February 3, 2022

The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

Ministerial Correspondence and Public Enquiries Unit
Department of Health and Social Care
39 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0EU

 

 

Dear Secretary of State,

 

I am writing on behalf of our member care providers to express their anger in the way that Vaccination as a Condition of Deployment has been handled by the Government.

 

The West Midlands Care Association and its members have been fully committed to COVID 19 vaccination within the sector, despite the operational problems this has caused.

 

As you can imagine, after having to lose valued members of staff in care homes and with a similar prospect looming for our home care providers, our members were dismayed at this weeks announcement.  Although this decision will benefit the sector in the short term, it has caused unneeded apprehension and confusion.

 

Throughout the pandemic, Adult Social Care Providers have felt like second class citizens compared to the NHS and this announcement feels once again like the Government has caved to the interests of the Health Service despite imposing pressures on Adult Social Care who had no say in the matter.

 

We call upon the Government to apologise to all those Adult Social Care staff who either lost their jobs or left the sector feeling that they were no longer valued, and to the providers themselves who have had to invest time and money to implement a policy which has contributed to the greatest staffing crisis we’ve ever seen in Adult Social Care.

๏ปฟ

Yours sincerely

 


 

Keiron Broadbent

Chief Executive

 

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Supporting People Living with Dementia During Halloween While Halloween can be a fun and festive time for many, it can present unique challenges for people living with dementia. The sudden changes in environment — from decorations and costumes to unfamiliar sounds and social interactions — may lead to increased confusion, anxiety, or distress. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind: ๐Ÿง  Confusion & Disorientation Halloween brings unusual sights and sounds, such as costumes, animated decorations, and themed music. These can be disorienting and may heighten feelings of anxiety or fear. ๐ŸŽญ Strangers & Social Interactions For those who struggle to recognise familiar faces, engaging with costumed individuals can be unsettling and may lead to withdrawal or distress. ๐Ÿšถ‍โ™‚๏ธ Impacts on Mobility Decorations like hanging spiders, wires, or floor props can become physical hazards, especially for individuals with mobility issues who may feel unsure navigating altered spaces. ๐Ÿ”Š Overstimulation Loud music, sound effects, and busy environments can easily overwhelm someone with dementia, leading to agitation or confusion. ๐Ÿ  Changes in Routine & Environment Quick changes to the layout or appearance of a care home — such as sudden decorations — can disrupt a person’s sense of familiarity and make it harder for them to understand where they are. Recommendations for a Dementia-Friendly Halloween To ensure Halloween remains safe and inclusive, consider the following approaches: ๐Ÿ‚ Use autumnal decorations Opt for seasonal, non-threatening décor that supports orientation and creates a calming atmosphere. ๐Ÿ•ฏ๏ธ Create a calm environment Limit exposure to loud noises, flashing lights, and crowded spaces to reduce overstimulation. ๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ Maintain daily routines Keeping familiar schedules helps provide stability and reassurance. ๐Ÿค Monitor interactions If Halloween activities are planned, stay close to individuals with dementia, observe their responses, and offer gentle reassurance as needed. ๐Ÿ’™ Promote care, not fear Above all, foster an environment rooted in empathy, understanding, and comfort — where care takes precedence over spectacle. By making thoughtful adjustments, we can ensure Halloween is a positive experience for everyone — especially those living with dementia.
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