Role of Local Authorities • Overview: Local authorities play a crucial role in promoting individual wellbeing by shifting from service provision to meeting diverse needs. They ensure that individuals have access to tailored information, advocacy, and resources necessary for independent living and personal choice. • Individual Wellbeing: ◦ Focus on person-centered care. ◦ Promote independence through tailored support. ◦ Ensure accessibility and flexibility in services. • Service Provision: ◦ Shift from traditional local authority services to a broader range of options. ◦ Commissioning involves planning, agreeing, and monitoring services with community input. ◦ Outsourcing allows individuals to choose services from various providers. • Community Information: ◦ Provide tailored information about rights and entitlements. ◦ Engage the community in understanding available services. ◦ Facilitate informed choices regarding care and support. • Advocacy: ◦ Arrange independent advocates for individuals needing support. ◦ Ensure involvement in assessments, planning, and safeguarding processes. ◦ Empower individuals to express their needs and preferences effectively. Care Act 2014 • Overview: The Care Act 2014 is a significant piece of legislation in England that aims to improve 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: ◦ Removal of barriers to ensure seamless care when moving between areas. ◦ Ensures no gaps in care and support during relocation. ◦ Local authorities must follow specific processes to meet needs upon moving. • Continuity of Care: ◦ Focus on maintaining consistent support for individuals as they relocate. ◦ Emphasizes planning and communication among local authorities. ◦ Aims to enhance individual wellbeing through uninterrupted service delivery. • Local Authority Responsibilities: ◦ Conduct assessments for care needs and eligibility. ◦ Develop Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) for children with complex needs. ◦ Promote individual choice and control over care services. ◦ Ensure access to information about rights and entitlements. ◦ Facilitate independent advocacy for those needing support in decision-making. ◦ Manage personal budgets to empower individuals in selecting their services. Local Authority Role • Overview: The local authority plays a crucial role in assessing individual needs and providing support through various frameworks, including Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP), Fair Access to Care Services (FACS), and Individual Budgets. Their focus is on personalisation, ensuring individuals have control over their care and services. • Assessment: ◦ Conduct assessments for EHCPs. ◦ Determine eligibility for social care services based on individual needs and risks. • Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP): ◦ Legal document outlining a child’s or young person's needs. ◦ Specifies required support from education, health, and social care. ◦ Typically issued for those with complex and severe needs. • Fair Access to Care: ◦ FACS guidelines provide a framework for determining eligibility for social care. ◦ Four eligibility bands: critical, substantial, moderate, and low. ◦ Focuses on immediate and long-term needs to prevent worsening conditions. • Individual Budgets: ◦ Funds allocated to individuals for purchasing necessary support and services. ◦ Self-Assessment Process (SAP) determines budget entitlement. ◦ Individuals can choose how to manage their budgets, including appointing agents. • Promoting Greater Range of Choice: ◦ Shift from limited local authority services to diverse options from various providers. ◦ Emphasis on individual wellbeing and tailored service delivery. ◦ Ensures accessible and flexible housing options that meet individual needs. • Role of Local Authorities: ◦ Center services around the individual rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. ◦ Provide information about rights and entitlements tailored to community needs. ◦ Sustain a vibrant market for services through effective commissioning. ◦ Arrange independent advocacy for individuals needing support in assessments and planning. Housing Options • Overview: Housing options refer to the various types of accommodations available to individuals, particularly those with specific needs. Local authorities play a crucial role in ensuring that housing is accessible and adaptable to meet individual requirements for independent living. • Choice of Residence: ◦ Importance of personal choice in selecting housing. ◦ Local authorities must provide flexible and accessible housing options. • Housing Adaptations: ◦ Modifications made to existing homes to enhance accessibility (e.g., lowering kitchen units, installing hoists). ◦ Assessments conducted by social services to determine necessary adaptations. • Meeting Housing Needs: ◦ Support provided to help individuals remain in their own homes through equipment and adaptations. ◦ Consideration of