A consultation document containing proposals for regulations and guidance made under the Personal Care At Home Bill has been published by the Department of Health.
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Friday, 29 January 2010
SCIE Dementia Gateway
Resources created to support people with dementia, their carers and staff working in dementia services are available on the SCIE website.
Tips, tools and activities can be downloaded from the Dementia Gateway page.
Content has been written and is kept up to date by national dementia experts.
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Tips, tools and activities can be downloaded from the Dementia Gateway page.
Content has been written and is kept up to date by national dementia experts.
Read more
Symposium for staff employed in adult and children’s services
Skills for Care West Midlands has organised the symposium to explore and discuss the implications of The Social Work Task Force recommendations for the profession.
Information will be provided on national and regional projects that will assist in delivering the recommendations. Delegates will also have the opportunity to debate the role of the proposed National College of Social Work.
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Information will be provided on national and regional projects that will assist in delivering the recommendations. Delegates will also have the opportunity to debate the role of the proposed National College of Social Work.
Read more
Action for dignity
This year’s Dignity Action Day will be held on 25 February 2010.
Supported by the Dignity Care Campaign and its stakeholders, the day is an opportunity for people to ensure individuals in care are treated with respect, and given choice, control and a sense of purpose in their daily lives by providing them with stimulating activities.
Ideas and online resource packs are available from the Department of Health Carenetworks sites.
Read more
Supported by the Dignity Care Campaign and its stakeholders, the day is an opportunity for people to ensure individuals in care are treated with respect, and given choice, control and a sense of purpose in their daily lives by providing them with stimulating activities.
Ideas and online resource packs are available from the Department of Health Carenetworks sites.
Read more
Dementia: ethical issues
A report by the Nuffield Council on Bio-ethics, providing an ethical framework to help those who face dilemmas in everyday care of someone with dementia.
The framework forms the basis for a number of recommendations to policy makers in the following areas:
Read more
The framework forms the basis for a number of recommendations to policy makers in the following areas:
- promoting autonomy and well-being through an ethical approach to dementia care
- including people with dementia in society
- making decisions about the care and treatment of people with dementia
- dealing with day-to-day ethical dilemmas in care
- recognising the needs of carers
- research funding and participation
Read more
NHS progress in Telford and Wrekin
Significant progress has been made by NHS Telford & Wrekin to deal with growing numbers of people with dementia.
The PCT is working with social care partners on key aspects of the national strategy including more support for family carers from a specialist Admiral Nurse, supporting respite and domiciliary care packages, improved assessment for carers needs, and addressing the training requirements of professional clinicians.
Other service initiatives currently underway are:
The PCT is working with social care partners on key aspects of the national strategy including more support for family carers from a specialist Admiral Nurse, supporting respite and domiciliary care packages, improved assessment for carers needs, and addressing the training requirements of professional clinicians.
Other service initiatives currently underway are:
- improved hospital liaison and care home services
- increased capacity of the existing Memory Service
- increased intermediate care capacity, with specialist dementia training, to enable people to live at home for as long as possible and to prevent people from going into hospital unnecessarily
- appointment of a Primary Care Liaison Officer.
Appeal for care ambassadors
Shropshire’s Care Workforce Development Partnership (CWDP) is looking for people who work in the health and social care sector to become care ambassadors.
Ambassadors are qualified and experienced care workers who act as role models to inspire and encourage young people to consider careers in health and social care.
The partnership identifies, co-ordinates and delivers learning and development opportunities, and carries out workforce planning for the independent care sector.
Partners in the CWDP are:
Read more
Ambassadors are qualified and experienced care workers who act as role models to inspire and encourage young people to consider careers in health and social care.
The partnership identifies, co-ordinates and delivers learning and development opportunities, and carries out workforce planning for the independent care sector.
Partners in the CWDP are:
- Shropshire Council
- Telford and Wrekin Council
- Shropshire Partners in Care
- West Midlands Skills for Care
- Learning and Skills Council
- Telford and Wrekin Primary Care Trust
- Shropshire County Primary Care Trust
- Centre of Vocational Excellence for Health and Social Care
- Voluntary sector representation
Read more
Confidence and well being in Sandwell
Residents in Sandwell are being shown how to maintain good mental and physical health by the PCT’s Confidence and Well-being team.
The team was set up to make it easier for people to access services, learn how to support themselves, and to combat the stigma associated with mental illness.
They provide:
For more details telephone: 0121 612 1401, email: lisa.hill@sandwell-pct.nhs.uk
The team was set up to make it easier for people to access services, learn how to support themselves, and to combat the stigma associated with mental illness.
