Adult social care: lived experience
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Healthwatch Darlington worked in partnership with the Darlington Borough Council (DBC) Adult Social Care Team to undertake research into the lived experience of people who receive input from Adult Social Care. The aim was to improve the way individuals with care and support needs are assessed and supported by social work and social care services by refocusing interventions away from 'need' and deficits and towards resources and 'strengths'. They undertook interviews with 20 people.
Participants said that when the following criteria were met, they had positive experiences:
- Continuity of workers.
- Good communication, before, during and after visits or assessments.
- Friendly and caring staff who listen and are patient.
- Involvement of family where appropriate.
- Following up: workers doing what they say they would do.
The lack of these criteria led some respondents to have an unsatisfactory experience.