More than 15 million people at any one time receive or need support and care in their own homes, shocking recent reports have emerged of councils not paying homecare companies enough, leaving these companies unable to raise workers’ wages. Private clients usually make up the most money going towards homecare companies however, they are the minority.

These wages go towards crucial parts of working in healthcare such as travel costs and offering overall quality care. Around 850,000 people per year are supported at home, who all depend on these wages. The shortages come from councils not having enough money.

Only 1 in 8 of public organisations were paying an average price, or above the Homecare Association’s Minimum Price for Homecare of £21.43 per hour. 24 public organisations reported paying less than an average of £16 per hour for homecare workers, as said by Homecare Association.

The Homecare Association is taking the lead when it comes to this matter, working towards a future when everyone can expect to be happily and easily be looked after in the comfort of their own homes.

The government has announced funding of £500 million over a 3-year period, starting from 2023. This will go towards training and wellbeing.

A lack of urgency is present when it comes to those working within the healthcare industry and despite ongoing staff shortages there are no immediate changes being made even though the government has made plans for the coming years, there appears to be no immediate help now and that is where the problem falls. Services lacking capacity within the community add additional pressure on the NHS who are unable to discharge patients from hospital beds.

The inequalities that come with not paying homecare staff leave thousands with unmet needs all around the country.

More needs to be done. This is a crisis for all those working within homecare services and those being looked after by it.