Charity publishes 'top ten' tips to help people make right social care choice

Anyone worried about how they can pick the best social care support for them or their family, can now take a look at some top tips published by the disability charity Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG).

The ’Top ten tips when choosing a support provider’ is designed to help people consider the differences between support from a care provider such as a care home, directly employing a care worker themselves and other types of support such as home care technology.

The guidance says people assessed as requiring support under the Care Act 2014, will be able to make an informed choice about their care, if they note their first impressions and ask providers a number of questions including:

· What is the cost of the support and what does it include?

· What is the complaints procedure?

· How can care agreements be ended?

· Check how the provider will make sure you are safe and supported properly.

As well as demystifying issues such as the Care Act, the resource sets out the pros and cons of different types of care.

The publication also includes a 'jargon buster' that puts social care terminology such as 'person-centred' into plain English.

VODG chief executive Rhidian Hughes said: “The mantra of ‘choice and control’ is one that care providers and people who use support services are familiar with.

"However, while the rhetoric is well-meaning, the reality is that securing the right social care can be a complex and challenging experience.

"A mismatch between care provider and person can ultimately lead to a breakdown in support. Our new guidance equips people with a list of detailed questions so they can make a well-informed choice and navigate what can at times be a daunting system.”

Skills for Care chief executive Sharon Allen said: ‘‘This easy-to-use and practical checklist is essential for anyone looking to find high quality care and support for themselves or a family member.

“Finding and keeping support that really meets your needs means being closely involved in deciding what package is best for you, how to find the right people with the right skills to support you, knowing the cost, and always having control including making changes in the right way for you and your team.’’

To download the top tips visit: www.vodg.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017-VODG-Top-10-tips-when-choosing-a-support-provider.pdf