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Social care provision

In our own words

Looks at what user consultation and empowerment mean to service users and carers themselves.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:18

Burden weighs heavily

A carer is in danger of collapsing under the weight of responsibility. This article looks at how social workers were able to provide her with the support to help her carry on.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:18

Responding to the needs of carers of people with schizophrenia

As more people with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia live in the community, often with their own families, carers need increasing support. Reports on a small research study which found a link between carers' knowledge of the condition and their ability to manage problems, and between their sense of satisfaction with services and their communications with the mental health team.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:17

Caring about carers: only half the picture

This article examines the government's strategy for carers and considers its significance for people in informal caring relationships. It argues that although it contains important and innovative measures, the strategy does not address adequately the complex nature of caring relationships nor does it take account of the perspectives of people who receive care. There is a danger, therefore, that the strategy will be divisive. However, the recognition that caring is a widespread activity is welcomed.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:17

The needs of older people with mental health problems according to the user, the carer, and the staff

Background: Individual assessment of needs has been recognised as the most appropriate way to allocate health and social care resources. These assessments, however, are often made by the staff or by a carer who acts as an advocate for the user themselves. Little is known about how these proxy measures compare to how individual patients perceive their own needs.

Aim: The aim of this study was to measure and compare ratings of need for older people with mental health problems by the older person themselves, their carer, and an appropriate staff member.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:17

A lifeline for carers in rural communities

Scottish Highlands: Elizabeth Jones reports on a three-year project providing support to carers of people with dementia in remote, scattered communities in the Highlands of Scotland.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:17

Supportive practice with carers of people with substance misuse problems

While there is increased recognition of the role of family carers in supporting adults with social care needs, some groups of carers are overlooked or hidden from professional view. Carers of people with substance misuse problems may be among this group since they are at risk of feeling guilty and stigmatised; targeting and eligibility criteria may concentrate professionals’ activities on people with high levels of need for practical support and there may be complex family dynamics where the role of carer does not fit traditional models.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:17

An outcomes focus in carer assessment and review: value and challenge

A focus on outcomes and a desire to improve assessment and support to carers are central to government policy, crystallized in the 2000 Carers and Disabled Children Act. This paper explores the benefits and challenges of implementing an outcomes approach to carer assessment and review, highlighted by a research and development project, undertaken in partnership with one local authority. The project developed and tested research‐based practice tools which aimed to promote carer‐centred practice, together with clarity in communication and recording of outcomes intended and achieved.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:16

Integrating health and social care: commentaries on the case studies in MCC 10.2

Three expert commentaries have been written about the approaches to health and social care integration in Sandwell, Hertfordshire and Barking & Dagenham which were described in the last issue of this journal. They cover organisational, user/carer and international perspectives

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:16

Only connect: client, carers and professional perspectives on community care assessment process

Differences in perspective between clients, carers and practitioners are familiar from the literature. Findings from two research projects are reported here, which identify mismatched perspectives and appear to question the foundations on which community care policy and practice rest. The article discusses features of the policy and practice context that contribute to the likelihood of divergent views about need and appropriate or effective service provision within community care.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:16