How can people's social care needs be better assessed and supported?
The perspectives of those in need and their unpaid carers.
Summary
With support from a local care provider, we spoke to people about their experiences of the Care Act assessment process. We identified a significant risk of people in need of social care support, and their unpaid carers, having unmet needs.
Key findings
- It is challenging to understand and access the array of social care services available.
- Many people are unaware of the process and timescale for getting a care assessment, deterring them from seeking one.
- Communication with professionals is inconsistent and people are often not offered adequate advocacy support which affects the outcome of assessments.
As a result of what people shared, Gloucestershire’s Adult Social Care team invited us to:
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Provide feedback at a Local Government Association peer review meeting in preparation for a CQC inspection.
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Work with their newly appointed Customer Experience Manager to help improve people's assessment journey
Downloads
If you need this report in a different format, please email info@healthwatchgloucestershire.co.uk or call 0800 652 5193 .
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