Public urged to ask more questions about care

People looking for care services need to ask the right questions and get expert advice before making life-changing decisions about their future, according to fresh advice published today by CSCI, the social care watchdog for England.

Many people often face making decisions about their short or long term care at critical times in their lives- while in hospital or when recovering after a major illness or operation.  Younger adults with a physical or learning disability may need to take decisions that could affect their quality of life and opportunities for many years to come. 

CSCI Chair Dame Denise Platt said:

“People need to have the confidence to ask the right questions and have the right information before making life-changing decisions. Our advice booklet is deliberately designed to give them that confidence.

“They are entitled to a proper care assessment, they need proper financial advice, and a proper discussion with family, friends or even local voluntary services before choosing whether they need to go into a care home, or whether they can stay in their own homes given the right home care support.

“Most importantly, will the care they get enhance their lives?  Will they still be able to indulge in their hobbies and do all the things they like to do? Will they still be able to see their family and friends when they like? And, if they are younger adults with a physical or learning disability, will the care they get enable them to get a job, meet up with their mates, have a social life, and live their lives as independently and fully as the rest of us?”
CSCI’s advice booklet ‘Social Care – Choosing the right service for you’ encourages people to ask the right questions, find out as much as possible about their options, and then make informed choices about their care.

Questions like:

• Did the care service staff ask many questions about you – your likes and dislikes – or were they more interested in setting out their routines for each day?
• Did you get the impression that you would have to fit into their routine instead of living your life the way you choose?
• If you are paying for your own care, did the care service explain their costs and charges properly? 
• Did you get a chance to look at their contract?
• Were they willing to let you speak to other people who use that care service? 
• Did they seem happy to answer all your questions and
• If you are moving into a care home, are you allowed to take your pet and/or personal possessions?
  

The advice also encourages people to look at CSCI’s inspection reports for each care service.  Our new quality ratings for all registered care services will be online from April and will let people easily choose the right care home or home care agency for their needs.

The booklet was written with direct help from people who use services, local councils and social care professionals.  It also includes pointers to other useful sources of information on areas such as financial advice, disability services and state benefits. 
CSCI Chief Inspector Paul Snell said:

“Having the right information is crucial when making such an important decision about someone’s future care needs. Our evidence shows that many people do not get the right advice and help and as a result may not get the right care service for their needs.

“Our advice booklet is a useful starting point for anyone looking for a care service, regardless of whether they will be paying for their care or have their care arranged and funded by their local council”.

The booklet will be available from local councils, libraries, Doctors’ surgeries, Citizens’ Advice Bureaux and hospital Patient Advice and Liaison services (PALS).

It can also be ordered or downloaded from CSCI’s website, together with a range of other useful information, including inspection reports for all adult care services and a directory of all registered care services in England that can be searched by postcode.