Caring for the carers: carers' experience of reablement services

This is a report by Healthwatch Greenwich. The project looks at reablement services and how they affect carers.

Reablement is a short-term approach focusing on supporting individuals to regain their independence and skills after a period of illness. Reablement services are delivered in the person's home by a team of social care professionals. Unlike traditional home care, which typically involves doing tasks for the person, reablement follows a ‘doing with’ model, encouraging individuals to actively participate in their own care and do for themselves rather than have someone do things for them.

The aim of this project was to understand the experience of the reablement service from a carer’s perspective. In doing so, we explored how the reablement service could better support carers. Although carers play a crucial role in helping people regain their independence, there is limited information on their experience within the context of Greenwich reablement services.

Ten interviews were conducted with carers to understand what worked well and any challenges faced. Carers were largely unpaid, close family members responsible for supporting loved ones through the reablement process. Four interviews were conducted with Reablement staff to provide additional insight.

There are recommendations in this report.

Before Reablement Service Begins:

• Provide written pre-reablement information at hospital discharge that includes a description of the reablement service, the 

conditionality of the service, an explanation of the multiple roles – such as support workers, ILA’s and therapy staff and what they are 

responsible for.

During Reablement Service:

• Regular check-ins with carers to review shared understanding of goals and expectations and address concerns or queries.

• Identify specific needs and preferences during initial assessment, such as cultural beliefs and practices, timings of visit, and other 

factors that may affect the delivery of reablement. 

Post-Reablement:

• Consistent follow-up and provision of information on postreablement support and services.

• Proactively seek carer feedback. 

There are no follow up actions in this report. However the provider has responded with their own actions.