They provide:
- self-help materials
- assistance with using self-help material
- health improvement courses
- help with maintaining wellbeing in the workplace
- support for people made redundant
- support with managing long term conditions
- assistance for parents attending family centres
- aid with developing self-help within diverse groups such as refugees, asylum seekers, older people, deaf and gay people
- education and training for faith and cultural groups
- information and help with seeking social care, employment and accommodation.
For more details telephone: 0121 612 1401, email: lisa.hill@sandwell-pct.nhs.uk
Sir Michael's year of dignity in care
Sir Michael Parkinson has written a personal account of his year as the nation's Dignity Ambassador representing the Dignity in Care Campaign.
He says he wants to encourage an open public debate about the way older people are treated, and describes what he saw and heard when he visited care homes and hospitals throughout the country.
The Campaign was set up by the government to end tolerance of indignity in health and social care services by raising awareness and inspiring people to take action.
Sir Michael says he was prompted to take up the role following the death of his mother who had dementia and was in care. He describes his report as a personal testimony of both the good and bad, and points to strong leadership as key to raising standards.
Sir Michael said: “I hope my accounts of those staff and volunteers who really do make a world of difference to people’s lives will help remind others why they became care givers in the first place. I doubt it was for the money! I hope these stories can help renew their enthusiasm for the valuable work they do, and inspire them to join the Dignity in Care Campaign.”
Read more
He says he wants to encourage an open public debate about the way older people are treated, and describes what he saw and heard when he visited care homes and hospitals throughout the country.
The Campaign was set up by the government to end tolerance of indignity in health and social care services by raising awareness and inspiring people to take action.
Sir Michael says he was prompted to take up the role following the death of his mother who had dementia and was in care. He describes his report as a personal testimony of both the good and bad, and points to strong leadership as key to raising standards.
Sir Michael said: “I hope my accounts of those staff and volunteers who really do make a world of difference to people’s lives will help remind others why they became care givers in the first place. I doubt it was for the money! I hope these stories can help renew their enthusiasm for the valuable work they do, and inspire them to join the Dignity in Care Campaign.”
Read more
Living with Buddi
Introduction of the ‘Buddi’ Global Positioning System (GPS) in the Newcastle district of West Midlands has resulted in innovative ways of caring for people who wander.
Introduced just under a year ago, the system is making a positive contribution to the lives of users, promoting independence and control.
The Buddi is a small tracking devise that allows carers to find and locate someone wearing it.
GPS technology calculates the person’s location and uses the mobile phone system to inform the carer of the individual’s whereabouts.
The council provides Buddie as a stand alone device or as part of wider care packages consisting of a range of assistive technology.
The following stories illustrate its use.
ALAN AND HIS BUDDI
Alan lives alone within sheltered accommodation in the Newcastle District; he is supported by his sister and also uses the care call system in the event of emergencies.
Alan experiences frontal lobe dementia, his ability to recall ‘trips out’ into the community is limited. He was given a Buddi following several incidences of wandering which caused his sister extreme anxiety when he failed return home in time and showed no recollection of his trip.
Efforts were made to resolve the problem by attempting to divert Alan to mainstream or community based services, with no success. When the opportunity arose Alan would catch the bus, walk for miles or visit areas he knew prior to his illness.
Following introduction to Buddi, Alan continues to go out and his movements are tracked. This allows him to remain independent and keep fit. It also reassures his sister who can locate him and return him home safely.
GRAEME AND HIS BUDDI
Graeme lives with his wife in the Newcastle district and experiences dementia that manifests in short term memory loss.
He used to be a postman, and as a result continues to walk along his former delivery route. He rarely wanders away from this path, but is unable to recall his steps when he gets back home. This caused his wife great anxiety.
By using the Buddi it was possible to identify his patterns of behaviour. When his wife found out where he was going she was keen for him to continue his walks to keep his routines intact, stimulate his memory and help keep him fit.
Graeme’s Buddi has the additional ‘man down’ facility which alerts the control centre if he falls.
The device is used as part of a varied care plan consisting of day and respite care that supports his independence and provides relief for his carer.
LUCY AND HER BUDDI
Lucy lives alone and is visited on a daily basis by her son who is her main carer. She has dementia and is prone to falls.
Lucy has a range of assistive technology in her home such as a fire and smoke detector, falls detector, door sensors, bed sensors, care call and the Buddi system.
