It's that time of year again

Let’s hope 2019 is a better year for Social Care Services Looking back over the year 2018 I have tried to bring to your attention articles and blogs that you might find interesting in the world of social care. I have covered topics ranging from the crises in social care funding to the use of Alexa to help those suffering from dementia. The central purpose of my blogs as always is to keep you informed of innovative practice that may improve the quality of life of people who use social care services. In addition, I bring to your attention new requirements placed on providers by the Care Quality Commission. Overall the year 2018 in social care is ending as it began. Social care is still in crises because of underfunding, and has reached a tipping point. A number of care homes have decided to call it a day, and some domiciliary care providers have even handed back their contacts to local authorities because they are uneconomically viable. What is most disappointing is the continued delay of the Green Paper which, could you believe it, is now being blamed on Brexit. However, as a long standing optimist I am sure 2019 can only get better. Surely, during the year, we will see at last our newly confirmed relationship with the European Union. It may also see the publication of the long await Green Paper. Regardless, of either outcome, people will always require social care services and we will need committed people to provide them. Here at Bettal we have seen a continued growth in providers subscribing to our Quality Management System Policies and Procedures which are used for registration purposes at the start of new businesses. We can take this as a positive light at the end of the tunnel. All the best to you and yours for 2018. Happy Christmas Albert Cook BA, MA & Fellow Charted Quality Institute Managing Director Bettal Quality Consultancy