Adult Social Care Update
Government consults on making visiting a legal requirement in care settings
New regulations will give the Care Quality Commission (CQC) additional powers to allow families to visit loved ones receiving care in residential and other settings.
The Government acknowledges the positive effect visiting has on the emotional wellbeing of all involved. To this end, it has launched a public consultation on how visiting can be mandated effectively and safely within health and care settings, including care homes.
Responses are encouraged from anyone involved in the health or care sector, whether through providing care, drawing on care, or as a friend or family member of someone who receives care. The consultation runs until 16 August 2023.
Contribute to the consultation here
NHS Health and Care Volunteer Responders: How to make referrals for people receiving care
The NHS and Care Volunteer Responders programme provides adult social care providers with readily available, appropriately checked volunteers to support people drawing on care services in England.
You can refer people for a friendly Check In and Chat phone call. More services will be available soon, such as volunteer support with shopping and prescription delivery. Making a referral is easy via the GoodSAM portal. You can also select the type of support needed and the frequency.
Find out more and register today
Funding for adult social care: LUHC committee publishes Government response
Last week, the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee published the Government's response to its report on the long-term funding of adult social care.
The Government acknowledged the funding challenges adult social care providers face and the implications inadequate funding has for them and those they care for.
It also re-stated its commitment to the 10-year vision for adult social care, pledging over £2 billion over the next two years, to support better access to quality care and helping more people live independently.
Click here to read the response in full
Learning Disability Week: Myth busting and raising awareness
It’s Learning Disability Week (19-25 June). This year’s theme is all about smashing society’s misconceptions and shining a light on the stigma, challenges and misunderstandings many people with learning disabilities face every day.
It’s also about celebrating achievements and creativity and the amazing care colleagues supporting them to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Laura Storey, service manager at Cygnet Healthcare's Outwood residential service in Leeds, uses her latest blog to explain how the individuals she and her team support inspire them to find person-centred solutions to transform lives.
Read Laura’s latest post on the DHSC Social Care blog
Digitising social care: take the accessibility survey
Do you or your colleagues have access needs (for example impaired vision, dyslexia, ADHD or motor difficulties) impacting how you use websites? If so, we're really keen to get your feedback on a new digital social care site, so we can make sure it's accessible to all.
If you'd like to take part in the survey, complete the short form at the link below. It doesn't take long and colleagues working on the project will get right back to you.