Coronavirus Act 2020 and Adult Social Care: resident needs in the event of easements

Healthwatch Hull was asked by Hull City Council to conduct independent engagement about potential easements to its duties to provide care in the event of a second wave of Covid-19. Healthwatch Hull developed a survey to understand people’s views about potential easements.  Altogether 715 responses were received.

Most respondents have a number of care needs, and have some form of care package in place to meet these needs. The data highlights the extent to which family and friends support individuals with their care needs, with families providing additional support on top of formal provision.

 The contribution of the voluntary sector also cannot be underestimated, with a number of organisations being referenced. The responses also highlight how many people are being supported to live independently, and that for many, their needs are ongoing and are not just in response to the restrictions of the current pandemic. Most respondents living independently do not always know who the most appropriate person is to contact with regards to their care, and so communication that gives greater clarity to service users may be justified.

People also commented about services reducing or ceasing already.  It may be beneficial for greater signposting to alternative services or provision that can still be accessed, particularly as restrictions continue.

Although a significant number of people responded that they had family or friends that can help with certain care from time to time, the extent that this help could entail was very variable and specific to each individual, and so it cannot be taken at face value that on the whole there are others who can fully support. Most people wanted to be informed in writing of any easements by letter, and invariably would like someone else involved in their care advised of this too.. There were a significant number of differing communication needs and so alternative or tailored formats would also be needed. It is important to people that they are informed in advance of the decision being made and then updated as and when information arises. They wanted to be informed of all key possible changes to their care, including the provider, frequency and method of delivery, but also any potential cost implications.

 Respondents also commented very strongly that they wished to be informed of how, why and by whom the decision had been made. Based on the concerns that some respondents raised about potential changes or withdrawal of their support, any such communication will need to be implicit as to what the change would mean in practice; be it a delay, a reprioritisation, a reduction, or other type of change. It of course goes without saying that the impact would need to be considered in line with the person’s individual circumstances and wider support network, as alluded to above.