Good progress made on care strategy shaped by feedback

Shropshire Council is ensuring that changes to adult social care services asked for by the people who use them, their carers, families and friends are being put into place. 

The council carried out the biggest consultation on adult social care in the history of the county in 2011, to look at how the council can deliver the best care possible. 

During the consultation more than 600 people took part in events and discussions, resulting in a wealth of information that shaped a new strategy for adult social care. 

Significant key messages emerged from the consultation on the areas that are the most important to the people who use or come into contact with adult social care services.  These included supporting the individual, improving people’s opportunities to socialise and be part of their communities, modernising the approach to how daytime support is provided, and more use of technology to assist people in remaining independent. 

The strategy included a comprehensive action plan. The actions are currently being driven forward including: 

• Helping more people to use assistive technology – which can be anything from a medication dispenser or electronic memory aid to a whole-house alarm monitoring system. This year more than 100 pieces of equipment have been issued as part of plans to maximise individuals’ independence.  It is planned that a wider range of assistive technology equipment will be available to many more people, as the strategy is progressed.
• Giving more people the opportunity to use personal budgets to give them more options in choosing adult social care services, and take greater control over their lives.  More than 3,000 people are currently using personal budgets.
• Reviewing more flexible ways of working in day care which enhance opportunities and provide more personalised support.
• Helping more people lead independent, fulfilling lives, becoming a greater part of their community – initiatives include securing an award of just under £100,000 to develop innovative ideas to increase older people’s independence, confidence and links to others who can offer support.

The strategy is available by clicking here.

Councillor Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for adult social care, said:

“We are progressing the actions in the adult social care strategy to ensure that services are being delivered in the best way possible, recognising what people have told us is important to them. 

“During consultation people told us they want the opportunity to choose services that suit their individual needs and circumstances. They shared their views on how they want services that allow them to take greater control over their lives – and this is at the heart of the strategy. 

“By carrying out the actions we can help to make sure that the most vulnerable members of our community can lead the lives they wish to lead and, at the same time, ensure that money is spent where it can have the greatest impact.” 

Councillor Steve Charmley, Cabinet member for health and well-being, said:

“The aims of the plan include enabling people to live independent, fulfilling lives; ensuring each person is treated as an individual; ensuring information about services is easily available; and working more effectively with our partners. 

“We are moving forward with new ways of offering services which give people the chance to consider alternatives they may find more convenient, enjoyable and beneficial to traditional services.  This work is about giving people what they have told us they want – a wider range of personal support that enables them to remain independent and active members of their communities for as long as possible.” 

For more information on adult social care services provided by Shropshire Council go to shropshire.gov.uk/adultcarer.nsf