High fuel prices are forcing careworkers to leave homecare
Over half (51%) of homecare providers said that careworkers were giving in their notice or had already left due to the high fuel prices, according to research conducted by the Homecare Association. High fuel prices have a significant impact on homecare workers, 82% of whom use their own vehicle for work as, collectively, they drive an estimated 4 million miles per day. Losing more homecare workers when the vacancy rate is already the highest on record (over 13%), risks serious harm to people who need care and support at home.
The survey of 509 homecare providers found that shortage of careworkers is adversely affecting availability of support for people who need help. Over half (57%) of homecare providers are declining new clients. Worryingly, a quarter (25%) of homecare providers who mainly support people funded by councils and the NHS have stopped the delivery of care to some existing clients.
Responses revealed a significant impact in rural areas, where homecare workers have to travel further between each of their clients. Almost two-thirds (65%) of providers said that they were having to decline taking on new clients.
Most providers (91%) said they had not been given any financial help with rising fuel costs by their council or Integrated Care Systems. High fuel costs are also impacting on the viability of businesses, with nine in ten (90%) providers saying they were either concerned or very concerned by how the increase in fuel prices could affect the financial sustainability of their organisation.
Dr Jane Townson, CEO of the Homecare Association, said:
“We simply cannot afford for the homecare workforce to shrink even further. We are already seeing the devastating impact of the lack of capacity in homecare. Older and disabled people are having to sit on council waiting lists, unable to receive the care they need, risking deterioration in health and emergency admission to hospital. NHS trusts are struggling to ensure rapid ambulance response times and to reduce waiting lists, as discharge from hospital is hampered by inadequate capacity in social care and community services. 1 in 4 people stuck in hospital when fit to leave are waiting for homecare.
“High fuel costs, coupled with the rising cost of living, is forcing many homecare workers to move to roles elsewhere. 70% of homecare is bought by the public sector. Low fee rates and poor commissioning practices have led to unfavourable terms and conditions of employment for careworkers. To support the health and care system this winter, the Government must step in to support homecare workers with the high fuel costs.
“We need adequate funding for homecare, so we can enable people to live well at home, extend healthy life expectancy, take pressure off the NHS and reduce costs for the health and care system.”
The Homecare Association calls on the government to:
- Provide temporary grant funding of £107 million p.a. as a fuel allowance to cover increased costs of fuel for vehicles needed to deliver homecare;
- Provide £1.7 billion p.a. of additional funding for homecare to ensure that fee rates cover costs and careworkers receive fair pay, including full recompense for work-related expenses such as mileage.
Read the full report here.
