David Dominy, Chief Executive of The Royal Alfred Seafarers Society, maritime charity that specialises in providing tailored care to retired seafarers, their dependents, and the local community, shares his thoughts on the current state of social care and hopes for the future.
The adult social care sector is crucial for providing life enhancing support to the aging population and reinforces the wider healthcare sector. With the increasing elderly population in the UK, there is a need for robust and sustainable social care services to meet growing demand – particularly for individuals with dementia.
Recruitment and retention within social care also continue to pose significant challenges. At The Royal Alfred, we have implemented policies that prioritise the well-being and value the contributions of our dedicated staff. Challenging negative perceptions and emphasising the importance of social care work is crucial to attract and retain talented individuals who make a significant impact on the lives of those in need.
Recognising the importance of social care in the UK healthcare system, it is crucial to value and understand the challenges faced by sector staff. Public awareness campaigns and more education in schools around the career opportunities can help inform the public about the impact of social care on individuals and communities.
Moreover, we need to address the financial challenges faced by the sector, particularly the significant cost of the skilled workforce. In the not-for-profit realm, investing in people should take precedence over profit, and efforts should be made to explore opportunities for government support that can alleviate employer workforce costs, such as reducing employee National Insurance contributions.
Technology presents a significant opportunity for the sector, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of social care services. At The Royal Alfred, we have successfully implemented digital care records and other technological systems that have improved communication, streamlined processes, and enabled more precise monitoring of care quality.
Personalised and individual care is another key opportunity for the sector, improving quality, outcomes, empowerment, and resource allocation. At the Royal Alfred, personalised care plans are integral to our approach, ensuring residents receive tailored assistance for their specific needs. Embracing this approach enables the sector to deliver a more responsive and person-centred care system.
To address the ongoing challenges in the social care sector, it’s crucial for the Government to prioritise workforce development. This can be achieved through increased investment in training, recruitment, and retention of social care professionals. By empowering these individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can ensure high-quality care for those that need it.
Continuing the integration between social care and healthcare services is key for holistic support, improving care coordination and communication. An increased focus on providing specialised care for those with dementia is also needed, with tailored programs to enhance their quality of life and overall well-being.
Going forward, the Royal Alfred will continue to work with other maritime charities to support seafarers regardless of their financial circumstances. We will also maximise the use of our newly modernised and high-quality nursing home, Belvedere House, not only to care for seafarers, mariners, and veterans but also members of the local community when there is capacity available.
One of our top priorities is to continue providing a wide range of activities and support to those living with dementia. We believe that these initiatives are crucial in preserving their life skills, promoting social interaction, and ensuring they maintain a sense of purpose.
Furthermore, we will focus on increasing the flexibility of our respite care for seafarers, veterans, and the local community. This will promote agility in our operating model, allowing us to adapt and cater to the unique needs of everyone we serve.
Finally, our commitment to providing a safe haven for seafarers remains unwavering. Both Belvedere House and our Sheltered Accommodation will continue to offer a secure and nurturing environment
royalalfredseafarers.co.uk