Her son was concerned about regular occurrences of wandering during the day and evenings. On one occasion she had walked several miles from her home in Chesterton back to an area she had previously been familiar with. Lucy was unable to return home as she has no recall nor the ability to find her way back independently.
The Buddi used in Lucy’s care plan currently alerts the carer when she ventures from the property.
As her physical health deteriorates and her tendency to wander and fall increases, the Buddi will alert her carer who can accompany her if she wants to go out, or intervene if she wants to wander when it’s late or the weather is bad.
The Buddi gives Lucy choice and independence and allows her to remain in her own home, with reduced risk.
Lucy’s social worker Glenn Butler (Newcastle Wellbeing Older Person Team) says that without the use of assistive technology Lucy would certainly not have remained at home for so long.
Contact: Karen Nixon, Case Manager, Newcastle Wellbeing Disability Team, telephone: 01782 428046
Introduced just under a year ago, the system is making a positive contribution to the lives of users, promoting independence and control.
The Buddi is a small tracking devise that allows carers to find and locate someone wearing it.
GPS technology calculates the person’s location and uses the mobile phone system to inform the carer of the individual’s whereabouts.
The council provides Buddie as a stand alone device or as part of wider care packages consisting of a range of assistive technology.
The following stories illustrate its use.
ALAN AND HIS BUDDI
Alan lives alone within sheltered accommodation in the Newcastle District; he is supported by his sister and also uses the care call system in the event of emergencies.
Alan experiences frontal lobe dementia, his ability to recall ‘trips out’ into the community is limited. He was given a Buddi following several incidences of wandering which caused his sister extreme anxiety when he failed return home in time and showed no recollection of his trip.
Efforts were made to resolve the problem by attempting to divert Alan to mainstream or community based services, with no success. When the opportunity arose Alan would catch the bus, walk for miles or visit areas he knew prior to his illness.
Following introduction to Buddi, Alan continues to go out and his movements are tracked. This allows him to remain independent and keep fit. It also reassures his sister who can locate him and return him home safely.
GRAEME AND HIS BUDDI
Graeme lives with his wife in the Newcastle district and experiences dementia that manifests in short term memory loss.
He used to be a postman, and as a result continues to walk along his former delivery route. He rarely wanders away from this path, but is unable to recall his steps when he gets back home. This caused his wife great anxiety.
By using the Buddi it was possible to identify his patterns of behaviour. When his wife found out where he was going she was keen for him to continue his walks to keep his routines intact, stimulate his memory and help keep him fit.
Graeme’s Buddi has the additional ‘man down’ facility which alerts the control centre if he falls.
The device is used as part of a varied care plan consisting of day and respite care that supports his independence and provides relief for his carer.
LUCY AND HER BUDDI
Lucy lives alone and is visited on a daily basis by her son who is her main carer. She has dementia and is prone to falls.
Lucy has a range of assistive technology in her home such as a fire and smoke detector, falls detector, door sensors, bed sensors, care call and the Buddi system.
Her son was concerned about regular occurrences of wandering during the day and evenings. On one occasion she had walked several miles from her home in Chesterton back to an area she had previously been familiar with. Lucy was unable to return home as she has no recall nor the ability to find her way back independently.
The Buddi used in Lucy’s care plan currently alerts the carer when she ventures from the property.
As her physical health deteriorates and her tendency to wander and fall increases, the Buddi will alert her carer who can accompany her if she wants to go out, or intervene if she wants to wander when it’s late or the weather is bad.
The Buddi gives Lucy choice and independence and allows her to remain in her own home, with reduced risk.
Lucy’s social worker Glenn Butler (Newcastle Wellbeing Older Person Team) says that without the use of assistive technology Lucy would certainly not have remained at home for so long.
Contact: Karen Nixon, Case Manager, Newcastle Wellbeing Disability Team, telephone: 01782 428046
Driving up standards in Wolverhampton
Four key areas have been prioritised for improvement by Wolverhampton City Council as part of implementation of the city’s Dementia Care Strategy.
They are:
They are:
- dementia care in residential homes
- community support for people with dementia
- housing and telecare
- training the workforce.
The council has organised a series of workshops where stakeholders, including service users, carers and service providers, will be asked for their views on how this can be achieved.
An audit of services is underway to identify what is on offer, where, and if there are gaps in provision. A report with detailed proposals will be presented to Cabinet and a project board will be established to oversee implementation of the National Dementia Strategy in the city.
Santosh Kumari, Wolverhampton City Council Commissioning Officer for Older People, said: “We already provide a wide range of services for people with dementia, but we are keen to develop these further.
