Kent care home boss warns of 'brewing crisis'

The manager of a care home in Kent says he is concerned about the future provision of services within the industry.

Sid Martin, business manager at Milward House in Tunbridge Wells, said he worries that the social care of Britain's ageing population has not been planned for.

"I think there is a brewing crisis in care," he said. "In ten years will there be enough care homes?"

A government spokesperson said, "We are addressing the adult social care sector's urgent need for support with over £4.6bn funding available in 2028-29 compared to 2025-26."

Martin said a perfect storm was developing due to people living longer.

"If they are infirm and unable to look after themselves at home, then there could be a situation where there aren't enough beds in care homes to go round," he added.

Care home fees at Milward House range from £1,582 to £1,999 per week - and these funds must cover rising costs.

Martin said: "Our wage bill is over a million pounds a year. There's fire and health safety compliance, the recent National Insurance contribution increases and double digit percentage increases in our utility bills.

"It just costs a lot to run a home with over 30 people in it."

The majority of Milward House residents are self-funded but there would be a shortfall of around two-thirds if the state were to pay.

"I wonder truly if we would be able to stay afloat if it was just local authority funding," Martin said.

"I don't know how some services survive and remain safe, complying and offering excellent care. It does cost a lot of money and I don't think we'd be here if we were totally socially funded."

Meanwhile in the lounge at Milward House, the residents are being treated to a singing and games afternoon with Susan Schibli.

She said: "Music is very important as we can all sing and clap along."

Schibli said she wanted residents to keep active and to keep learning.

"This is not a waiting room for God," she added.

"This is not about sitting around waiting for the time coming to die. This is about continuing to live a fulfilling life until the last breath."

The programme of entertainment doesn't just take place in the home, there are also day trips to local attractions.

Krizsti Boros says, "We had a lovely day out to the Amelia Scott Museum in Tunbridge Wells where we saw an exhibition about the Royal Family.

"I think it was very helpful for our 'family members' - as we call our residents - they were able to look at the pictures and reminisce what they were doing in their own lives at the time."

This care home requires over a thousand hours of staffing per week.

According to Martin, a long term overview of adult social care in the UK needs to be undertaken now.

He said: "Who does the planning? The government or the care homes - it's a bit of a chicken and egg situation. It's difficult to know because the needs in ten years might be greater or less than what we have now.

"Government and care homes do need to work together to decide what fits best."

Diane Morton, Kent County Council's cabinet member for adult social care, said: "I don't know anyone working in adult social care who isn't concerned about the future – least of all me.

"How society is going to care for our older, vulnerable residents is something that keeps me awake at night."

The government spokesperson added that they were committed to building a National Care Service, and that an independent commission would deliver recommendations this year to address immediate priorities in the industry.

The government has also agreed to a number of immediate recommendations from Baroness Casey which include establishing a new National Safeguarding Board focusing on the protection of vulnerable adults, undertaking an urgent review of adult safeguarding statutory duties and powers, and accelerating work to transform dementia care and research.

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