Future predictions and solutions for 2024 and beyond

I don’t know about you, but it certainly feels that social care is about to go through a monumental transition over the next two to three years.  There are many factors involved; cash strapped local authorities, overstretched NHS & social care, care needs rising, as well as technological advances.  In addition to those factors, we are also seeing care providers facing a long and difficult road trying to adapt to accommodate these changes.  Below is a summary of what the challenges are, specifically relating to social care and how we can solve them.

Government intervention for health and social care       

Whichever government comes into power, unless this country makes a decision as to the path we are trying to create for our health and social care future i.e. fully funded through increased taxes or 2-tiered approach, then nothing will change.  My question is “Can we afford to wait for that decision”? The answer is quite simply “No”.

Local authorities

There will be more local authorities whose books will not balance over the next 12 months. Many independent reports are in the public domain, provide this evidence, including Fair Cost of Care.  This will have a detrimental effect on all who need access to some form of social care, putting more pressure on an already stretched sector.  For care providers who are reliant on social care contracts, this could well mean we see many care providers having to close because they cannot make the money they need to survive financially.

Technology advances

Over the last 3 months I have seen some amazing technological advancements in health and social care, two spring to mind. There are now robots in people’s homes that can interact with a person who receive support. These robots allow the person to manage their medication, send/receive alerts and communicate easily with loved ones or care providers. I have also seen a demo of a 3D wearable headset. When worn, it enables the likes of doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, to view what the person who is wearing the device is viewing. This can help health care professionals provide instant diagnosis and treatment. My concern is how care providers will react and adapt to these advances i.e. choose to embrace or not. We know technology is coming on a big scale and we need to plan to ensure care providers can adapt.

So what does all this mean to care providers?

The above is the harsh reality that is being faced, but I honestly believe there will be winners to these changes. Those winners will be the ones who choose to put plans in place to adapt now. This requires a change management process. At the Institute of Health and Social Care Management, we are putting the final touches in place of a proven transition program that will enable care providers to take control of their own destiny. Do you want to be part of this program? If the answer is yes, then email sjones@ihm.org.uk.