THE FUTURE of social care was at the top of the agenda when Rugby’s MP and a potential successor visited Rugby Care Centre.
Mark Pawsey and Coun Yousef Dahmash spoke with the Clifton Road centre’s owner Jay Dodhia and Deputy Manager Glorily Bacoog-Fellows about innovative approaches to resident care and fostering a supportive work environment for staff.
They also discussed the importance of attracting and retaining skilled caregivers.
Mr Dodhia said: “The care sector is chronically underfunded, coupled with increasing operational costs and complex health needs, which is making it increasingly difficult to maintain the standard of care that our residents deserve.
“We have recently written to Mr Pawsey and outlined the critical need for additional funding, citing the estimated £12 to £14billion shortfall that threatens the sustainability of care services across the country.
“It also highlights the alarming trend of care home closures, a direct consequence of the financial pressures faced by providers, which has had a devastating impact on individuals and families reliant on these essential services.”
Mr Pawsey reaffirmed his support for the social care sector and pledged to share the centre’s insights with the social care minister.
He said: “Ministers recently announced an additional £600million for local authorities, which includes £500million to bolster social care budgets.
“However, following my meeting with Jay I have written to the minister expressing his concerns, and those of the sector more broadly.”
Coun Dahmash added: “My parents ran a residential home in Bilton when I was growing up so I am acutely aware of the sector, its needs, pressures and demands.
“With an ageing population, it is clear that social care must be a priority. There are no easy solutions and we need to have a national conversation about it.”
