back where he belongs'; 'Sarah's law' pilot raises revenge fears; New focus on adults with autism; How pensioners are punished by the care lotteryWed, 03 Mar 2010 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2010/113936/adass-tells-dh-make-personal-care-part-funded-not-free.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2010/113936/adass-tells-dh-make-personal-care-part-funded-not-free.htmThe government should part-fund personal care at home for people with high needs rather than make it free to ensure the policy is affordable for councils, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has said.Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2010/113928/lga-urges-social-workers-to-develop-relations-with-media.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2010/113928/lga-urges-social-workers-to-develop-relations-with-media.htmEmployers should support social workers to engage with the media to increase public understanding of the profession, according to new guidance from the Local Government Association.Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2010/113929/news-round-up-shannon-matthews-council-cuts-end-of-life-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/03/2010/113929/news-round-up-shannon-matthews-council-cuts-end-of-life-care.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- Councils consider plans to shed 170,000 public sector jobs; Shannon Matthews kidnap report unlikely until after election; Terminally ill 'unable to die at home through lack of nursing cover'; Legal challenge over Yarl's Wood womenMon, 01 Mar 2010 09:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/02/2010/113926/basw-ditches-plan-for-joint-membership-scheme-with-unison.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/02/2010/113926/basw-ditches-plan-for-joint-membership-scheme-with-unison.htmThe British Association of Social Workers has dropped plans for an exclusive joint membership scheme with Unison in favour of discounted fees for members of all other organisations representing practitioners. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/02/2010/113924/basw-and-unison-split-over-independent-practices.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/02/2010/113924/basw-and-unison-split-over-independent-practices.htmA war of words has broken out between Unison and the British Association of Social Workers over whether social workers should be encouraged to form their own independent practices.Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/02/2010/113927/nutrition-action-plan-delivery-board-to-be-disbanded.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/02/2010/113927/nutrition-action-plan-delivery-board-to-be-disbanded.htmUser groups have attacked the government's decision to disband the Nutrition Action Plan Delivery Board.Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/02/2010/113916/dh-puts-end-of-life-care-spending-question-to-shas.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/02/2010/113916/dh-puts-end-of-life-care-spending-question-to-shas.htmThe Department of Health's decision to quiz strategic health authorities on how they spent £286m for end of life care in 2009-10, has been criticised by...Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/02/2010/113914/mental-health-talking-therapies-scheme-ahead-of-schedule.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/02/2010/113914/mental-health-talking-therapies-scheme-ahead-of-schedule.htmA mental health scheme offering low-intensity talking therapies in England is ahead of schedule, according to a government report, which has revised delivery guidance.Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/02/2010/113906/dh-set-to-announce-future-role-of-adult-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/02/2010/113906/dh-set-to-announce-future-role-of-adult-social-workers.htmThe Department of Health will publish a statement later today on the future roles and tasks of adult social workers within a personalised care system, care minister Phil Hope has announced. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/02/2010/113909/assisted-suicide-social-workers-warned-by-dpp.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/02/2010/113909/assisted-suicide-social-workers-warned-by-dpp.htmSocial care workers may run the risk of prosecution by discussing suicide with their clients under a new policy released today clarifying the definition of assisted suicide.Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/02/2010/113903/free-personal-care-bill-facing-certain-delay.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/02/2010/113903/free-personal-care-bill-facing-certain-delay.htmLabour peer Lord Lipsey has warned that hostility to Gordon Brown's free personal care bill has grown to the extent that it will not become law before the general election. (Picture: Rex Features)Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2010/113891/law-commissions-adult-care-law-proposals-welcomed.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2010/113891/law-commissions-adult-care-law-proposals-welcomed.htmSenior professionals and policymakers have welcomed the Law Commission's proposals to introduce a single adult social care law.Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2010/113880/portability-added-to-personal-care-at-home-bill.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2010/113880/portability-added-to-personal-care-at-home-bill.htmThe government has agreed to include portability in its controversial Personal Care at Home Bill, which the House of Lords discussed on Monday night.Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2010/113888/cqc-launches-review-of-health-care-provision-in-care-homes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2010/113888/cqc-launches-review-of-health-care-provision-in-care-homes.htmThe Care Quality Commission (CQC) has launched a review of health care provision for care home residents.Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2010/113887/personal-care-at-home-bill-lacks-resources-lga-and-ukhca.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2010/113887/personal-care-at-home-bill-lacks-resources-lga-and-ukhca.htmThe government's controversial free personal care plan is underfunded and underestimates demand, local government leaders and a care organisation have claimed.Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2010/113879/law-commission-to-draft-new-adult-social-care-law.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2010/113879/law-commission-to-draft-new-adult-social-care-law.htmThe Law Commission is to draft a single adult social care law, which could save social workers time and make service users' (pictured) rights clearer. (Picture: Rex Features)Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2010/113885/unison-to-lobby-for-statutory-caseload-limit-in-wales.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2010/113885/unison-to-lobby-for-statutory-caseload-limit-in-wales.htmUnison plans to lobby for a legally binding caseload limit for social workers in Wales, the union's National Social Care and Home Care Conference was told. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2010/113884/adass-carers-should-be-engaged-in-hospital-discharges.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2010/113884/adass-carers-should-be-engaged-in-hospital-discharges.htmCarers are not considered or engaged in the discharge of those they care for from hospital, a report (Carers As Partners in Hospital Discharge) by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has found.Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2010/113883/unison-calls-for-campaign-against-spending-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/24/02/2010/113883/unison-calls-for-campaign-against-spending-cuts.htmUnion activists have called on members to campaign against spending cuts in local government, which they warned would damage communities throughout the UK.Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2010/113863/nick-clegg-attacks-labours-free-personal-care-plans.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2010/113863/nick-clegg-attacks-labours-free-personal-care-plans.htm By Jeremy Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg promised to provide more help for carers today as he attacked Labour's "flawed" free personal care policy. In...Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2010/113870/review-of-mental-illness-among-offenders-urged.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/23/02/2010/113870/review-of-mental-illness-among-offenders-urged.htmA report out today recommends a review of the prevalence of mental health problems among offenders after revealing that only half who would benefit from treatment are sent to secure hospitals. Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/02/2010/113871/cheshire-east-to-axe-40-adults-social-worker-posts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/02/2010/113871/cheshire-east-to-axe-40-adults-social-worker-posts.htmCheshire East Council is cutting nearly 40 social worker posts and recruiting unqualified workers in a restructure of its adult safeguarding services. Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/02/2010/113867/respite-care-experts-slam-liberal-democrats-proposal.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/02/2010/113867/respite-care-experts-slam-liberal-democrats-proposal.htmSocial care experts have criticised today's proposal by the Liberal Democrats to provide additional respite care for carers.Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/02/2010/113866/gscc-appoints-three-to-senior-positions.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/02/2010/113866/gscc-appoints-three-to-senior-positions.htmThe General Social Care Council has appointed three new senior managers as it attempts to draw a line under a damning review of its conduct function last year. Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/02/2010/113862/tories-co-op-plans-an-excuse-to-pass-the-buck.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/02/2010/113862/tories-co-op-plans-an-excuse-to-pass-the-buck.htmThe Conservatives may use social worker co-operatives to pass on responsibility for difficult spending decisions at a time when council budgets are being slashed, according to a leading academic.Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/02/2010/113860/tories-attacked-for-no-show-at-social-care-reform-meeting.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/02/2010/113860/tories-attacked-for-no-show-at-social-care-reform-meeting.htmThe Conservatives have been criticised after their refusal to appear at a crunch meeting on the reform of adult social care today, called by health secretary Andy Burnham (pictured). The meeting led to agreement on a set of principles for reform.Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/02/2010/113855/isle-of-wight-faces-care-cuts-protest-despite-inspectors-praise.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/02/2010/113855/isle-of-wight-faces-care-cuts-protest-despite-inspectors-praise.htmA council praised by inspectors this week for its success in supporting older people to live at home is facing a storm of protest over planned cuts of more than £5m a year in services for vulnerable people.Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/02/2010/113848/chronic-exclusion-pilots-yield-better-outcomes-for-adults-in-need.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/02/2010/113848/chronic-exclusion-pilots-yield-better-outcomes-for-adults-in-need.htmA Cabinet Office programme to improve support for adults with multiple needs and chaotic lifestyles is reporting "promising" early results.Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/02/2010/113842/news-round-up-national-care-service-cash-for-graduates.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/02/2010/113842/news-round-up-national-care-service-cash-for-graduates.