Care Act 2014 • Overview: The Care Act 2014 is a significant piece of legislation in England aimed at improving care and support for adults. It emphasizes continuity of care, the removal of geographical barriers, and outlines local authority responsibilities to ensure individuals receive appropriate services regardless of their location. • Geographical Barriers: ◦ Removed to ensure continuity of care when individuals move. ◦ Local authorities must coordinate care transitions to prevent gaps in service. • Continuity of Care: ◦ Ensures ongoing support for individuals relocating within England. ◦ Establishes processes for local authorities to follow during transitions. • Local Authority Responsibilities: ◦ Conduct assessments for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP). ◦ Promote individual well-being and provide tailored information about rights. ◦ Shift from providing services to meeting individual needs through commissioning. ◦ Ensure individuals have care plans and personal budgets for independent living. ◦ Facilitate access to independent advocacy for those needing support in decision-making. Role of Local Authorities • Overview: Local authorities play a crucial role in promoting individual wellbeing by shifting from service provision to meeting the diverse needs of individuals. They facilitate person-centered services, ensuring that care plans and personal budgets are tailored to empower individuals in their choices and support. • Individual Wellbeing: ◦ Focus on enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals. ◦ Shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to personalized services. • Person-Centered Services: ◦ Emphasis on placing the individual at the center of care. ◦ Tailored information about rights and entitlements based on community needs. • Care Plans: ◦ Development of individualized care plans for those assessed as needing support. ◦ Ensures comprehensive assessment of care needs through processes like the Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP). • Personal Budgets: ◦ Financial resources allocated to individuals to purchase necessary support and services. ◦ Self-Assessment Process (SAP) determines budget eligibility. ◦ Options for managing budgets include direct payments or appointing an agent. • Commissioning Services: ◦ Planning, agreeing, and monitoring services in partnership with users and communities. ◦ Outsourcing options to enhance choice and value for money. • Fair Access to Care: ◦ Framework established to determine eligibility for social care services. ◦ Considers individual needs and risks to independence across four eligibility bands: critical, substantial, moderate, and low.