1. Social care meeting people's needs and choices

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What success would mean

“…a social care system that provides care equally for all, whilst enabling people to retain their independence, control and dignity”.
Department of Health¹


Adult social care users include older or disabled people or people with a learning disability.

Social care meeting people’s needs and choices is good for…

• Families – for example through effective use of telecare, people with dementia are routinely able to stay at home with their families, who are able to continue their everyday lives.²
• Business and the economy – for example, offering training to people who are recovering from the effects of illness could help them return to work or get a job.³

Examples of Relevant National Indicators

• NI110: Young People's Participation in Positive Activities
• NI125: Achieving Independence for Older People Through Rehabilitation/Intermediate Care
• NI199: Children and Young People's Satisfaction with Parks and Play Areas

Case Study:

Southwark Healthy Homes Handyperson scheme

What is it?

• The scheme started in 2004 and is currently run by a team of seven, five of whom are handypersons.
• It supports elderly and/or vulnerable residents who are council or other private-sector tenants, as well as those living in their own home who do not have anyone to help them. The handypersons carry out small repairs and home improvements.

How does it work?

• Promotion - information on the handyperson service, including how to contact the services, is advertised at GP surgeries, hospitals, in local newsletters, at local events and in other local places.
• Beneficiaries - the handyperson service is aimed at the over 60s or disabled residents in Southwark. The scheme gives priority to those who are awaiting discharge from hospital or at risk of falling.
• The service - The type of repairs and maintenance which are undertaken by the handypersons include both those that elderly people find difficult or dangerous. For example, handypersons can change light bulbs, hang curtains or make repairs. They can also increase comfort or safety such as fitting draft excluders and taping down carpets.
• Costing - clients on means tested benefits only pay for materials, other clients pay labour costs of £10 per hour plus the cost of materials.

What are the main impacts?

• Healthy, well-supported people - overall the service aims to assist in preventing possible delays in discharge, readmission or admission to hospital and preventing falls in the home.
• Safety - reduced susceptibility of vulnerable residents to bogus tradesmen.
• Responsible, strong and cohesive communities - increased social interaction for residents, reduced isolation.
• Housing need being met and environmental sustainability. The handyperson can help identify the wider needs of residents, and the team can therefore broker in further help from social and health services, organisations who can undertake larger home repairs and organisations who can provide more assistance with energy efficiency improvements.

There are similar schemes running in a number of other London Boroughs.
For more information, contact:
Melanie Poyser, London Borough of Southwark - checking permission
T: 0207 525 5531
E: melanie.poyser@southwark.gov.uk
W:  Southwark Council: Healthy Homes Handyperson Scheme

Footnotes
1. Department of Health
2. Department of Health
3. As above