Public urged to ask more questions about care
25 January 2008
People looking for care services need to ask the right questions
and get expert advice before making life-changing decisions about
their future, according to fresh advice published today by CSCI,
the social care watchdog for England.
Many people often face making decisions about their short or
long term care at critical times in their lives- while in hospital
or when recovering after a major illness or operation.
Younger adults with a physical or learning disability may need to
take decisions that could affect their quality of life and
opportunities for many years to come.
CSCI Chair Dame Denise Platt said:
“People need to have the confidence to ask the right questions
and have the right information before making life-changing
decisions. Our advice booklet is deliberately designed to give them
that confidence.
“They are entitled to a proper care assessment, they need proper
financial advice, and a proper discussion with family, friends or
even local voluntary services before choosing whether they need to
go into a care home, or whether they can stay in their own homes
given the right home care support.
“Most importantly, will the care they get enhance their
lives? Will they still be able to indulge in their hobbies
and do all the things they like to do? Will they still be able to
see their family and friends when they like? And, if they are
younger adults with a physical or learning disability, will the
care they get enable them to get a job, meet up with their mates,
have a social life, and live their lives as independently and fully
as the rest of us?”
CSCI’s advice booklet ‘Social Care – Choosing the right service for
you’ encourages people to ask the right questions, find out as much
as possible about their options, and then make informed choices
about their care.
Questions like:
- Did the care service staff ask many questions about you – your
likes and dislikes – or were they more interested in setting out
their routines for each day?
- Did you get the impression that you would have to fit into
their routine instead of living your life the way you choose?
- If you are paying for your own care, did the care service
explain their costs and charges properly?
- Did you get a chance to look at their contract?
- Were they willing to let you speak to other people who use that
care service?
- Did they seem happy to answer all your questions and
- If you are moving into a care home, are you allowed to take
your pet and/or personal possessions?
The advice also encourages people to look at CSCI’s inspection
reports for each care service. Our new quality ratings for
all registered care services will be online from April and will let
people easily choose the right care home or home care agency for
their needs.
The booklet was written with direct help from people who use
services, local councils and social care professionals. It
also includes pointers to other useful sources of information on
areas such as financial advice, disability services and state
benefits.
CSCI Chief Inspector Paul Snell said:
“Having the right information is crucial when making such an
important decision about someone’s future care needs. Our evidence
shows that many people do not get the right advice and help and as
a result may not get the right care service for their needs.
“Our advice booklet will be a useful starting point
for anyone looking for a care service, regardless of whether they
will be paying for their care or have their care arranged and
funded by their local council”.
The booklet will be available from local councils, libraries,
Doctors’ surgeries, Citizens’ Advice Bureaux and hospital Patient
Advice and Liaison services (PALS).
Ends
Notes for editors
1. Copies of the booklet will be available in PDF
format or hard copy.
2. CSCI is the single inspectorate for adult social care in
England, responsible for regulating and inspecting social care
providers –whether in the public or independent sector – and for
assessing the performance of local councils in delivering their
personal social services functions.
3. The Commission’s primary aim is to improve social care by
putting the needs of people who use care services first.
4. The Commission is chaired by Dame Denise Platt DBE and has
five Commissioners. The Chief Inspector is Paul Snell. CSCI staff
work across seven regions in England.
5. Social care services for children are regulated and inspected
by the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and
Skills (Ofsted).