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- Andrew Lansley: Government plans would hit 700,000 family carers; Graduates offered cash to retrain as social workers; Barnet's 'easyCouncil' to part privatise planning serviceFri, 19 Feb 2010 09:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/02/2010/113841/carers-uk-urges-more-support-for-carers-to-avoid-crisis.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/02/2010/113841/carers-uk-urges-more-support-for-carers-to-avoid-crisis.htmCarers UK today called on employers and the state to sign up to a 'social contract' to support carers to help stave off a "tipping point" when families will no longer be able to provide sufficient care for older people.Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/02/2010/113839/workload-unions-and-government-on-collision-course.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/02/2010/113839/workload-unions-and-government-on-collision-course.htmTrade unions and the government are at loggerheads over how quickly councils should implement workload "health checks". Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/02/2010/113828/councils-ill-prepared-to-meet-ageing-challenge.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/02/2010/113828/councils-ill-prepared-to-meet-ageing-challenge.htmCouncils are ill-prepared to deal with the financial costs of an ageing population, including savings possible from preventive services, the Audit Commission said today.Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/02/2010/113827/anne-owers-prison-alcohol-services-fail-to-meet-growing-need.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/02/2010/113827/anne-owers-prison-alcohol-services-fail-to-meet-growing-need.htmThe chief inspector of prisons has called for a national alcohol strategy for prisons after uncovering a "worrying gap" between the needs of inmates with alcohol problems and the services that support them.Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2010/113833/diary-of-an-emergency-social-worker.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2010/113833/diary-of-an-emergency-social-worker.htmA couple of section 47s, a section 136 and a police PPO... plus a meeting with a manager who doesn't believe we're busy enough - all before breakfast...Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2010/113826/social-care-row-lib-dem-urges-tory-chief-to-attend-conference.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2010/113826/social-care-row-lib-dem-urges-tory-chief-to-attend-conference.htmLiberal Democrat health spokesperson Norman Lamb has urged Tory opposite number Andrew Lansley to attend this Friday's conference on social care funding reform, to help get efforts to forge a cross-party consensus back on track.Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2010/113824/homelessness-67-rough-sleepers-now-remaining-in-london.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2010/113824/homelessness-67-rough-sleepers-now-remaining-in-london.htmA pan-London alliance has moved more than three-quarters of the most entrenched rough sleepers off the capital's streets in its first year of operation, a report said this week.Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2010/113822/news-round-up-assisted-dying-death-tax-edlington-case.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/02/2010/113822/news-round-up-assisted-dying-death-tax-edlington-case.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- Torture boys' sentence 'not too lenient'; The confessions of a mercy killer; Seventeen million could have to pay 'death tax', Tories claim; Yarl's Wood children face 'extreme distress'Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/02/2010/113818/personal-care-lga-calls-for-independent-report.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/02/2010/113818/personal-care-lga-calls-for-independent-report.htmThe Local Government Association has put forward amendments to delay implementation of the government's controversial bill to introduce free care at home and to review its costs.Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/02/2010/113810/carer-watch-televise-cross-party-talks-on-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/02/2010/113810/carer-watch-televise-cross-party-talks-on-care.htmA carers' campaign group has called for this Friday's conference on the future funding of social care to be televised to ensure full openness.Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/02/2010/113809/blackburn-plans-to-shift-services-out-of-acute-settings.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/02/2010/113809/blackburn-plans-to-shift-services-out-of-acute-settings.htmNHS and council leaders in Blackburn with Darwen are ­planning to use the full integration of health and social care commissioning to shift services out of acute settings and drive efficiencies.Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/02/2010/113801/adcs-warns-of-rush-to-complete-workload-health-checks.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/02/2010/113801/adcs-warns-of-rush-to-complete-workload-health-checks.htmThe Association of Directors of Children's Services has warned unions against setting an unrealistic deadline for employers to complete a workload "health check" of social work teams.Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/02/2010/113805/news-round-up-care-funding-row-nspcc-centre-closures.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/02/2010/113805/news-round-up-care-funding-row-nspcc-centre-closures.htmHeadlines in today's papers include: Cross-party deal on elderly care in tatters after three parties engage in row live on TV; Charities demand an end to political point-scoring as care crisis looms; NSPCC to shut local centres under restructuring planMon, 15 Feb 2010 10:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/02/2010/113802/adass-lead-dementia-money-not-being-spent-as-desired.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/02/2010/113802/adass-lead-dementia-money-not-being-spent-as-desired.htmThe £150m identified for primary care trusts to implement the national dementia strategy from 2009-11 has not been spent on its desired purpose, a local government leader has claimed. Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/02/2010/113796/news-round-up-baby-p-legacy-means-more-work-suffolk-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/02/2010/113796/news-round-up-baby-p-legacy-means-more-work-suffolk-cuts.htmAlso in today's papers:- Social services 'failed autistic boy' and Mandelson denies Labour abandoning pledges to increase spendingFri, 12 Feb 2010 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/02/2010/113798/yorkshire-social-worker-struck-off-after-sex-with-client.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/02/2010/113798/yorkshire-social-worker-struck-off-after-sex-with-client.htmA social worker from Yorkshire who had sex with a female service user after lending her £5,000 has been struck off the social care register. Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/02/2010/113793/cqc-to-hold-talks-on-joining-up-health-and-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/02/2010/113793/cqc-to-hold-talks-on-joining-up-health-and-social-care.htm The Care Quality Commission is set to hold discussions with stakeholders over the coming months on how it intends to encourage greater levels of joined-up...Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/02/2010/113786/on-reflection-mark-drinkwater-on-differences-between-care-homes.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/02/2010/113786/on-reflection-mark-drinkwater-on-differences-between-care-homes.htmMark Drinkwater is impressed by a care home he visited but, after his experience working in one, is left wondering what happens at night Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/02/2010/113788/unscrupulous-employers-pay-migrant-workers-in-drink.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/02/2010/113788/unscrupulous-employers-pay-migrant-workers-in-drink.htmMigrant workers are being paid in drink or are having significant portions of their pay deducted for accommodation or food by "unscrupulous employers", Community Care has learned.Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/02/2010/113772/andy-burnham-approves-care-trust-for-blackburn-with-darwen.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/02/2010/113772/andy-burnham-approves-care-trust-for-blackburn-with-darwen.htmHealth secretary Andy Burnham has approved the creation of a "care trust plus" to integrate health and social care commissioning in Blackburn with Darwen.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/02/2010/113770/cameron-and-brown-clash-over-personal-care-at-home-bill.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/02/2010/113770/cameron-and-brown-clash-over-personal-care-at-home-bill.htmConservative leader David Cameron today accused Gordon Brown of constructing a "cheap dividing line before an election" as the pair clashed over social care reform during Prime Minister's Questions.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/02/2010/113768/cqc-health-and-socal-care-integration-can-save-2bn-a-year.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/02/2010/113768/cqc-health-and-socal-care-integration-can-save-2bn-a-year.htm Improved joint working between health and social care to reduce emergency hospital admissions for pensioners could help save £2bn annually from NHS budgets...Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/02/2010/113764/councils-fail-to-tell-service-users-about-personal-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/02/2010/113764/councils-fail-to-tell-service-users-about-personal-budgets.htmMany councils in England are failing to provide potential service users with adequate information about personal budgets – nearly two years into the personalisation agenda.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/02/2010/113766/news-round-up-care-plan-row-inheritance-tax-playgroup-probe.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/02/2010/113766/news-round-up-care-plan-row-inheritance-tax-playgroup-probe.htmMore than 70 leaders of social care throughout England are warning that the Government’s plans to provide free home care are flawed, unfunded and will force cuts to current services.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/02/2010/113767/care-plan-row-inheritance-tax-playgroup-sex-assault-probe.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/02/2010/113767/care-plan-row-inheritance-tax-playgroup-sex-assault-probe.htmMore than 70 leaders of social care throughout England are warning that the Government’s plans to provide free home care are flawed, unfunded and will force cuts to current services.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/02/2010/113765/councillors-condemn-gordon-browns-free-care-plan.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/02/2010/113765/councillors-condemn-gordon-browns-free-care-plan.htmLead councillors from over half of England's local authorities today condemned the government's free personal care plans in an open letter to The Times that dubbed the proposals 'unclear and unfunded'.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/02/2010/113763/labour-rules-out-20000-death-tax.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/02/2010/113763/labour-rules-out-20000-death-tax.htmThe government is thought to be considering introducing an inheritance levy on people's estates as a way of paying for long-term care. It has strongly...Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/02/2010/113731/abuse-victims-help-safeguarding-teams-in-east-sussex.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/02/2010/113731/abuse-victims-help-safeguarding-teams-in-east-sussex.htmSafeguarding co-ordinators in East Sussex interview victims of abuse to inform adult care practice, writes Natalie Valios Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/02/2010/113761/scottish-government-launches-personalisation-strategy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/02/2010/113761/scottish-government-launches-personalisation-strategy.htm The Scottish government has issued a consultative 10-year strategy to roll out personalisation...Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/02/2010/113758/news-round-up-assisted-dying-care-levy-asylum-hunger-strike.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/02/2010/113758/news-round-up-assisted-dying-care-levy-asylum-hunger-strike.htmOther headlines in today's papers:- Inheritance levy to fund social care being considered by ministers; Margo MacDonald's Bill 'would encourage suicide tourism to Scotland'; Hunger strike at detention centreTue, 09 Feb 2010 08:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/02/2010/113754/radical-reform-could-stave-off-adult-care-cost-explosion.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/02/2010/113754/radical-reform-could-stave-off-adult-care-cost-explosion.htmRadical reforms to adult social care could contain spending at close to present levels and reduce health and benefits expenditure, despite the impact of...Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/02/2010/113746/norfolk-cuts-1m-from-budget-for-voluntary-sector-contracts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/02/2010/113746/norfolk-cuts-1m-from-budget-for-voluntary-sector-contracts.htm Molly Garboden Norfolk Council has cut £1m from its budget for purchasing services from the voluntary sector due to pressures caused by the current...Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/02/2010/113747/news-round-up-elderly-care-costs-vetting-scheme-budget-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/02/2010/113747/news-round-up-elderly-care-costs-vetting-scheme-budget-cuts.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- Iain Duncan Smith warns of elderly care costs for public finances; McKellen speaks out against vetting scheme; Union: 3000 jobs will go with cuts from council budgetsMon, 08 Feb 2010 09:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/02/2010/113745/peers-propose-amendments-to-dismantle-free-care-bill.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/02/2010/113745/peers-propose-amendments-to-dismantle-free-care-bill.htmLeading critics of plans to introduce free personal care at home for people with high needs have tabled amendments that could delay or even wreck ministers' plans.Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/02/2010/113739/princess-royal-trust-parties-must-make-pledges-for-carers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/02/2010/113739/princess-royal-trust-parties-must-make-pledges-for-carers.htmThe Princess Royal Trust for Carers has urged the three main political parties to provide explicit guarantees about supporting carers in their election manifestos.Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/02/2010/113730/lord-warner-calls-for-inquiry-into-assisted-dying-law.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/02/2010/113730/lord-warner-calls-for-inquiry-into-assisted-dying-law.htmFormer health minister Lord Warner has called for the government to set up an independent inquiry into the law on assisted suicide legislation, to clear...Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/02/2010/113720/homeless-link-issues-plan-to-end-homelessness-in-10-years.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/02/2010/113720/homeless-link-issues-plan-to-end-homelessness-in-10-years.htmHomeless Link has launched a 10-point manifesto calling on the next government to end homelessness within 10 years. The umbrella charity, which represents...Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/02/2010/113713/cqc-councils-to-face-tougher-test-but-no-rating-in-2010-11.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/02/2010/113713/cqc-councils-to-face-tougher-test-but-no-rating-in-2010-11.htmEnglish councils would face a tougher assessment of performance but no overall rating in 2010-11, if consultative plans issued by the Care Quality Commission yesterday come to fruition.Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/02/2010/113712/alzheimers-research-trust-dementia-impact-higher-than-ever.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/02/2010/113712/alzheimers-research-trust-dementia-impact-higher-than-ever.htmDementia costs the UK economy £23bn a year and affects 820,000 people, according to research out today which found that the impact of the disease was far higher than previously thought and that research funding was far too low.Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/02/2010/113707/lipsey-headlong-rush-of-free-care-bill-will-be-broken.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/02/2010/113707/lipsey-headlong-rush-of-free-care-bill-will-be-broken.htm Opponents of the Personal Care at Home Bill are working on plans that could...Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/02/2010/113708/edinburgh-may-be-sued-by-disabled-people-over-contracts-saga.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/02/2010/113708/edinburgh-may-be-sued-by-disabled-people-over-contracts-saga.htmDisabled people may sue Edinburgh Council for human rights breaches or disability discrimination because of its handling of a retendering process for care and support services, which is likely to be halted on Thursday.Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/02/2010/113703/nas-and-tory-mp-voice-concerns-over-autism-strategy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/02/2010/113703/nas-and-tory-mp-voice-concerns-over-autism-strategy.htmConcerns are being raised that the government's forthcoming adult autism strategy for England will not include two key planks regarded as essential. Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/02/2010/113701/edinburgh-to-halt-contract-process-after-deloitte-criticism.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/02/2010/113701/edinburgh-to-halt-contract-process-after-deloitte-criticism.htmEdinburgh Council is set to halt a controversial retendering process for support services for disabled people after it was criticised in an independent report.Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/02/2010/113694/labour-peer-warns-gordon-brown-over-fate-of-free-care-bill.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/02/2010/113694/labour-peer-warns-gordon-brown-over-fate-of-free-care-bill.htmFormer health minister Lord Warner has warned prime minister Gordon Brown that he "will have a shock" if he believes key social care legislation will pass smoothly through the House of Lords.Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/02/2010/113690/lga-and-nhs-confederation-debate-health-commissioning.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/02/2010/113690/lga-and-nhs-confederation-debate-health-commissioning.htm Healthdebate London...Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/02/2010/113685/london-councils-wants-boroughs-to-control-health-funds.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/02/2010/113685/london-councils-wants-boroughs-to-control-health-funds.htmThe government should give councils control of non-acute NHS budgets in an effort to further integrate health and social care, London Councils urged today.Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/01/2010/113683/adass-dh-has-significantly-underestimated-free-care-cost.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/30/01/2010/113683/adass-dh-has-significantly-underestimated-free-care-cost.htmAccording to Jenny Owen and the Association of Directors of Adult Services, the cost of providing free personal care could be double what the government estimates.Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/01/2010/113682/msps-to-debate-bill-on-opening-men-only-care-home-to-women.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/01/2010/113682/msps-to-debate-bill-on-opening-men-only-care-home-to-women.htm A care home for men with drink-related mental health problems is to expand its services to women for the first time in its 150-year history - through...Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/01/2010/113680/charities-tell-peers-to-back-personal-care-at-home-bill.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/01/2010/113680/charities-tell-peers-to-back-personal-care-at-home-bill.htmA coalition of charities has urged peers to back government legislation to provide free personal care at home for people with high needs, when it enters the House of Lords next week.Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/01/2010/113681/dh-funded-pilots-launched-to-boost-support-for-visually-impaired.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/01/2010/113681/dh-funded-pilots-launched-to-boost-support-for-visually-impaired.htmDepartment of Health-funded pilots have been launched to map and improve services for visually impaired people, as part of the UK Vision Strategy.Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/01/2010/113668/lga-councils-should-control-primary-health.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/29/01/2010/113668/lga-councils-should-control-primary-health.htm Councils should have greater control over the running of health services, the Local Government Association said today. In a consultative document,...Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/01/2010/113664/help-the-aged-and-age-concern-attacks-ageism-ban-exemptions.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/01/2010/113664/help-the-aged-and-age-concern-attacks-ageism-ban-exemptions.htmAge Concern and Help the Aged has criticised government proposals to allow exemptions from the ban on age discrimination for health and social care under...Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/01/2010/113663/welsh-care-inspectorate-under-fire-in-welsh-assembly.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/01/2010/113663/welsh-care-inspectorate-under-fire-in-welsh-assembly.htmA Conservative Welsh Assembly member has called for an independent review of the role and responsibilities of the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/01/2010/113657/mental-health-foundation-urges-more-support-for-veterans.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/01/2010/113657/mental-health-foundation-urges-more-support-for-veterans.htmThe Mental Health Foundation today called for more to be done to look after the mental health of military veterans. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/01/2010/113647/social-enterprise-urges-online-markets-for-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/28/01/2010/113647/social-enterprise-urges-online-markets-for-social-care.htmThe government and Care Quality Commission have been urged to help create online marketplaces where care users and providers can trade directly with each other, as part of the personalisation agenda.Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/01/2010/113658/stephen-burke-free-care-bill-must-be-start-of-radical-reforms.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/27/01/2010/113658/stephen-burke-free-care-bill-must-be-start-of-radical-reforms.htmLegislation to introduce free personal care at home for people with acute needs must be the start of a radical reform of the...Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/01/2010/113654/nhs-chief-answers-criticisms-over-lack-of-priority-for-dementia.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/01/2010/113654/nhs-chief-answers-criticisms-over-lack-of-priority-for-dementia.htmNHS chief executive David Nicholson has answered criticisms over the government's failure to make dementia a priority for the health service. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/01/2010/113655/adult-safeguarding-basw-idea-and-scie-call-for-evidence.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/01/2010/113655/adult-safeguarding-basw-idea-and-scie-call-for-evidence.htmSocial care leaders have issued a call for good practice examples about protecting vulnerable adults to address a shortfall in evidence.