Sustainability in homecare: Bringing together the Circle of Care

With CQC underscoring the importance of sustainable strategies can providers balance sustainable practices while ensuring quality of care & business outcomes?
sustainability-in-domiciliary-care
Merina Martin
5th October 2023

Sustainability in homecare services is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s a must. As the world grapples with environmental challenges, homecare providers are uniquely positioned to actively contribute to the planet’s wellbeing, while ensuring that their clients are happy and their operations are robust.

The challenges that homecare providers face are substantial. It includes energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction. However, these hurdles can be effectively addressed through strategic planning focused on efficiency and staff education. For example, incorporating environmental sustainability practices into homecare services ensures the continuation of caregiving services while reducing their environmental footprint.

Through the adoption of a forward-thinking sustainability strategy – with both short- and long-term initiatives – homecare providers can continue with uninterrupted care services, even in light of unforeseen disruptions like severe weather events.

Bringing together the circle of care

By harnessing sustainable strategies, homecare providers can optimise their operations, enhance the quality of care delivered, and empower their staff to be ambassadors of eco-conscious practices. This involves teaching caregivers to save energy, using eco-friendly products for cleaning and care, and showing clients how to make sustainable choices at home. In addition to helping the environment and improving the quality of care, it also encourages everyone in the circle of care to live more sustainably.

In fact, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) underscores the importance of sustainable strategies through its new assessment criteria, particularly in the ‘well-led‘ section, where environmental sustainability and sustainable development take centre stage. To perform well, care agencies must not only embrace sustainable practices but also demonstrate evidence of their commitment to sustainability, both within their business operations and through their interactions with clients.

By onboarding CareLineLive software, care agencies can streamline planning, optimise resource allocation, and ensure that carers can navigate the most efficient and available routes. Our technology can also aid in maintaining infection control protocols and daily routines by having software with notes that all carers can access, underscoring their role in safeguarding both care quality and sustainability.

Overcoming sustainability hurdles

However, sustainability goes beyond just environmental worries; it’s closely tied to business durability and adaptability. As the impacts of climate change affect many areas, the need for thorough business continuity planning becomes more evident.

The benefits? This forms the foundation for seamless care provision, even during disruptions that could otherwise halt operations. In this light, sustainability isn’t only a moral duty but also a practical requirement, making sure care agencies can carry out their crucial mission even amid difficulties.

Navigating diverse environments

The connection between sustainability and homecare services is a clear and vital need that extends beyond just environmental concerns. As care agencies navigate the intricacies of sustainability, they are presented with an unparalleled opportunity not only to enhance their business resilience and financial sustainability but also to contribute positively to the environment.

Ultimately, the future of homecare rests on this crucial cross-over of responsibility, innovation, and impact. By adopting sustainability and management software like CareLineLive, care agencies can lead toward a future where strong operations and positive environmental results come together seamlessly, taking care of both clients and the planet’s wellbeing.

The bottom line

Sustainability and financial success are closely linked, benefiting each other. Sustainable actions not only lessen environmental harm but also improve economic efficiency, ensuring the long-term viability of care agencies.

So, by investing in environmentally responsible initiatives, homecare providers can reduce operational costs and also enhance their brand reputation, attracting environmentally conscious clients and fostering positive community relationships.

 

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