Local MP Damian Hinds Visits Steep House to Discuss the Future of Social Care
Steep House Nursing Home recently welcomed local Member of Parliament Damian Hinds for a visit following correspondence from the home regarding the government’s proposed closure of the social care visa route for overseas recruitment.
Steep House, part of the Aria Care group, is proud to be a diverse and inclusive care home, with staff from a range of cultural backgrounds working together to deliver compassionate, person-centred care. Team members at the home represent countries including England, Wales, South Africa, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Thailand, the Philippines, Nigeria and Romania—bringing with them a wealth of experience and enriching the community within the home.
With the social care sector already facing ongoing challenges such as workforce shortages, increased demand for services, and financial pressures, the team at Steep House felt compelled to raise their concerns about the potential impact of these changes on recruitment and care provision.
During the visit, Damian Hinds was introduced to members of the care team and several residents, giving him the opportunity to see first-hand the warmth, professionalism, and dedication that define daily life at Steep House.
In their original letter to the MP, the home shared the following message:
“At the heart of social care are the residents that we look after. Losing the ability to recruit enough staff in care homes means that the residents do not receive the quality of care they deserve as they approach the final years of their life.”
The team also spoke openly about the wider challenges currently affecting the care workforce, including low pay, limited career progression, and high workloads—all of which contribute to difficulties in attracting new staff within the UK. The ability to recruit internationally has, in many cases, been essential in ensuring residents receive consistent, high-quality support.
Staff members at Steep House were pleased to share their personal experiences and career journeys, highlighting the vital role that overseas colleagues play in supporting the care sector and maintaining standards of care for older people.
The visit served as a valuable opportunity for honest, open dialogue, and the team expressed hope that policymakers will carefully consider the lived realities of those who work in social care—and the individuals and families who depend on it.
The team at Steep House extended their thanks to Damian Hinds for taking the time to visit, engage with residents and staff, and listen to their perspectives. They remain committed to advocating for a sustainable and inclusive future for social care—one where every resident receives the care, dignity, and respect they deserve.
Steep House provides residential, nursing and dementia care on a permanent and short stay basis. If you are looking for a care home and want to find out more about our home, then feel free to call us on 01730 775 939.
