The care system in England has failed to provide personalised care for the elderly despite Government attempts to tailor the service to individual needs.
The annual report by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) says a “one-size-fits-all” culture still pervades the care system and the Government’s “Putting People First” initiative has failed to improve the care most people receive. It claims there is a lack of relevant information, advice and support for the people most in need.
Dame Denise Platt, CSCI chairman, said: “People who need social care should be seen as individuals, first and foremost. The support they receive should be tailor-made, allowing people to live their lives as they choose. If we get it right for people with complex needs, it is likely that we’ll get it right for everyone.
“The Government’s ambition to transform care services is to be commended. However, there is still a long way to go to turn policy into practice.
“While some councils and care providers are doing truly excellent work, others have been reluctant, for whatever reason, to make personalised care a reality for the people they serve. Many people do not get the information, advice or support they need to help them make informed choices about their care.”
Elderly care charities expressed dismay at the findings that systematic and fundamental failures have led to a large number of people who need support receiving little or nothing at all.
Paul Cann, Director of Policy and External Relations at Help the Aged, said:
“This report shows that the Government’s aspirations of putting people first are far from a reality. Despite some overall improvements, this report shows that far too many older people are still forced to endure second-rate care at the hands of our failing social care system.
“Vast numbers of older people are being denied care because their needs are not considered a priority – all too often they are left to fend for themselves or rely on family and friends.
“The general failure of the system is also reflected in the large number of staff vacancies - care isn't being valued and until it is, more and more older people will continue to miss out," he said.
The report identified an improvement in the overall performance of councils and care services but disclosed concerns about people being lost to the system because they were ineligible for publicly-funded support.
Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said the report highlights widespread discrimination against the elderly in the drive to more personalised care.
“Older people who get direct payments are likely to get far less money than younger people with similar needs,” he said.
“We are also very concerned at the lack of information, advice and support for those receiving direct payments. As we reach this critical stage of the debate about the reform of care services, it is vital that the new regulator gives sufficient weight to care as well as health regulation.”
The report also looked at whether disabled people get the care they need and outlines the challenges facing social care services in the future.
The care watchdog has published three previous reports. Its 2006/07 report found people qualifying for council care were getting better treatment than ever before but showed fewer than ever were qualifying for that care.
source:the london times
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