Comments on: Listen to the Caring Choices debate at the Labour conference http://www.caringchoices.org.uk/index.php/listen-to-the-caring-choices-debate-at-the-labour-conference Caring Choices is a nationwide initiative to help shape future policy on long-term care for older people. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:38:53 +0100 hourly 1 By: Rosemary http://www.caringchoices.org.uk/index.php/listen-to-the-caring-choices-debate-at-the-labour-conference/comment-page-1#comment-234 Rosemary Thu, 04 Oct 2007 21:17:25 +0000 http://www.caringchoices.org.uk/?p=68#comment-234 Having listened to the discussion link above, a few things were mentioned that show just how the present system for care services is/can be a joke. Assessments were mentioned by the 1st lady whose mam looked after her dad,about how in many cases visits were made by too many 'professionals' and too much time wasted. I know a case in our area where in excess of 50 man hours of home/hospital visits were made to an elderly couple who NEEDED their care package increased.With eligibilty criteria being tightened it was refused and yet after an appeal they received an extra 10 hours per week. The same lady mentioned assessments for equipment taking too long and too complicated.A few years ago in our area we had a 'Community Matron'.She had a list from a number of surgeries of patients with 'critical'needs.Part of her job was to monitor how they were,how they were coping and hopefully to catch any problems before possible hospital admissions.As part of her job she could bypass Soc Services and OT's and if certain equipment was needed by an individual she could ensure it was delivered asap and in some cases delivery was same day.She was attached on to the local PCT. Incontinence pads were mentioned in the discussion too.How many times do we read where people have to fight for supplies.Dignity for those cared for should be uppermost, along with ensuring that the person caring has the right supplies for their caring role. Direct Payments were discussed but how much can this service actually be developed when eligibility criteria being tightened so much across the country that in many cases only those classed as critical or substantial now qualify.Also,increased charges are going through the roof like we have seen recently in Lambeth, where their charges went up a massive 132% from Sept with a further 14 % due next year. DP's do not suit everyone and as such a CHOICE should always remain.Those who access day centres are now having packages withdrawn or reduced as more and more centres are being closed.Those that remain open,how long can people afford to access them?? One of the issues that was raised was trust.Just now for many, that does not exist regarding the government or local services.How can a social worker do their job properly and arrange a suitable care package when their hands are tied by budgets/managements. The same couple I mentioned at the beginning...their soc worker recommended an increased package from day one of her re assessment.It was only when she returned to the office that it had to go to her boss and then in front of a panel who turned it down.After an appeal it was passed.So much time wasted and an elderly couple and their family placed under added stress. How many people out there receive no care package or services at all, and for a minimum of 35 hours per week they receive just £48.65 per week Carers Allowance. There are so many problems for carers and their loved ones and its about time this government took action.These last months has brought the situation re: Care, to a critical point.In 6-8 months time after a severe winter,what will be discussed then..................... How many deaths could have been avoided? Having listened to the discussion link above, a few things were mentioned that show just how the present system for care services is/can be a joke.
Assessments were mentioned by the 1st lady whose mam looked after her dad,about how in many cases visits were made by too many ‘professionals’ and too much time wasted.
I know a case in our area where in excess of 50 man hours of home/hospital visits were made to an elderly couple who NEEDED their care package increased.With eligibilty criteria being tightened it was refused and yet after an appeal they received an extra 10 hours per week.
The same lady mentioned assessments for equipment taking too long and too complicated.A few years ago in our area we had a ‘Community Matron’.She had a list from a number of surgeries of patients with ‘critical’needs.Part of her job was to monitor how they were,how they were coping and hopefully to catch any problems before possible hospital admissions.As part of her job she could bypass Soc Services and OT’s and if certain equipment was needed by an individual she could ensure it was delivered asap and in some cases delivery was same day.She was attached on to the local PCT.
Incontinence pads were mentioned in the discussion too.How many times do we read where people have to fight for supplies.Dignity for those cared for should be uppermost, along with ensuring that the person caring has the right supplies for their caring role.

Direct Payments were discussed but how much can this service actually be developed when eligibility criteria being tightened so much across the country that in many cases only those classed as critical or substantial now qualify.Also,increased charges are going through the roof like we have seen recently in Lambeth, where their charges went up a massive 132% from Sept with a further 14 % due next year.
DP’s do not suit everyone and as such a CHOICE should always remain.Those who access day centres are now having packages withdrawn or reduced as more and more centres are being closed.Those that remain open,how long can people afford to access them??

One of the issues that was raised was trust.Just now for many, that does not exist regarding the government or local services.How can a social worker do their job properly and arrange a suitable care package when their hands are tied by budgets/managements.

The same couple I mentioned at the beginning…their soc worker recommended an increased package from day one of her re assessment.It was only when she returned to the office that it had to go to her boss and then in front of a panel who turned it down.After an appeal it was passed.So much time wasted and an elderly couple and their family placed under added stress.

How many people out there receive no care package or services at all, and for a minimum of 35 hours per week they receive just £48.65 per week Carers Allowance.

There are so many problems for carers and their loved ones and its about time this government took action.These last months has brought the situation re: Care, to a critical point.In 6-8 months time after a severe winter,what will be discussed then…………………

How many deaths could have been avoided?

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