Care body hits back at Minister over long-term care comments

Thursday 25 January 2024

A row between Jersey carers and the Government is heating up, with the industry body warning that its members are foreseeing “significant financial implications for staff retention, training and recruitment”.

At the heart of the row is a recent change in the weekly benefit rates payable under the long-term care scheme.

In November, the government announced a 7.7% increase in the weekly benefit rates payable under the long-term care scheme, which came into effect this month.

The scheme provides financial support to Jersey residents who need long-term care for the rest of their life, either at home or in a care home.

It is designed to meet the cost of care up to a maximum level, which varies with an individual’s care needs, and is funded by contributions from all income taxpayers.

"An unsustainable financial position"

However, Care Hub – a care agency supporting islanders with complex needs – said the uplift did not sufficiently take into account increasing costs, driven by inflation, wages and operational expenses.

It said it was being put in an “unsustainable financial position” and warned that quality care might become inaccessible to those who are reliant on government funding.

Pictured: Deputy Elaine Millar has previously said that the increase "reflects average earnings".

Deputy Millar later refuted suggestions that she had ignored Care Hub – saying that she had no knowledge of receiving any direct communication from the company – and added that other providers had not raised issues with the 7.7% increase.

“This increase reflects average earnings and I believe that historically, this is the general guideline for increases to LTC rates, as care costs are most closely linked to staffing costs,” she said at the time.

"All JCF members who contacted me expressed disappointment"

Responding to Deputy Millar’s comments, Ms Kenealy said: “Regarding concerns raised by the care sector, I can confirm that the JCF has communicated both serious concerns and shock regarding the low LTC uplift through written correspondence and face-to-face meetings with Deputy Millar and Deputy Karen Wilson.”

She continued: “While acknowledging that non-members may have different perspectives, I stress that all JCF members who contacted me expressed disappointment, foreseeing significant financial implications for staff retention, training and recruitment, potentially leading to a decline in care standards.”

Addressing Deputy Millar’s comments about the link between LTC rates and average earnings, she added: “I would like to point out that in recent documentation and meetings over the past two years, Deputy Millar herself has referenced the Retail Price Index (RPI) as her informed indicative financial tool.

“On behalf of the care sector, I would like to express serious misgivings about the apparent discrepancy in Deputy Millar’s recollection of this critical information, as its significantly impacts the Social Security Department’s budget and the entire Island.

“While expressing disappointment in the current situation, the JCF remains optimistic about the potential for positive change. We look forward to collaborating with a new Council of Ministers that demonstrates a genuine and positive commitment to providing appropriate, cost-effective and care-driven solutions for our community.”