Social care

A shared approach to improving the care and support for people with dementia, their families and carers receive following a diagnosis. The declaration sets out: a shared commitment to joint action across government, health, social care, the third sector and all other relevant partners; the ambition to deliver better quality post-diagnostic care; and the need to deliver integrated and effective services that meet the needs of people with dementia and their families and carers.

Information on what the changes introduced by the Care Act will mean for carers and the cared for. The resource provides an explanation of care and support in England and outlines key elements of the act, including: deferred payment agreements; needs and eligibility; support for carers; and cap on care costs.

This online guide looks at how social care services can improve access to adults with autism. It is based on research that explores the barriers to services experienced by people with autism. It covers people with autism, whether or not they also have a learning disability. The main sections of the guide cover: awareness raising; acceptability and accessibility; joint working; transitions; early intervention and prevention; personalising services; and carers. The guide suggests ways services can improve, identifying how best to meet the goals of the government's autism strategy.

'Family care gap' requires rethink of how social care for older people is delivered, says Institute for Public Policy Research. [Journal abstract]