The continued “invisibility” of the adult social care sector is “increasingly damaging” to those who draw on care and those who provide unpaid care at a time of increasing need, rising costs and a shrinking workforce.
So says a recent report from the House of Lords Adult Social Care Committee, which calls for a more positive and resilient approach to adult social care based on greater visibility of the whole sector, as well as greater choice and control for disabled adults and older people, and a better deal for unpaid carers.
‘A gloriously ordinary life: spotlight on adult social care’ also calls for: realistic, predictable and long-term funding; a properly resourced workforce plan; a Commissioner for Care and Support to strengthen the sector’s voice and identity; full implementation of the Care Act 2014; and for social care to be heard within integrated care systems.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “This excellent report could be a blueprint for the way forward for adult social care.
“The positive framing of social care and the core focus on people who draw on care and support is particularly welcome.
“It brings to light the importance of greater choice and control for disabled adults and older people, and ensuring that those who draw on care are centred throughout all decision-making processes.
“We support the recommendations of the report, particularly that the Government must deliver realistic, predictable and long-term funding for the sector to allow it to thrive, alongside a properly resourced plan for supporting the workforce.”