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/01/2010/113656/wales-legislates-to-improve-information-for-carers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/01/2010/113656/wales-legislates-to-improve-information-for-carers.htmThe Welsh government has introduced legislation to improve the lives of carers through improved information. The proposed Carers Strategies (Wales) Measure would place duties on the NHS and local authorities in Wales to work together to provide information for carers and consult them on services that they or the people they care for receive.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/01/2010/113646/mandatory-adult-safeguarding-boards-on-the-cards.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/26/01/2010/113646/mandatory-adult-safeguarding-boards-on-the-cards.htmThe government last week announced plans to make multi-agency adult safeguarding boards mandatory by putting them on a statutory footing.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2010/113637/grants-to-help-young-jobless-into-caring-careers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2010/113637/grants-to-help-young-jobless-into-caring-careers.htmA recruitment programme offering £1,000 grants to adult social care employers for hiring young, unemployed trainees is rolled out across Britain today. Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2010/113639/london-councils-urges-agency-integration-to-cut-costs.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2010/113639/london-councils-urges-agency-integration-to-cut-costs.htmSpending on tackling long-term conditions, antisocial behaviour and worklessness could be cut by 15% across London through greater agency integration, a report for London Councils found today.Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2010/113638/north-west-mental-health-survey-makes-case-for-prevention.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2010/113638/north-west-mental-health-survey-makes-case-for-prevention.htmPrimary care trusts in the North West are being urged to shift resources into promoting good mental health after a comprehensive survey showed stark differences in mental well-being.Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2010/113635/council-cost-cutting-doncaster-cover-up.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2010/113635/council-cost-cutting-doncaster-cover-up.htmOther headlines include:- Sarah's Law to go nationwide; 60 sex crimes on kids a day and Ambidextrous children ‘at more risk of having learning difficulties’Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2010/113634/news-round-up-council-cost-cutting-doncaster-cover-up.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2010/113634/news-round-up-council-cost-cutting-doncaster-cover-up.htmOther headlines include:- Sarah's Law to go nationwide; 60 sex crimes on kids a day and Ambidextrous children ‘at more risk of having learning difficulties’Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2010/113633/professor-to-lead-national-dementia-strategy-implementation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/25/01/2010/113633/professor-to-lead-national-dementia-strategy-implementation.htmAn academic and old age psychiatrist has been appointed to lead the implementation of the Department of Health's national dementia strategy for England.Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/01/2010/113631/cambridgeshire-plans-3.8m-cuts-in-adult-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/01/2010/113631/cambridgeshire-plans-3.8m-cuts-in-adult-care.htmCambridgeshire Council could be set to cut its budget for adult social care by £3.8m. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/01/2010/113628/basw-threatens-to-launch-breakaway-college.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/01/2010/113628/basw-threatens-to-launch-breakaway-college.htmThe British Association of Social Workers may launch its own breakaway college for the profession after becoming "disillusioned" by talks held by the official steering group. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/01/2010/113626/personalisation-lead-councils-must-urge-providers-to-innovate.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/01/2010/113626/personalisation-lead-councils-must-urge-providers-to-innovate.htm Councils must encourage adult care providers to develop innovative services, rather than see providers as recipients of contracts, as part of a cultural...Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/01/2010/113617/assisted-suicide-bill-introduced-in-scotland.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/01/2010/113617/assisted-suicide-bill-introduced-in-scotland.htmThe Scottish Parliament is to consider legislation aiming to give terminally ill or severely disabled people the right to die. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/01/2010/113614/ethnic-minority-mental-health-in-patient-numbers-unacceptable.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/01/2010/113614/ethnic-minority-mental-health-in-patient-numbers-unacceptable.htmCampaigners have branded the continuing over-representation of ethnic minorities in inpatient mental health services as "disappointing" and "unacceptable",...Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/01/2010/113606/dh-launches-end-of-life-online-training-scheme.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/01/2010/113606/dh-launches-end-of-life-online-training-scheme.htm E-learning for end-of-life care launched E-learning resources for staff working in end-of-life...Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/01/2010/113607/mental-health-ethnic-minority-groups-still-over-represented.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/01/2010/113607/mental-health-ethnic-minority-groups-still-over-represented.htmThe proportion of people from ethnic minorities receiving in-patient mental health services is still showing no signs of reduction, a Care Quality Commission survey revealed today.Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/01/2010/113608/york-council-proposes-care-cuts-and-increased-charges.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/01/2010/113608/york-council-proposes-care-cuts-and-increased-charges.htmOlder and disabled people in York are facing cuts to respite care services and increased charges as the council tries to claw back a projected overspend of £1.1m in adult social care.Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/01/2010/113601/tories-fail-to-commit-to-adult-safeguarding-legislation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/01/2010/113601/tories-fail-to-commit-to-adult-safeguarding-legislation.htmThe Conservatives have given no indication on whether they would legislate to put adult safeguarding boards on a statutory footing should they win this year’s general election.Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/01/2010/113604/social-care-workers-face-pay-freeze-from-april.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/01/2010/113604/social-care-workers-face-pay-freeze-from-april.htmUnions have reacted angrily to the decision by employers to freeze pay for more than a million local government workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2010-11. Unison's Heather Wakefield (pictured) joins in the chorus of protestWed, 20 Jan 2010 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/01/2010/113598/news-round-up-grandparents-rights-unemployment-smacking.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/20/01/2010/113598/news-round-up-grandparents-rights-unemployment-smacking.htmHeadlines in today’s papers include:- Unemployment could hit 2.5m today; Balls orders urgent inquiry into smacking of children; Families face years of pain, says Bank; Grandparents get easier route to see children in family splitsWed, 20 Jan 2010 09:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2010/113596/plan-to-put-adult-safeguarding-boards-on-legal-footing-hailed.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2010/113596/plan-to-put-adult-safeguarding-boards-on-legal-footing-hailed.htmCare sector leaders have welcomed the government's plan to enshrine safeguarding adults boards in legislation but expressed concern about how they would operate.Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2010/113595/norfolk-social-worker-dies-after-contracting-swine-flu.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2010/113595/norfolk-social-worker-dies-after-contracting-swine-flu.htmA social worker from Norfolk who contracted swine flu on New Year's Eve has died from health complications at the age of 30.Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2010/113592/phil-hope-announces-extra-protection-for-vulnerable-adults.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2010/113592/phil-hope-announces-extra-protection-for-vulnerable-adults.htmSafeguarding adults boards are to be put on a statutory footing and will be made mandatory for all English local authorities under proposals announced by care minster Phil Hope today.Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2010/113589/news-round-up-doncaster-child-services-mum-helps-daughter-die.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2010/113589/news-round-up-doncaster-child-services-mum-helps-daughter-die.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- Heads criticise Tory plans for residential units in schools; Darling sharpens axe on spending; Conservatives target child poverty strategy; 'Smoking' baby Facebook picture sparks investigation into teenage motherTue, 19 Jan 2010 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2010/113593/news-round-up-doncaster-child-services-mum-helps-daughter-die.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2010/113593/news-round-up-doncaster-child-services-mum-helps-daughter-die.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- Heads criticise Tory plans for residential units in schools; Darling sharpens axe on spending; Conservatives target child poverty strategy; 'Smoking' baby Facebook picture sparks investigation into teenage motherTue, 19 Jan 2010 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2010/113591/gscc-over-using-powers-to-suspend-social-workers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2010/113591/gscc-over-using-powers-to-suspend-social-workers.htmThe General Social Care Council is overusing its powers to issue temporary bans against social workers who are the subject of complaints in a knee-jerk response to public safety concerns, a lawyer has claimed. Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2010/113588/andy-burnham-dh-cannot-force-nhs-to-invest-in-prevention.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/19/01/2010/113588/andy-burnham-dh-cannot-force-nhs-to-invest-in-prevention.htmThe Department of Health will not direct NHS commissioners to invest in preventive services for older people, despite an evaluation of a DH early intervention programme showing it both saved money and improved quality of life.Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/01/2010/113586/wirral-council-to-compensate-overcharged-service-users.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/01/2010/113586/wirral-council-to-compensate-overcharged-service-users.htmWirral Council is to pay a group of learning disabled people more than £241,000 after overcharging them for several years for residential services, vindicating the complaints of a whistleblower in 2008.Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/01/2010/113581/mental-health-charity-hails-ban-on-employment-health-checks.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/01/2010/113581/mental-health-charity-hails-ban-on-employment-health-checks.htmMental health charity Rethink has hailed the government's decision to ban employers from asking job candidates about their medical history before a job offer...Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/01/2010/113579/news-round-up-care-funding-cuts-social-worker-dies-from-swine-flu.