alternative housing if adaptations are not feasible. • Types of Accommodation: ◦ Purpose-built or Adapted Accommodation: ▪ Designed specifically for accessibility (e.g., ramps, wider doors). ▪ Advantages: Tailored to individual needs; promotes independence. ▪ Disadvantages: May have limited availability; can be costly. ◦ Sheltered Accommodation: ▪ Independent living with security features (alarm systems, wardens). ▪ Advantages: Combines independence with safety; community support. ▪ Disadvantages: Limited care services; may feel isolating for some. ◦ Residential Homes: ▪ Suitable for individuals needing assistance with daily activities. ▪ Advantages: Comprehensive care available; 24/7 support. ▪ Disadvantages: Less independence; potential for institutional environment. • Individual Budgets and Self-Assessment Process (SAP): ◦ Financial resources allocated to meet identified support needs. ◦ SAP ensures thorough assessment of care needs without duplication. • Care Act 2014: ◦ Removed geographical barriers to ensure continuity of care when moving. ◦ Established processes for local authorities to follow during relocations. • Decentralising and Commissioning: ◦ Redistribution of functions from central authorities to improve service delivery. ◦ Emphasis on collaboration with individuals, families, and communities in planning services. Personalisation Benefits • Overview: Personalisation benefits individuals by providing them with greater control over their lives, enabling them to manage budgets and choose services that meet their specific needs. This approach fosters independence and allows for tailored support through personal assistants and direct payments. • Control: ◦ Individuals gain autonomy over daily activities. ◦ Ability to manage a budget through direct payments. ◦ Freedom from fitting into others' schedules. • Direct Payments: ◦ Financial support allowing individuals to purchase necessary services. ◦ Can be managed directly or through an appointed agent. • Personal Assistant: ◦ Empowers individuals to dictate their routines. ◦ Enhances quality of life by supporting everyday tasks. • Independence: ◦ Promotes self-sufficiency in living arrangements. ◦ Local authorities must ensure accessible and flexible housing options. ◦ Encourages individuals to make choices about their care and support. • Role of Local Authorities: ◦ Conduct assessments for Education, Health and Care plans (EHCP). ◦ Shift focus from service provision to meeting individual needs. ◦ Provide information on rights and entitlements tailored to local communities. ◦ Ensure the availability of diverse service options through commissioning. • Commissioning Services: ◦ Involves planning, agreeing, and monitoring services collaboratively with users. ◦ Outsourcing may enhance value and choice in service delivery. • Fair Access to Care: ◦ FACS guidelines help determine eligibility for social care based on individual needs. ◦ Framework includes four eligibility bands: critical, substantial, moderate, and low. • Individual Budgets: ◦ Funds allocated to support independent living goals. ◦ Determined through the Self-Assessment Process (SAP). Decentralisation and Commissioning • Overview: Decentralisation involves redistributing functions from a central authority, while commissioning is the process of planning, agreeing, and monitoring services. Both concepts emphasize collaboration with service users to enhance choice and improve service delivery in social care. • Decentralisation: ◦ Redistribution of authority and functions. ◦ Aims for local responsiveness and tailored services. ◦ Encourages community involvement in decision-making. • Commissioning Process: ◦ Planning and agreeing on service provision. ◦ Monitoring effectiveness and quality of services. ◦ Engaging individuals and communities in the process. • Outsourcing Services: ◦ Services may be sourced from various organizations beyond local authorities. ◦ Potential for better value and increased choices for individuals. ◦ Promotes competition and innovation in service delivery. • Choice of Services: ◦ Individuals can select services that best meet their needs. ◦ Shift from limited local authority options to diverse external providers. ◦ Enhances personalization and satisfaction with care services. • Role of Local Authorities: ◦ Promote individual well-being and personalized care. ◦ Provide information about rights and entitlements. ◦ Ensure accessibility and flexibility in housing options. ◦ Support independent living through individual budgets and advocacy. • Fair Access to Care: ◦ FACS guidelines establish eligibility criteria for social care. ◦ Framework based on individual needs and risks to independence. ◦ Four eligibility bands: critical, substantial, moderate, low. • Individual Budgets: ◦ Funds allocated to individuals for purchasing support services. ◦ Self-Assessment Process (SAP) determines budget amounts. ◦ Can be managed by individuals or appointed representatives.