Family and friends will become a vital resource this winter as adult social care experiences unprecedented pressures.
Adult social care packages are put in place for residents who need support to keep themselves safe and well. The residents who need support can be elderly, have mental health needs, a learning disability or mobility needs.
Helping relatives or friends with tasks such as food shopping, meal preparation, and medication, or assisting with some care if they are discharged from hospital care, could alleviate further demands and delays.
Bridging the gap of an initial period when a resident is discharged from hospital, can have a huge knock-on effect for so many other members of the community, and improve recovery for the person being discharged.
The hospital bed of someone who is medically able to be discharged becomes free, and the social care resources can be directed to those who need it the most.
There are several reasons why social care assessment and packages are taking longer than the council would like to organise. These reasons are mirrored across the country and include higher demand, people with significant requirements, and a reduction in the number of staff in adult social care sector.
As a result, the teams are coming up with creative solutions which includes the assistance of the voluntary sector, equipment and innovation technology, as well as the support of family and friends before the resident requires formal care.
Cllr Peter Wharf, portfolio holder for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “We are asking family and friends to help people to get out of hospital and home to a safe environment where they can recover.
“This can include making sure they have a hot meal and drink, are taking their medication and spend a bit of time with them.
“We are also asking Dorset residents to be patient as the staff are working extremely hard to make sure the people who are at greatest risk get the care they need.
“We understand people have been asked to do a lot in the last 18 months due to the pandemic and this is another very important ask, as adult social care services and our colleagues in the NHS, face a very difficult winter.”
If there is anyone who feels they need to request an assessment for adult social care these requests are still being accepted and should be made.
However, the amount of time to make the assessment has increased and the choices available to residents may be limited. Any safeguarding issues should still be reported by calling 01305 221016. If someone is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.
Cllr Wharf continued: “Where once we may have been able to offer different companies, or providers, to carry out the care, we may only have one due to the low numbers of staff in external providers as well as in council roles.
“In addition, for services where residents are helped to get up for the day or helped to get into bed safely, everybody might want the same time of the morning and evening and unfortunately that is just not something we can realistically provide at the moment. We are asking people to be flexible where possible.
“We know agencies are trying very hard to recruit people into roles to give residents care and reduce the strain on staff.
“We are lobbying our MPs and government to make sure they are aware of the problems being faced by our residents.”
For more advice about providing temporary social care needs, Carer Support Dorset has information on their website here – Carer Support Dorset | Supporting Carers in Dorset.
People can make a difference to the under-pressure services NHS services by seeking help in the first instance from self-serve resources before calling a doctor or visiting A&E. For the NHS it could be www.111.nhs.uk, 111 on the telephone, or a pharmacist.
In addition, there is advice here – Cold weather advice and planning – Dorset Council about how to cope in the winter.
For care role vacancies in Dorset visit Adult social work jobs in Dorset – Dorset Council or Work in Adult Social Care: Explore roles and find a job in your local area.