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/01/2010/113579/news-round-up-care-funding-cuts-social-worker-dies-from-swine-flu.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- Scarborough care funding cuts concerns; Swine flu leads to social worker's deathMon, 18 Jan 2010 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/01/2010/113575/older-people-housing-21-urges-action-to-lift-benefit-take-up.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/01/2010/113575/older-people-housing-21-urges-action-to-lift-benefit-take-up.htmThe government has done little to improve take-up of benefits among pensioners in the past six years and should refocus its efforts to reduce poverty, according to a report published today by Housing 21.Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/01/2010/113578/tories-attack-400000-research-spend-on-care-green-paper.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/01/2010/113578/tories-attack-400000-research-spend-on-care-green-paper.htmShadow health minister Stephen O'Brien has slammed the government for paying over £400,000 in research costs for last year's adult care green paper without publishing the full results.Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/01/2010/113577/care-provider-alliance-slams-celebrity-big-brother.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/01/2010/113577/care-provider-alliance-slams-celebrity-big-brother.htmThe Care Provider Alliance has blasted Channel 4 for the alleged negative portrayal of care homes and older people on Celebrity Big Brother this week.Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/01/2010/113572/scottish-parliament-slams-uk-government-over-care-green-paper.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/01/2010/113572/scottish-parliament-slams-uk-government-over-care-green-paper.htmThe Scottish Parliament has attacked the UK government for failing to consider the impact of its adult green paper on vulnerable pensioners in Scotland. Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/01/2010/113555/mps-call-for-end-to-over-use-of-custody.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/01/2010/113555/mps-call-for-end-to-over-use-of-custody.htmGovernment plans to build more prisons and YOIs would be a "costly mistake", according to a group of MPs, who say the budgets should be reinvested directly into communities.Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/01/2010/113561/basw-to-join-national-college-group-after-all.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/01/2010/113561/basw-to-join-national-college-group-after-all.htmThe British Association of Social Workers will join the development group for a national college of social work despite its initial concerns about government interference.Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/01/2010/113558/kings-fund-chief-savages-personal-care-at-home-bill.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/01/2010/113558/kings-fund-chief-savages-personal-care-at-home-bill.htmGovernment plans to provide free personal care at home for users with high needs have "thrown into reverse" its efforts to persuade the public of the need to contribute to their future care costs.Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/01/2010/113557/pcts-must-be-required-to-deliver-on-dementia-strategy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/01/2010/113557/pcts-must-be-required-to-deliver-on-dementia-strategy.htmPrimary care trusts should be required to deliver on the government's national dementia strategy, sector leaders said today, after a critical National Audit Office report found the strategy was at risk of failure.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/01/2010/113548/lord-lipsey-personal-care-bill-faces-rough-ride-in-lords.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/01/2010/113548/lord-lipsey-personal-care-bill-faces-rough-ride-in-lords.htmLabour peer Lord Lipsey has predicted that the Personal Care at Home Bill will face a "rough ride" as it progresses through the House of Lords.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/01/2010/113549/welfare-rights-why-the-saving-gateway-gets-my-vote.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/01/2010/113549/welfare-rights-why-the-saving-gateway-gets-my-vote.htmWhat would be your reaction if you could get 50% interest on your savings over a two-year period? That tempting deal will soon be available to many less well off people.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/01/2010/113542/national-dementia-strategy-at-risk-of-failure-says-nao.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/01/2010/113542/national-dementia-strategy-at-risk-of-failure-says-nao.htmThe government's national dementia strategy for England is at risk of failure because of a lack of leadership and mechanisms to deliver on change, a National Audit Office report warned today.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/01/2010/113550/eligibility-for-medical-care-despite-immigration-status.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/01/2010/113550/eligibility-for-medical-care-despite-immigration-status.htmA social worker and service users offer advice on a case involving a family with no recourse to public funds but with complex medical needs Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/01/2010/113541/tories-slam-government-over-free-care-legislation.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/01/2010/113541/tories-slam-government-over-free-care-legislation.htmGovernment legislation to provide free personal care at home for people with high needs will only benefit a small minority of service users and "put a spanner"...Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/01/2010/113543/jrf-uk-governments-fail-to-learn-from-each-other-on-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/01/2010/113543/jrf-uk-governments-fail-to-learn-from-each-other-on-social-care.htm Governments across the UK have done little to learn from each others approaches to adult social care since devolution, a Joseph...Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/01/2010/113538/derbyshire-social-care-staff-face-sack-over-pay-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/01/2010/113538/derbyshire-social-care-staff-face-sack-over-pay-cuts.htmNearly 400 social care staff at Derbyshire Council have been threatened with the sack after refusing to accept pay cuts of up to £4,000. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/01/2010/113536/news-round-up-louise-casey-pensioner-deaths-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/01/2010/113536/news-round-up-louise-casey-pensioner-deaths-cuts.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- Public service cuts to target middle classes; It's none of your business: What Age Concern told neighbour who phoned fearing for older couple later found dead in their home; 'Problem' families should be put into care, says crime adviserWed, 13 Jan 2010 09:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/01/2010/113535/personal-care-at-home-bill-passes-through-commons.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/13/01/2010/113535/personal-care-at-home-bill-passes-through-commons.htmLegislation to introduce free personal care at home for people with high-level needs in England passed through the House of Commons last night.Wed, 13 Jan 2010 09:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/01/2010/113530/northants-backs-scr-into-death-of-older-couple-in-freeze.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/01/2010/113530/northants-backs-scr-into-death-of-older-couple-in-freeze.htmNorthamptonshire Council has voiced support for a serious case review into the deaths of an older couple who were found dead in their freezing home last Thursday.Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/01/2010/113528/news-round-up-parky-bridgend-suicides-cold-deaths-probe.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/12/01/2010/113528/news-round-up-parky-bridgend-suicides-cold-deaths-probe.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- Michael Parkinson says care of elderly downright unacceptable; Pensioners found dead in their own home at peak of UK's Big Freeze spark inquiry; Bridgend: Double hanging in town rocked by young suicidesTue, 12 Jan 2010 09:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/01/2010/113520/northumberland-backs-down-on-pay-freeze-plan.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/01/2010/113520/northumberland-backs-down-on-pay-freeze-plan.htmNorthumberland Council has withdrawn a plan to freeze pay for social care staff from April because of pressure from trade unions. Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/01/2010/113524/end-of-life-care-must-become-election-priority.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/01/2010/113524/end-of-life-care-must-become-election-priority.htmThe National Council for Palliative Care (NCPC) today called on all political parties to make funding end-of-life care a priority in the next parliament or risk a service crisis.Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/01/2010/113521/adass-urges-cqc-to-improve-engagement-with-councils.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/01/2010/113521/adass-urges-cqc-to-improve-engagement-with-councils.htmThe Care Quality Commission has been urged to forge an improved partnership with councils in boosting the quality of social care in England.Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/01/2010/113522/social-care-funding-lib-dems-drop-wanless-commitment.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/01/2010/113522/social-care-funding-lib-dems-drop-wanless-commitment.htmThe Liberal Democrats have dropped their commitment to provide personal care funding for all eligible older people, two years after abandoning its flagship free personal care policy.Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/01/2010/113518/user-groups-slam-health-direct-payment-plans.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/01/2010/113518/user-groups-slam-health-direct-payment-plans.htmUser groups have criticised government plans to introduce direct payments into healthcare as being too restrictive. Shaping Our Lives and the National...Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/01/2010/113516/news-round-up-neglect-secret-child-punishment-manual-forced-marriage.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/11/01/2010/113516/news-round-up-neglect-secret-child-punishment-manual-forced-marriage.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- More children at risk as cases of neglect soar, charity warns; Release of secret child punishment manual ordered; Social workers failing women facing forced marriage, says reportMon, 11 Jan 2010 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/01/2010/113509/projects-aid-ex-military-personnel-with-mental-ill-health.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/01/2010/113509/projects-aid-ex-military-personnel-with-mental-ill-health.htmFormer military personnel with mental health issues face the biggest battle of all: coming to terms with their condition. But help is at hand in a series of pilots, writes Andrew Mickel Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/01/2010/113510/mps-lambast-dire-state-of-alcohol-services-in-damning-report.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/01/2010/113510/mps-lambast-dire-state-of-alcohol-services-in-damning-report.htmMPs today urged the government to overhaul policies on alcohol and improve "the dire state" of treatment services in a report that accused ministers of being too influenced by the drinks industry.Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/01/2010/113508/news-round-up-8-january-2010.