Rural Care at Home Report
Download (PDF 691.91 KB)Summary of report content
This report by Healthwatch North Lincolnshire examines challenges in accessing home care services in rural parts of North Lincolnshire. The work aims to guide the recommissioning of care at home services in North Lincolnshire so that it addresses the specific needs of rural communities.
Conducted between August 2022 and summer 2023, the research includes a survey and phone interviews, with feedback from 10 survey respondents and 8 interviewees.
The survey, revealed that many people in rural areas face significant challenges, including a shortage of available carers and long waiting times for care needs assessments. Some participants reported waiting over six months for assessments, leading to increased stress on families and, in some cases, admission to residential care homes due to the lack of available home care.
Most participants were unaware of community support options or assistive technologies which could help alleviate isolation and support independent living.
The report recommends that North Lincolnshire Council Provider development team implement the care at home pilot more widely in the rural communities, as well as providing more information and support about the service.