Carers' views on the impact of the adult social care outcomes framework

This report examines the experiences of unpaid carers in Hounslow and assesses local performance against measures within the Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF). Healthwatch Hounslow gathered feedback from carers and social care professionals to explore carers’ quality of life, access to support, involvement in decision-making and experiences of local social care services.

The findings show that many carers struggled to access information, felt insufficiently consulted about support for the people they care for, and were dissatisfied with services received. Respondents reported social isolation, difficulties attending events and appointments, poor wellbeing, delays in assessments and challenges obtaining support. Carers from some ethnic minority communities also highlighted difficulties accessing information and services due to language and cultural barriers.

Healthwatch Hounslow concluded that carers require better information, stronger involvement in care decisions and improved access to respite, advocacy and support services. The report recommends improving communication, strengthening partnership working across organisations, reducing delays in assessments, increasing awareness of carers’ rights and addressing inequalities affecting carers from diverse communities.