Don’t forget us Mr Sunak!

How is it possible that last week’s budget made absolutely no mention of social care? We’re still in the middle of a crisis that has seen care homes hit hardest by Covid, yet our sector hasn’t merited one single mention in the Chancellor’s announcement.

What will happen to the Infection Control Fund and other similar emergency measures when they expire at the end of this month? Is social care not going to get any ongoing financial help? Despite all that we have been through?

Caring for elderly and vulnerable people is a real privilege but comes at considerable extra cost during a pandemic – and I’m not just thinking money.

My team have given their all over the last year to keep everyone safe, sometimes moving out of the family home in order to devote themselves fully to their job. It’s been hard and emotionally draining, with ‘going the extra mile’ becoming par for the course. Surely dedication like that deserves proper recognition?

The recently published NHS White Paper promised social care reform plans later this year. They won’t come a moment too soon.

This last twelve months has forced a lot of change. We’re having to do things differently, think more innovatively and act more flexibly. A lot has been achieved in horrendously difficult circumstances, but adult social care needs public support and acknowledgement.

Don’t take us for granted Mr Sunak – and please don’t forget us.