Cumbria County Council is backing a call to improve homecare for older people and people with disabilities.
The Council has signed up to UNISON’s Ethical Care Charter. The Charter sets out minimum standards for care at home - for the people who receive it and the workers who provide it.
The Charter states that visits should allow plenty of time for tasks such as help with personal care to be carried out with dignity, and that workers should not have to rush from client to client.
It adds that people should have the chance to get to know their homecare worker and wherever possible, should keep the same one.
The Charter also calls for better conditions for homecare workers themselves, including a living wage, a realistic allowance for travel time and regular, good quality training.
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:
“It's great to see the County Council is adopting UNISON’s Ethical Care Charter. Making this commitment to decent employment conditions for care workers is all about improving the quality of life for the people they care for. I know that both Stewart and the council as a whole take their obligations to care workers and the cared for very seriously.
“A real living wage and more secure employment will help make it possible for dedicated care workers to stay in the job and focus on giving the best possible care. At such a difficult time for local authorities, it’s pleasing to see yet another council making this a priority.”
Stewart Young, Leader of Cumbria County Council, said:
“This is an issue close to my heart. Not only does this charter support our homecare workers by calling for decent wages, quality training and proper support. But it also clearly sets out proper standards for people receiving care at home ensuring that their personal care is always delivered with dignity and respect. The Council is delighted to be able to support and make such a worthwhile commitment.”
Dave Prentis' blog from his recent visit to Cumbria is available here.