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/01/2010/113508/news-round-up-8-january-2010.htm ‘Unless we sound the alarm, what little we have will disappear’ Councils across the country are already facing tough decisions as the pressure on budgets takes its toll, even before the arrival of the Personal Care at Home Bill. In Liverpool, children’s services are reported to be the first victims of the proposed £11m budget cuts. Grants for disadvantaged households are due to be scrapped, and a children’s respite home is threatened with closure. Read more on this story in The Times Plans for elderly care put essential services ‘at risk’ Frontline services such as social work, meals on wheels and road maintenance may have to be cut to cover the cost of controversial plans for elderly care at home, local authority leaders have warned. The £670 million required to provide free care for those most in need in their own homes — a key government policy — will add pressure to councils already trying to find multimillion-pound savings. A rise in council tax of between...Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/01/2010/113506/parenting-skills-for-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/01/2010/113506/parenting-skills-for-parents-with-learning-disabilities.htmCamilla Pemberton reports on a Family Action service that helps parents with learning disabilities gain the skills to enable them to look after their children successfullyFri, 08 Jan 2010 12:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/01/2010/113502/burnham-pledges-care-funding-white-paper-before-election.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/01/2010/113502/burnham-pledges-care-funding-white-paper-before-election.htmThe government still intends to produce a white paper on adult care funding reform before the next general election to ensure it becomes a "top order issue" on polling day, health secretary Andy Burnham said yesterday.Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/01/2010/113497/social-care-staff-pull-out-stops-to-deliver-services-in-snow.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/01/2010/113497/social-care-staff-pull-out-stops-to-deliver-services-in-snow.htmSocial care staff from across the UK have been pulling out the stops to ensure vulnerable service users receive vital support during the current cold weather. Picture credit: Rex FeaturesThu, 07 Jan 2010 11:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/01/2010/113494/homelessness-health-audit-exposes-service-gaps.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/01/2010/113494/homelessness-health-audit-exposes-service-gaps.htmA government-backed audit of single homeless people in three areas has uncovered significant health needs but gaps in provision to meet them.Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/01/2010/113492/news-round-up-gary-mckinnon-vetting-and-barring-cuts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/01/2010/113492/news-round-up-gary-mckinnon-vetting-and-barring-cuts.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- Abusers could slip through, admits vetting scheme boss; Extradition of Gary McKinnon 'breaches Bill of Rights'; The Saga manifesto: Over-50s tell party leaders what they want from the governmentThu, 07 Jan 2010 08:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/01/2010/113489/home-care-worker-warned-after-ignoring-rape-claim.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/01/2010/113489/home-care-worker-warned-after-ignoring-rape-claim.htmA domiciliary care worker who failed to report a service user's claim that she had been raped and her fears that she may be attacked again has received an official warning from the Care Council for Wales. Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/01/2010/113487/adult-care-services-across-country-hit-by-heavy-snowfall.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/01/2010/113487/adult-care-services-across-country-hit-by-heavy-snowfall.htmSocial care services have been hit today as a result of heavy snow, though councils are taking steps to ensure vulnerable adults receive enough suppport.Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/01/2010/113488/snow-mountain-rescue-helps-deliver-home-care-in-cumbria.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/01/2010/113488/snow-mountain-rescue-helps-deliver-home-care-in-cumbria.htmMountain rescue teams in Cumbria have been shuttling care staff to homes in remote areas and, in some cases, transporting food and medication to ensure home care visits continue despite the snow.Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/01/2010/113483/hampshire-closes-day-centres-in-face-of-heavy-snow.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/01/2010/113483/hampshire-closes-day-centres-in-face-of-heavy-snow.htmHampshire Council has closed its 22 day centres for older people, people with learning disabilities and those with physical disabilities because of the heavy snow.Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/01/2010/113481/st-mungos-opens-emergency-shelter-to-cope-with-cold-snap.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/01/2010/113481/st-mungos-opens-emergency-shelter-to-cope-with-cold-snap.htmLondon homeless charity St Mungo's has opened an emergency shelter for rough sleepers who could be at risk of dying in the current cold snap in the capital.Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/01/2010/113480/news-round-up-outcry-over-feeding-tubes-penniless-gurkhas.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/06/01/2010/113480/news-round-up-outcry-over-feeding-tubes-penniless-gurkhas.htm Care homes forcing elderly to have feeding tubes fitted Thousands of elderly people are being forced to have tubes fitted so they can be artificially fed if they want to be admitted to a care home, a major report warns today. Read more on this story in The Guardian Mother 'injected brain-damaged son with fatal dose of heroin to end misery' A mother injected her brain-damaged son with a fatal dose of heroin while out on bail for a previous attempt at "ending his misery", a court heard. Read more on this story in The Daily Telegraph Penniless Gurkhas turn to UK charity after Joanna Lumley campaign Military charities are being swamped by penniless Gurkhas and their families arriving at Heathrow to settle in Britain after the campaign last year to allow them to live in this country. Read more on this story in The Times Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/01/2010/113479/ministers-say-work-scheme-for-disabled-people-needs-tweaking.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/01/2010/113479/ministers-say-work-scheme-for-disabled-people-needs-tweaking.htmThe government has admitted its Pathways to Work programme has been less effective in getting disabled benefit claimants back into work than previously hoped...Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/01/2010/113476/learning-disability-services-at-worst-damaging-says-cqc.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/01/2010/113476/learning-disability-services-at-worst-damaging-says-cqc.htmSpecialist health services for learning disabled people still need significant improvement, despite the intense focus regulators have given them in recent years.Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/01/2010/113473/mps-say-care-fees-put-unfair-burden-on-dementia-sufferers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/01/2010/113473/mps-say-care-fees-put-unfair-burden-on-dementia-sufferers.htmTwo-thirds of MPs feel charges for personal care services place an unfair burden on people with dementia, an Alzheimer's Society survey revealed this week.Tue, 05 Jan 2010 07:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/01/2010/113472/mhf-people-with-recurring-depression-denied-key-therapy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/05/01/2010/113472/mhf-people-with-recurring-depression-denied-key-therapy.htmThe Mental Health Foundation has called on the government to improve access to mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT), after a survey found poor uptake from GPs five years after the treatment won official backing.Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/01/2010/113471/labour-tory-spending-plans-have-34bn-black-hole.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/01/2010/113471/labour-tory-spending-plans-have-34bn-black-hole.htmLabour today accused the Conservatives of having a £34bn hole in their spending plans as the Tories outlined their election platform for health and social care.Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/01/2010/113469/news-round-up-public-spending-brian-moore-abuse-recession.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/01/2010/113469/news-round-up-public-spending-brian-moore-abuse-recession.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- Brown insists big cuts are not inevitable; Recession will lead to 'lost generation' of young people; Why I told about my abuse, by England rugby star Brian MooreMon, 04 Jan 2010 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/12/2009/113465/cash-constraints-threaten-taskforce-proposals-say-academics.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/22/12/2009/113465/cash-constraints-threaten-taskforce-proposals-say-academics.htmThe New Year will see the government publish its detailed action plan on how the Social Work Task Force reforms will be implemented. But already academics are warning that cash constraints could threaten the taskforce’s proposals. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/12/2009/113462/welfare-rights-7-january-2010-simpler-isnt-always-better.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/12/2009/113462/welfare-rights-7-january-2010-simpler-isnt-always-better.htmGary Vaux questions whether the drive to simplify benefit applications could give some people the impression they are not entitledMon, 21 Dec 2009 14:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/12/2009/113457/letters-to-community-care-7-january-2010.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/12/2009/113457/letters-to-community-care-7-january-2010.htmI was appalled that the advice to social workers struggling with anxiety and depression ("The road to recovery") did not include the obvious advice of "resign and find a less stressful job". Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/12/2009/113466/doubts-over-revised-adult-services-eligibility-guidance.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/12/2009/113466/doubts-over-revised-adult-services-eligibility-guidance.htmConcerns have been raised about Department of Health plans to revise the system for determining eligibility for adult social care.Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/12/2009/113453/news-round-up-missing-toddler-found-suspicious-care-home-death-fostering-agency-to-close.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/21/12/2009/113453/news-round-up-missing-toddler-found-suspicious-care-home-death-fostering-agency-to-close.htmHeadlines in today's papers include: Toddler Audrey Nyanor given by police to the wrong person is found; Woman, 84, arrested on suspicion of murdering fellow care home resident; Independent adoption agencies count the cost of the recessionMon, 21 Dec 2009 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/12/2009/113450/consultation-starts-on-closure-of-therapeutic-community.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/18/12/2009/113450/consultation-starts-on-closure-of-therapeutic-community.htmConsultations started today on the proposed closure of Birmingham's Main House, which runs an intensive residential therapeutic programme for people with a personality disorder.Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/12/2009/113446/bid-for-care-uk-from-private-equity-firm.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/12/2009/113446/bid-for-care-uk-from-private-equity-firm.htmHealth and care group Care UK has confirmed it has received an offer from private equity investor Bridgepoint Capital.Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/12/2009/113445/social-worker-left-colleague-in-tears-after-kissing-her.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/12/2009/113445/social-worker-left-colleague-in-tears-after-kissing-her.htmAn approved social worker has been warned about his conduct for leaving a female colleague in tears after kissing her on the cheek.Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/12/2009/113422/taskforce-report-were-not-out-of-touch-say-lecturers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/17/12/2009/113422/taskforce-report-were-not-out-of-touch-say-lecturers.htmSocial work lecturers have rejected claims made in the Social Work Task Force's final report that they are out of touch with the realities of frontline practice. (Picture: Alamy)Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/12/2009/113440/foster-equality-bill-will-pass-before-an-election.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/12/2009/113440/foster-equality-bill-will-pass-before-an-election.htmMinister for equality Michael Foster has said he is confident that the bill, which received its second reading in the House of Lords, would pass the Lords "broadly" in its current form by March or April. Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/12/2009/113433/caring-with-confidence-teaching-carers-vital-skills.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/12/2009/113433/caring-with-confidence-teaching-carers-vital-skills.htmAmy Taylor examines how a government-backed scheme is helping give carers the skills to sustain them in their roles Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/12/2009/113431/vulnerable-adults-social-worker-removed-from-register.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/16/12/2009/113431/vulnerable-adults-social-worker-removed-from-register.htmA social worker from Dundee who repeatedly failed to follow procedures in assessments of vulnerable adults has been removed from the register for misconduct. Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/12/2009/113424/news-round-up-children-in-asylum-vetting-and-barring-female-prisoners-abuse.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/12/2009/113424/news-round-up-children-in-asylum-vetting-and-barring-female-prisoners-abuse.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- Brown attacked for not scrapping asylum policy; Child protection worries over lack of powers to vet foreigners; Female prisoner numbers to be cut by 400Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/12/2009/113421/partners-launch-east-london-homelessness-strategy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/15/12/2009/113421/partners-launch-east-london-homelessness-strategy.htmEight east London authorities are today joining forces with charities and voluntary sector groups to launch the first London sub-regional strategy to end rough sleeping. Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/12/2009/113420/scotland-social-care-dishonesty-conduct-cases-rising.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/12/2009/113420/scotland-social-care-dishonesty-conduct-cases-rising.htmA growing proportion of cases involving dishonest behaviour by social care workers in Scotland are coming before the Scottish Social Services Council.Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/12/2009/113419/vetting-safeguarding-registration-rules-scaled-down.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/12/2009/113419/vetting-safeguarding-registration-rules-scaled-down.htmSocial care staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will only have to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority if they come into contact with service users at least once a week, ministers said today.Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/12/2009/113417/health-and-social-care-volunteering-fund-launched.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/14/12/2009/113417/health-and-social-care-volunteering-fund-launched.htmA new funding model designed to broaden and strengthen investment in volunteering in health and social care was unveiled today. Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/12/2009/113413/cap-on-public-sector-pay-fails-to-plug-financial-hole.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/12/2009/113413/cap-on-public-sector-pay-fails-to-plug-financial-hole.htmThe 1% pay rise cap for social workers and other public sector staff will save the government £3.4bn, but it will still leave a £15bn gap to be filled by further cuts, the Institute of Fiscal Studies revealed today.Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/12/2009/113410/residential-care-cuts-will-damage-services-say-experts.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/12/2009/113410/residential-care-cuts-will-damage-services-say-experts.htmThe pre-budget report announcement that residential care will need to save £250m by 2013 could damage services, social care experts have warned.Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/12/2009/113409/government-tells-pcts-to-work-more-closely-with-social-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/12/2009/113409/government-tells-pcts-to-work-more-closely-with-social-care.htmHealth services will become much more involved in social care, under plans announced by the Department of Health today. Picture: Rex FeaturesThu, 10 Dec 2009 12:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/12/2009/113406/news-round-up-salford-dcs-sacked-pre-budget-report-immigration-centres.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/10/12/2009/113406/news-round-up-salford-dcs-sacked-pre-budget-report-immigration-centres.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- Head of Salford council children's services sacked for failings over murder of toddler Demi Leigh Mahon; Public sector pays with fiercest cuts; Move children out of migrant centres, say medical expertsThu, 10 Dec 2009 10:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/12/2009/113404/plans-to-extend-direct-payments-to-disabled-adults.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/12/2009/113404/plans-to-extend-direct-payments-to-disabled-adults.htmThe government has unveiled plans to extend direct payments to disabled adults, providing them with more choice and control over the state funding and services they receive.Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/12/2009/113399/greenwich-social-workers-ready-to-strike-over-pay-cut.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/12/2009/113399/greenwich-social-workers-ready-to-strike-over-pay-cut.htmSocial care workers in Greenwich Council's adults' services may strike over plans to cut their pay by £5,000 a year.Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/12/2009/113396/news-round-up-haringey-social-services-whitehall-cuts-oneplace.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/09/12/2009/113396/news-round-up-haringey-social-services-whitehall-cuts-oneplace.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- Haringey social services still 'poor', says Ofsted a year after Baby P; Chancellor warns Whitehall of ‘real cuts’; Councils named and shamed by online audit of public services from bins to jails; Prison ministers accused over action on heroin; Darling is forced to delay pension boost.Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2009/113394/alistair-darling-prepares-for-pre-budget-report.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2009/113394/alistair-darling-prepares-for-pre-budget-report.htmChancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling will be revealing the state of the economy and the country's finances during the pre-budget report - the last before the general election.Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2009/113387/adcs-and-adass-pledge-to-meet-needs-of-young-carers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2009/113387/adcs-and-adass-pledge-to-meet-needs-of-young-carers.htmDirectors of children's and adults' services have promised to ensure that the needs of young carers are also met when referrals are made about parents with disabilities, dependency or illness.Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2009/113385/vacuum-at-the-top-as-baroness-young-quits-cqc-say-tories.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/08/12/2009/113385/vacuum-at-the-top-as-baroness-young-quits-cqc-say-tories.htmThe departure of the Care Quality Commission's first chair after 21 months will leave a "vacuum of leadership" at the regulator, according to the Conservatives. Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2009/113381/gordon-brown-to-cull-ring-fenced-budgets.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2009/113381/gordon-brown-to-cull-ring-fenced-budgets.htm Prime minister Gordon Brown plans to cut waste in local government by reducing ring-fenced budgets and simplifying funding streams, as part of an ambition...Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2009/113378/improved-employment-support-for-carers.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2009/113378/improved-employment-support-for-carers.htmThousands of carers are set to benefit from improved employment support giving them the chance to combine paid work with caring.Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2009/113377/mental-health-bodies-welcome-new-horizons.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2009/113377/mental-health-bodies-welcome-new-horizons.htmCharities and mental health bodies have welcomed the launch of the government's New Horizons strategy, but want more guidance on its practicalities.Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2009/113374/government-launches-10-year-mental-health-strategy.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2009/113374/government-launches-10-year-mental-health-strategy.htmA 10-year mental health strategy centring on depression has been launched by the government today. Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2009/113372/news-round-up-cqc-head-to-resign-at-risk-children-crb-checks-welfare-services-stretched.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/07/12/2009/113372/news-round-up-cqc-head-to-resign-at-risk-children-crb-checks-welfare-services-stretched.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- Baroness Young to resign from CQC; Nearly 127,000 children forced to have criminal record checks each year; Welfare services will struggle to cope with ‘epidemic’ of stress and loneliness Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/12/2009/113366/adasss-owen-attacks-cqc-over-treatment-of-eight-councils.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/12/2009/113366/adasss-owen-attacks-cqc-over-treatment-of-eight-councils.htmThe Association of Directors of Adult Social Services' president has lambasted the Care Quality Commission over its treatment of the eight councils rated 'adequate' in this year's annual performance assessment. Jenny Owen said most of the eight did not know that they were going to be categorised as "priority for improvement" following yesterday's assessment until Owen informed them earlier this week. Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/12/2009/113363/carers-rights-day-third-of-carers-put-in-50-hours-a-week.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/04/12/2009/113363/carers-rights-day-third-of-carers-put-in-50-hours-a-week.htmAlmost one in three carers are caring for a loved-one for over 50 hours a week while 9% had given up work and 7% reduced their hours, a survey has found.Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113362/edinburgh-care-contracts-suspended-pending-inquiry.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113362/edinburgh-care-contracts-suspended-pending-inquiry.htmEdinburgh Council's controversial retendering of its adult care services will be shelved pending an independent investigation of the process, the authority has announced.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113333/cqc-ratings-reactions-from-the-sector.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113333/cqc-ratings-reactions-from-the-sector.htmThe Care Quality Commission published its annual performance assessment of local authority adult social care today, along with a report looking at how care providers are doing against CQC's quality ratings system and the national minimum standards. Here are some of the reactions from sector bodies.