15 minute visits in the care services.
Most of that would NOT be in care but in paperwork, this care bill stinks!
Not even travel time between visits.
Grsss between communications with administrators and care workers.
Let the admins try and do it.
xx Ros xx
I watched that item is4bell4, and was amazed. I have a friend who was a care worker. She was very dedicated and like to do a thorough job, as they all do, but had to give it up. It was affected her mentally and physically to rush the old people. Some of them are so very vulnerable. To rush in and out, and write a report during that time was impossible.
I had this, so dumped the agencies and employed a helper directly, with lots of help from my local council (direct payment scheme). Not only is she more efficient and more pleasant, I got to choose her, I get the same person every day and she is half the price so I get twice the time!
There is a real issue with paperwork as well. The agency workers have to sit and record everything they have done, in detail, and have it signed, which can take longer than doing the actual tasks! PS I hate cricket. 
ADMINISRATION it makes work for word processors !
So true Rick, it annoys me that they never do the hands on, so how can they evaluate!
xx Ros xx
I used to do ELP (Essential Life Planning) for those with learning difficulties. Why? Makes no sense as the planning could never be put into practice. Never enough time for the carers, who are forced to spend more time logging everything on paperwork, even down to bowel movements aargh!
xx Ros xx
Crikey!!!
well surprise surprise having read the posts here it would seem the care system has not changed except to the further detriment of those most in need. As a person who has sampled both sides of care, one as a giver and one as a receiver, I like many people feel care in the community is failing our vulnerable members of society, and is costing far more than the powers that be anticipated. Administration takes too much time and cost from the care budget leaving insufficient funds to give adequate care.
One of the problems Katie is that there are no Homehelps any more. They were employed by the council to undertake just such tasks. Now they use agencies and the average cost in my area is £15 per hour. The workers get minimum wage (and are considered to be self-employed and therefore have no sick pay or holiday schemes, and are responsible for their own NI contributions) whilst the Agencies get rich by retaining more than they pass to those actually doing the work. One agency I rang openly admitted there were two different prices, depending on whether a person was privately or corporately funded. This arrangement also means that the workers are responsible for their own travel costs and are not paid any travelling time. Disgraceful.
Sadly Toci there are very few staff employed for community care by the council these days, most of them are agency staff on minimum wage and no expenses. I used to travel near on sixty miles a week on community care at my own cost out of my minimum wage and that was about 15 years ago hence why I said there are no changes in the care system. I feel sorry for those who need higher levels of care but can't manage to buy it.
I think getting your own personal budget from Social Care is the answer these days there are agencies out there that will handle the budget for you, help you employ a personal assistant or just find the right agency for you. if you don't want just fifteen minuets you can pay for more but that is not practical if you don't have the money.
the world of care in the community is getting really tough for everyone. Getting all your finances checked would be good just to make sure you are getting all your are entitled to would be a good start Age UK do things like that.
good luck
To anyone in the same position
Sunday’s poem ~ The Toys
X-ray diagnosis for bronchiectasis,
