Arran councillor Timothy Billings has expressed concern at the level of Scottish government funding for care homes and its resulting ability to care for elderly residents amid financial uncertainty.
At a recent North Ayrshire Council meeting, councillor Billings said: “There is a growing concern about the level of Scottish government funding to care homes and the financial viability of care homes in Scotland.
“Can the cabinet minister tell me how the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is ensuring our local care homes remain financially viable whilst also being able to provide the appropriate level of care to our vulnerable elderly residents?”
Councillor Margaret Johnson, cabinet member for health and social care, replied: “Local authority placements to older people’s care homes are funded from the HSCP budget. The weekly rate paid for a care home placement is agreed nationally as part of the National Care Home Contract (NCHC) which has been in place for the last 15 years.
“This contract is facilitated by Scotland Excel on behalf of local authorities and is negotiated annually between provider representatives and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. In North Ayrshire, all placements are funded in line with the NCHC agreed rates for residential and nursing care.
“Whilst provider representatives including, for example, Scottish Care, have publicly communicated their concerns over the adequacy of funding and viability of the care home sector, it is also mutually accepted that the NCHC provides stability for care homes and commissioners.
“It is the role of the Care Inspectorate as the regulatory body to assess and provide assurance over the quality of care for all registered care services.
“In North Ayrshire we work closely with the Care Inspectorate and other services to ensure we can support our care providers to provide a good quality of care.
“The position is closely and robustly monitored. The HSCP has multi-disciplinary care home oversight arrangements in place, which were established more than three years ago. The care home oversight group meets regularly which allows the partnership and other colleagues to maintain an enhanced level of support and oversight to care homes, ultimately seeking assurance of the quality of care provided.
“Providers can raise any issues or concerns they may have at the earliest opportunity which allows the partnership to respond appropriately.”
Councillor Billings asked for his views to be taken on board, arguing that if care homes in this area failed it would be up to the HSCP to pick up the pieces.
Councillor Margaret Johnson agreed to meet with councillor Timothy Billings to discuss the issue further.
Councillor Margaret Johnson. No_B46carehomes01_23_Margaret_Johnson
Timothy Billings. No_B46carehomes02_23_Timothy_Billings