Assessment of adult social care services - our response
The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has published an assessment of the state of adult social care services in England.
The survey highlights the growing and urgent challenges facing councils as they work to deliver vital care and support services amid unprecedented financial pressures.
People tell us that social care can be transformative when they receive the support they need, and that their care helps them live more fulfilling lives. However, this survey highlights the severe financial pressures facing adult social care services that are making it harder for people to get the care they need.
To move from the current cycle of short-term thinking, we need to see the same focus on social care reform as we do on NHS reform, to ensure local services can meet existing demand and support people who might be eligible for care but are currently unable to access it.
Healthwatch England, our national Healthwatch, are calling for a fully-funded and long-term reform plan for social care alongside the NHS 10-Year Plan. This plan should improve support for unpaid carers, make understanding and accessing social care easier, and increase the focus on prevention to ensure people can live well for as long as possible.
We back the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services call for dedicated funding to enhance digital information and advice services, which are crucial for prevention, early intervention, and supporting people before they reach a crisis point. We also urge more investment in technology, care at home, and in the community, to help more people to live independently.
