In May of this year, the House of Lords Adult Social Care Committee issued a call for evidence relating to the Invisibility of Adult Social Care. They have now published the report of their Inquiry.
A “gloriously ordinary life’’: spotlight on adult social care, outlines crucial changes needed within the sector in order to build a “more resilient, cost-effective, sustainable and modern service with greater efficiency as well as equality at its core.”
In regards to the invisibility felt by homecare workers, the written evidence supplied by the Homecare Association was referenced. Our evidence showed that when staff had included the NHS logo alongside the care logo on their uniforms, they were shown an increased level of respect from other service providers.
There is also a large focus on unpaid carers, the invisible spouse, child, family member or friend who often provide individual's care when the system cannot. With new research showing that the average person has a 50% chance of becoming an unpaid carer by the time they are 50.
Further evidence supplied by the Homecare Association supports how the use of digital technologies within the adult social care system can make independent living a reality for those who rely on care services.
The Committee's recommendations included:
- delivering realistic, predictable and long-term funding;
- delivering a properly resourced plan for supporting a highly valued workforce, building skills and remedying low pay;
- establishing a powerful Commissioner for Care and Support to strengthen the voice and identity of the sector;
- finally and fully implementing the principles of the Care Act 2014, rooted in wellbeing, choice, and control;
- ensuring that the voice of social care is loud and clear within Integrated Care Systems.
Read the full report here: House of Lords - A “gloriously ordinary life’’: spotlight on adult social care - Adult Social Care Committee (parliament.uk) and Homecare Association's evidence.
