Living in a care home in County Durham: Research into the experience of service users with a learning disability in County Durham

This report was written by Healthwatch County Durham following a request from the local authority.

The report was published March, 2017 with a set of survey work being completed beforehand. A total of 34 responses were gathered with most completed face to face.

Overall sentiment was positive.

A set of recommendations is included in the report. No response from related providers is attached, however the report was intended as feedback for the local authority to consider based on the experiences of those with learning disabilities in care homes.

Summary of recommendations:

Service users really valued the opportunity to be able to contribute and talk about the support they receive and we recommend that Durham County Council embed service user engagement to their review processes giving opportunities for all service users to be heard.

Support providers should be encouraged by commissioners to share best practice in relation to service users accessing interesting and varied leisure and recreational activities which meet their needs, interests and aspirations.

Support providers should be encouraged to utilise mainstream facilities and investigate whether there are befriending opportunities in their locality.

Commissioners should link with care coordination teams to ensure the commissioned services are meeting the leisure and activity needs of individuals, as this contributes to their health and wellbeing.

Commissioners should ensure leisure and activities are integral to their contract monitoring procedures.