Residents in Lincolnshire are increasingly turning to council funding for their care needs, as revealed by a recent analysis from BBC Lincolnshire. The report highlights that nearly 70 pence of every pound spent by Lincolnshire County Council goes towards social care, a significant burden on the local budget.
At Tanglewood Nursing Home in Horncastle, the atmosphere was lively with a classical music performance by a four-piece ensemble, bringing joy to the elderly residents. However, behind this cheerful façade, manager Alice O'Hare shared the pressing challenges facing the care sector.
"People are trying to look after their loved ones at home, partly because of the cost of care, so by the time they get to us, they may have had a period off work which has drained their savings," O'Hare explained. This situation has led to a growing reliance on council funding, with 68% of the council's net budget allocated to adult and children's social care in the 2024-25 fiscal year, amounting to approximately £442 million.
The council has noted an increase in referrals and more complex cases, prompting concerns about the sustainability of care services. Although the government has acknowledged the urgent need for support in the sector, the financial realities remain daunting for care providers.
At Tanglewood, 66 residents are cared for by a dedicated team of 51 staff members, with weekly fees averaging £1,300. However, when a place is funded by the council, the home receives only about £900, leading to a reliance on top-up fees from families. O'Hare remarked that these additional contributions are becoming increasingly difficult to secure as families face financial strain.
In the day room, staff member Caroline Hughes expressed her passion for her work. "Any other job I wouldn't do for minimum wage, but the thrill and joy I get from making people happy is worth it tenfold," she said, highlighting the strong sense of community among the staff and residents.
Nurse and deputy manager Jessy Romy acknowledged the challenges of low wages in the sector. "Caring is a top reward job, yet it's always the minimum wage, and sometimes it's not enough for the staff as everything is expensive," she noted.
Recruiting staff in rural Lincolnshire remains a challenge, but Tanglewood has managed to maintain a full team, with some employees having served for nearly 30 years. Rising costs, such as petrol, are also affecting staff, with some opting to combine shifts and stay with friends to save on commuting expenses.
As pressures on the care sector continue to mount, the community is left to ponder the future of social care in Lincolnshire. How can we support our care workers and ensure that residents receive the quality care they deserve?