“One of the key aims is to ensure that staff providing dementia services have the necessary skills and knowledge needed to provide the best quality care.
“We have already commissioned dementia training which is currently being rolled out to residential and nursing homes, domiciliary care agencies and day care providers, which includes our in-house services for older people. We also plan to pilot further training for staff and other service providers to ensure we drive up standards.”
Aiming High for 2012
Sandwell MBC is committed to providing all people in the borough with suspected or a confirmed diagnosis of dementia integrated, seamless, proactive and high quality services by 2012, based on personalisation and choice.
That’s the commitment made by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.
Over the past year Sandwell and its partners have:
This collaborative approach results in people being seen by the right person at the right time; admission to hospital is avoided where possible, with community support being the first response.
Contact Sam Gould, telephone: 0121 569 5461, email: Samantha_Gould@sandwell.gov.uk.
That’s the commitment made by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.
Over the past year Sandwell and its partners have:
- written a joint commissioning strategy
- devised a Strategic Model of Care for Dementia
- set up specialist services including the Older People Mental Health Social Care Team, a crisis response team, a reablement service and long term complex home support
- commissioned specialist dementia advocacy, a befriending service and twice weekly café style meetings
- embarked on joint working with City Hospital’s Rapid Access Interface Discharge (RAID) project to ensure a seamless service
- started work with Worcester University on workforce development
- begun working with Stafford University on evidence based strategies, commissioning plans and practice.
This collaborative approach results in people being seen by the right person at the right time; admission to hospital is avoided where possible, with community support being the first response.
Contact Sam Gould, telephone: 0121 569 5461, email: Samantha_Gould@sandwell.gov.uk.
Commissioning services for the future
Moves to set up memory clinics and to employ dementia advisors are just two of the initiatives underway in Staffordshire to improve dementia services.
Money has been set aside by Staffordshire PCT for the clinics, advisors and for training GPs and carers.
The Joint Commissioning Unit – made up of Staffordshire County Council, South Staffordshire PCT and NHS North Staffordshire – is in the process of commissioning these services due to start in summer this year.
Memory clinics will take referrals from GPs, social care, health, the third sector, carers and service users. Patients will be provided with a diagnosis within eight to ten weeks of referral, a care plan, links to welfare benefit checks, a medicine use review, assessment for social work referrals, and on going links to the dementia advisor.
Dementia advisors will visit individuals with suspected dementia at home prior to attending the clinic, and will be in attendance during assessments.
Dr Ian Greaves, GP and clinical champion for the PCT, has designed a training package for GPs, and has been instrumental in helping to develop services.
There is now a local South Staffordshire Dementia Strategy in place and a joint strategic needs assessment has been completed to look at predicted growth of the condition in the county.
NHS North Staffordshire is working on its gap analysis and mapping existing services. Commissioning Manager for older people, Sally Young, is working on the end of life pathway for people with dementia across all trusts.
A number of other initiatives in the County are also in place. For information contact Sally on telephone: 078176 83092 or email Sally.young2@staffordshire.gov.uk
Money has been set aside by Staffordshire PCT for the clinics, advisors and for training GPs and carers.
The Joint Commissioning Unit – made up of Staffordshire County Council, South Staffordshire PCT and NHS North Staffordshire – is in the process of commissioning these services due to start in summer this year.
Memory clinics will take referrals from GPs, social care, health, the third sector, carers and service users. Patients will be provided with a diagnosis within eight to ten weeks of referral, a care plan, links to welfare benefit checks, a medicine use review, assessment for social work referrals, and on going links to the dementia advisor.
Dementia advisors will visit individuals with suspected dementia at home prior to attending the clinic, and will be in attendance during assessments.
Dr Ian Greaves, GP and clinical champion for the PCT, has designed a training package for GPs, and has been instrumental in helping to develop services.
There is now a local South Staffordshire Dementia Strategy in place and a joint strategic needs assessment has been completed to look at predicted growth of the condition in the county.
NHS North Staffordshire is working on its gap analysis and mapping existing services. Commissioning Manager for older people, Sally Young, is working on the end of life pathway for people with dementia across all trusts.
A number of other initiatives in the County are also in place. For information contact Sally on telephone: 078176 83092 or email Sally.young2@staffordshire.gov.uk
Demonstrating how it's done
Worcestershire's Joint Commissioning Unit is leading the work on a new Dementia Strategy for the county.
The strategy aims to meet the needs of all those with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of dementia in a seamless way, with the focus on personalisation and choice.
