Care Act Consultation Report

Healthwatch Richmond conducted a multi-channel programme of community engagement to support the local council in responding to the Care Act consultation. They focussed on three sections of the Act; prevention, finance and eligibility.

Prevention 

Participants highlighted the need for more support services for carers and service users. There was a call for improving and increasing access to services for social interaction and recreational activities to encourage the community to remain fit and healthy. 

When asked about accessing information, participants identified the need for one point of contact to simplify the process. Most labelled their GP as the most important individual to go to for information. It also became clear that the local authority should make better use of networks of organisations, and that there was a need for better integration between services, carers and service users.

Finance 

Responses to question on renting out the home to cover the cost of care were mixed. Many participants said they would not want to rent their homes; others expressed the need for logistical support, good communication from the council and good management of the process.

Eligibility 

A separate survey on eligibility showed a high level of uncertainty about the eligibility criteria. Concerns were raised over a perceived lack of personalisation and flexibility affecting the ability to maintain the existing level of access to care. The importance of personalisation was consistently repeated. Individuals want one point of contact, one social worker and information from the GP. Also repeated regularly was the need for the local authority to improve their relationship with the community through open, transparent and clear communication and to work in partnership with the NHS, carers and service users to coordinate care in a meaningful way.