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113358/hackneys-leisure-facilities-for-older-people-draw-praise.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113358/hackneys-leisure-facilities-for-older-people-draw-praise.htmHackney's concerted effort to improve leisure activities for its ethnically diverse older people's population has been recognised by the Care Quality Commission. By Sally Gillen Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113355/homelessness-organisations-squeezed-by-recession.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113355/homelessness-organisations-squeezed-by-recession.htmHomelessness organisations are being squeezed by higher demand and reduced income as a result of the economic downturn and the situation is getting worse,...Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113354/eight-councils-face-cqc-scrutiny-after-adequate-rating.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113354/eight-councils-face-cqc-scrutiny-after-adequate-rating.htmEight councils will face added scrutiny from the Care Quality Commission over the coming year after receiving an adequate rating in this year's annual performance assessment.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113351/ehrc-to-probe-agencies-on-handling-of-disability-harassment.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113351/ehrc-to-probe-agencies-on-handling-of-disability-harassment.htmPublic authorities in England and Wales will face an inquiry into their handling of disability-related harassment by the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, the watchdog announced today.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113347/southwark-lambasts-cqc-ratings-after-downgrade.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113347/southwark-lambasts-cqc-ratings-after-downgrade.htmSouthwark Council has demanded an urgent parliamentary review of the Care Quality Commission after the regulator downgraded the London borough from 'excellent' to 'adequate' in this year's annual performance assessment.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113342/cqc-councils-improve-for-seventh-year-running-in-adult-care.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113342/cqc-councils-improve-for-seventh-year-running-in-adult-care.htmCouncils improved their overall performance in adult social care for the seventh successive year in 2008-9 despite facing a tougher assessment process, the Care Quality Commission (chief executive Cynthia Bower, pictured) said today.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113337/taskforce-pay-social-workers-to-reflect-their-standing.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113337/taskforce-pay-social-workers-to-reflect-their-standing.htmA new national career structure for social workers in England will ensure their pay more accurately reflects their skills and experience, under plans laid out by the Social Work Task Force.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113352/taskforce-proposals-leave-current-students-no-worse-off.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113352/taskforce-proposals-leave-current-students-no-worse-off.htmA leading academic is seeking to allay social work students' fears over changes to training proposed in the social work taskforce report.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113343/news-round-up-care-ratings-hate-crime-probe-poverty-up-child-protection-row.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113343/news-round-up-care-ratings-hate-crime-probe-poverty-up-child-protection-row.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- Nearly 4,000 adult social services criticised over level of care provided; Boy, two, is snatched by social workers after refusing doctor's advice to feed him junk food; Action on disability hate crimesThu, 03 Dec 2009 08:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113341/care-provider-ratings-on-the-up-but-cqc-warns-poorer-services.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/03/12/2009/113341/care-provider-ratings-on-the-up-but-cqc-warns-poorer-services.htmThe quality of adult care providers across England improved from 2008-9 however the Care Quality Commission has warned under-performing services to improve urgently.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2009/113328/funding-doubts-raised-at-social-work-task-force-proposals.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2009/113328/funding-doubts-raised-at-social-work-task-force-proposals.htmThe Social Work Task Force's recommendations on a probationary year, a college of social work and a binding standard for employers on caseloads and continuing professional development (CPD) have been welcomed by academics, charities and social workers. But there are concerns about how the recommendations will be funded.Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2009/113345/resources-barrier-to-taskforces-practice-based-masters-plan.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2009/113345/resources-barrier-to-taskforces-practice-based-masters-plan.htmThe practice-based masters degree proposed in the taskforce will need dedicated time and money from local authorities if it is to materialise, a member of...Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2009/113332/news-round-up-shoesmith-trial-care-workers-social-work-taskforce.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2009/113332/news-round-up-shoesmith-trial-care-workers-social-work-taskforce.htmBaby P emails: judge demands explanation from Ofsted Newly disclosed court documents suggest Ofsted inspectors who wrote a damning report on Haringey children's services were ordered to delete emails relating to Baby Peter and the council, a high court judge disclosed today. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2009/113331/taskforce-case-complexity-should-decide-caseload-caps.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2009/113331/taskforce-case-complexity-should-decide-caseload-caps.htmIndividual employers should be responsible for capping social workers' caseloads according to the complexity of cases, the chair of the Social Work Task...Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2009/113335/taskforce-plans-may-neglect-adults-services-and-mental-health.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2009/113335/taskforce-plans-may-neglect-adults-services-and-mental-health.htmReforms introduced on the back of the Social Work Task Force's final report must not neglect the specific needs of practitioners in adults' services and mental health, experts have warned.Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2009/113340/taskforce-tories-and-lib-dems-would-go-further.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2009/113340/taskforce-tories-and-lib-dems-would-go-further.htmThe main opposition parties have backed the Social Work Task Force's recommendations, but say they would go even further if they win next year's general election. However, both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats remain vague as to how the recommendations should be funded. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2009/113330/welsh-social-services-directors-told-to-boost-joint-working.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2009/113330/welsh-social-services-directors-told-to-boost-joint-working.htmWelsh social services directors have been challenged to improve collaboration both between councils and with health partners by Welsh deputy minister for social services Gwenda Thomas.Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2009/113329/care-homes-lack-access-to-specialist-doctors.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/02/12/2009/113329/care-homes-lack-access-to-specialist-doctors.htmCare homes residents are missing out on access to specialist care from older people's doctors despite guidance backing their use, according to research published today.Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113325/news-round-up-skunk-risk-of-psychosis-marriage-policy-clash.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113325/news-round-up-skunk-risk-of-psychosis-marriage-policy-clash.htmSacked for fighting...the expert in handling aggressive children; Tories and Labour clash over marriage policy and Cash-strapped council lavishes £100,000 on 'bin police' to make sure people recycle correctly Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113324/news-round-up-skunk-risk-of-psychosis-marriage-policy-clash.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113324/news-round-up-skunk-risk-of-psychosis-marriage-policy-clash.htmHeadlines in today's papers include:- Sacked for fighting...the expert in handling aggressive children; Tories and Labour clash over marriage policy and Cash-strapped council lavishes £100,000 on 'bin police' to make sure people recycle correctly Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113307/ministers-back-taskforce-plan-to-overhaul-social-work.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113307/ministers-back-taskforce-plan-to-overhaul-social-work.htmSocial workers will gain a stronger collective voice through the first ever national college for the profession, after the government accepted all of the recommendations in a 10-year reform programme proposed by the Social Work Task Force today.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113309/adcs-and-adass-social-work-task-force-plan-must-be-resourced.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113309/adcs-and-adass-social-work-task-force-plan-must-be-resourced.htmFunding the Social Work Task Force's reforms will not be possible from current budgets the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (Adass) have warned.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113327/ed-balls-no-ringfenced-cash-for-taskforce-proposals.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113327/ed-balls-no-ringfenced-cash-for-taskforce-proposals.htmAdditional public funding to implement the recommendations outlined by the Social Work Task Force will not be ring-fenced, children's secretary Ed Balls told a press conference today.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113303/right-to-fair-trial-undermined-for-disabled-and-child-defendants.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113303/right-to-fair-trial-undermined-for-disabled-and-child-defendants.htmThe treatment of child defendants and adult suspects with learning disabilities in court is in breach of their human rights according to a report released today by the Prison Reform Trust.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113315/social-work-task-force-career-progression-and-development.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113315/social-work-task-force-career-progression-and-development.htmBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on continuing professional development.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113318/social-work-task-force-initial-training.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113318/social-work-task-force-initial-training.htmBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on initial training.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113317/social-work-task-force-employer-support-for-practitioners.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113317/social-work-task-force-employer-support-for-practitioners.htmBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on employer support for social workers, supervision and workload management.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113311/social-work-task-force-pay.htmhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/articles/01/12/2009/113311/social-work-task-force-pay.htmBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on pay.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:32:00 GMT