Care homes will see increased funding in 2024. The government’s pledge of a pay rise for care home staff between 2024 and 2025 signals a crucial step towards improving support for thousands of residents. This increase not only boosts finances but also underscores the value placed on quality care provision.
Let's Talk About The Increase:
The Government has promised a pay increase of 7.4% between 2024 and 2025, saying it will support tens of thousands of care home residents with a variety of nursing needs. The standard weekly pay rate for care home staff sits at just £219.71. On the higher end of the weekly pay rate, staff can expect £302.25.
The 7.4% increase in funding from the government will take the standard weekly pay rate up to £235.88. The higher rate will reach £324.50. This increase will allow NHS-funded care homes to provide better care and provide for residents that have specialty health issues.
how Will This Effect Care Homes?
With this significant increase in rate of pay, the government expects tens of thousands of care home residents will be affected for the better. Registered nurses provide support to people eligible for NHS-funded nursing care with a variety of needs, including: people with learning disabilities, those living with enduring physical or mental health needs and various conditions associated with old age. This type of role requires range of skills and training that the 7.4% increase will massively support. Allowing nurses to learn specialist training and provide that specialist care to residents who need it the most. The increase in pay rate from 2024 to 2025 is based on adult social care data, which has been independently verified and quality assured.
Providing extra funding to the NHS-funded care homes not only helps the nurses in the homes provide better service. It also removes a lot of pressure off hospitals and the NHS staff who work within them. The extra funding also aids the government’s plans to cut waiting lists, by allowing patients to be transferred from the hospital to a social care setting if deemed medically fit. Learn about how this impacts care at NHS England.
The Future Of Funding:
The government has announced a 10-year vision for adult social care. To support that vision, they have made up to £8.6 Billion available over the financial year for 2024 and 2025 for adult social care and discharge. Additionally, they plan to invest up to £700 million to make major improvements to the current adult social care system.
This funding will result in local authorities and care providers being able to reduce waiting times to provide care at a much faster rate. This will help people leave hospital in a timely manner and put them into an appropriate social care facility, freeing up hospital space for more patients who need it most. This funding increase will also allow for buying of more care packages for the community and will also improve workforce recruitment and retention in the adult social care sector.
With this increase in funding, it goes to show the true importance of carers, giving so much of their time and energy just to help someone else live a better life. The funding increase results in the path being paved for better trained staff, enhanced resources, and ultimately, improved lives for care home residents. Lets embrace this opportunity to elevate care standards and honour the dedication to those in the sector. To join our team or learn about career opportunities, click here.
