Are Local Councils failing to meet the needs of the elderly!

• Age UK have published a report today the 17th November 2016  identifying the fact that 1.2 million people don’t get the help they need from adult social care services in their area and some 696,000 people get no help what so ever.  This of course is an indictment on the system but not necessarily a fault which lies at the door of adult social services.

• Local Authorities in this country are the main providers of care for the elderly both in the community and in more structured residential care homes.  They have a must do duty pursuant to the Care Act 2014. This duty is to provide care services to people in their community for the purpose of preventing, reducing and delaying the need for care and support.

• Why therefore do so many elderly people go without either adequate or no help what so ever.  There are of course a number of reasons.  Firstly the sheer numbers of people requiring care and support makes a Local Authority’s task almost impossible.  Secondly there is lack of budget at council level.  Thirdly the test which is applied and adjudicated on by Local Authorities only requires them to provide services where there is a significant need on the part of an adult or carer who needs care and support.

• A further reason why some people get no support at all is because they do not know their rights or where to go to start the process.

• Most people will not know that a Local Authority must (not should) carry out a needs assessment on anyone who has needs for care and support now or in the future irrespective of whether those same needs will be eligible or will qualify financially.  Further, if you are rejected, you need to know that there is an appeals process. For the purpose of starting the process contact by telephone, email or call in to your local adult social care department.  Do not take no for an answer.

• The above is an overview only. For a FREE appointment and to find out answers to the questions that need answering  and to get the care you or a loved one need email Andrew Douglas or his  team. Alternatively call us on               0800 072 8636.

We have offices In Marlborough, Royal Wootton Basset, Devizes & Chippenham. Alternatively visit our website www. abdcare.co.uk

Andrew Douglas
Partner

--------------------------