It’s good to be able to end the year on a positive note when it comes to adult social care. After what’s been a very tough year for the care sector, it’s time to focus on hope for the future.
And the recent speech from Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State for Care has promised over £22 million of funding for scaling innovations, including innovative support for unpaid carers through the Accelerating Reform Fund.
Money will be released to support successful schemes run by local authorities. Looking at new ways to identify and recognise unpaid carers, digitising carers’ assessments so that they are easier to access, and setting up carers’ support services in hospitals to name just a few.
The Minister acknowledges that we’re a very long way from where we need to be and that change cannot be achieved overnight, but stresses that this investment will kickstart a much-needed change in care services. Helping to support family carers by providing new tools, ensuring they are recognised at a local level and that they have improved access to breaks.
He encourages a genuine partnership between providers, highlighting the importance of social care professionals, local authorities, policy makers and the people who draw on care and support, all working together towards an improved system of care for all.
A huge part of ensuring the right care support is in finding the right advice from qualified advisers. An equally significant part is advice for carers and those in later life who are in need of care themselves.
A concerning article earlier this month showed that nearly 1 in 10 people in the UK rely on YouTube for financial advice., when it’s more important than ever to receive financial information from qualified and trusted sources. Social media platforms are rapidly becoming key resources for financial information, especially for younger adults.
Only 35% of adults turn to financial advisers for personalised guidance, while popular TV programs like The Martin Lewis Money Show have become household staples, with 29% of UK adults relying on them for clear, straightforward financial advice.
Recent research from Aqua shows 30% of Brits admitting that financial mistakes have caused an increase in stress, and that 41% feel negatively about their financial situation. Sharvan Selvam, Aqua’s Commercial Director, stresses that, “When it comes to managing your money and making financial decisions, using credible sources is essential. Misinformed decisions can lead to costly mistakes, so it’s important to rely on established, reputable sources of information – such as FCA-regulated financial professionals.”
It’s organisations like the Society of Later Life Advisers that can help people to find the right advice when it comes to their financial future. Qualified, professional advisers who specialise in later advice. And at RJ Advocacy, we’re proud to be an Affiliate member of SOLLA, ensuring that those in need of support receive the best advice when it comes to funding care.
It’s not been an easy year for many, but with the right support available and so many championing the changes that are needed, we hope to see an improvement next year. An improvement for those in need of care as well as for those working so hard in the background to make quality care a reality.