It will address the fact that the prevelance of dementia is increasing in Worcestershire at one of the fastest rates in the West Midlands.
Worcestershire's bid to become a demonstrator site for Dementia Advisors has been successful and two dementia advisors will be appointed in the north of the county until March 2011.
£112,000 has also been invested to provide two more admiral nurses.
Overall, NHS Worcestershire is investing £2,750,000, between 2010-13. This will be used to commission an Early Intervention and Diagnostic Service, invest in further Dementia Advisors, enhance the Admiral Nurses Service, and offer assistive technology and telecare to help people with dementia remain independent for longer.
It will also support the work of third sector organisations, such as the Alzheimer's Society, to deliver practical and emotional support services for people with early onset dementia and their carers, to reduce social isolation and promote self-care.
Worcestershire County Council are investing an additional £530,000 per year in an ambitious three year programme to improve the quality of care provided to people with dementia who live in care homes.
A new Dementia Care Standard for care homes will be introduced. Homes meeting the standard will be given a grant to invest in development and training of staff.
Contact: Sue Pidduck, Operational Services Manager, telephone: 01905 728835, email: SPidduck@worcestershire.gov.uk
Read more
The strategy aims to meet the needs of all those with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of dementia in a seamless way, with the focus on personalisation and choice.
It will address the fact that the prevelance of dementia is increasing in Worcestershire at one of the fastest rates in the West Midlands.
Worcestershire's bid to become a demonstrator site for Dementia Advisors has been successful and two dementia advisors will be appointed in the north of the county until March 2011.
£112,000 has also been invested to provide two more admiral nurses.
Overall, NHS Worcestershire is investing £2,750,000, between 2010-13. This will be used to commission an Early Intervention and Diagnostic Service, invest in further Dementia Advisors, enhance the Admiral Nurses Service, and offer assistive technology and telecare to help people with dementia remain independent for longer.
It will also support the work of third sector organisations, such as the Alzheimer's Society, to deliver practical and emotional support services for people with early onset dementia and their carers, to reduce social isolation and promote self-care.
Worcestershire County Council are investing an additional £530,000 per year in an ambitious three year programme to improve the quality of care provided to people with dementia who live in care homes.
A new Dementia Care Standard for care homes will be introduced. Homes meeting the standard will be given a grant to invest in development and training of staff.
Contact: Sue Pidduck, Operational Services Manager, telephone: 01905 728835, email: SPidduck@worcestershire.gov.uk
Read more
Dementia master plan for the region
DH West Midlands, councils, local health authorities and the JIP, have embarked on a number of initiatives to develop and raise standards of services for people with dementia.
Achievements to date include:
Achievements to date include:
- establishment of a whole system approach for implementation of the National Dementia Strategy (NDS) and the Darzi Dementia Pathway - the plan for delivering a seamless dementia service, involving all key stakeholders across the region and linking with other key policy and economy initiatives such as end of life care and telecare
- developing the infrastructure to disseminate good practice and steer development via the West Midlands ADASS Social Care Dementia Leads and Strategic Health Authority Dementia Commissioners Group, overseen by the Regional Dementia Strategic Steering Group
- providing support to two Dementia Advisor Demonstrator sites, and establishment of a regional network
- setting up an Acute Hospital Care Project to define a clear pathway through the health system for people with dementia . Clinical champions and leaders will also be identified
- baseline regional demand and capacity informing next stage developments
- Skills for Care dementia event and subsequent workforce development programmeregional agreement to conduct a dementia peer review exercise across health and social care to assess implementation of the NDS in all localities
- introduction of the primary care liaison worker to improve access to the dementia care pathway.
Work on the NDS is linked closely to other regional work streams including:
- Dignity in Care Campaign
- National Carers Strategy
- Valuing People programme
- ADASS Older Peoples Network
- Transforming Social Care and Personalisation
- Physical Activity Network – Older People Programme.
A regional business case for dementia has been agreed in principle with the JIP outlining planned activity for the forthcoming year. These are:
- dementia peer review across health and social care
- extra care housing event
- Early Intervention and Prevention Project – collaborative work focusing on compassionate communities, health and wellbeing
- public health campaign developing the ‘strapline’ and raising awareness of the intimate carer project, and securing the workforce.
Contact: Philipa Shreeve, telephone: 0121 3525449, email: philippa.shreeve@dh.gsi.gov.uk
Tracking progress
Progress of implementation of the national dementia strategy can be followed via a dedicated portal on the DH website.
The Dementia Information Portal offers information and support to members of the National Dementia Strategy Implementation Reference Group – set up to provide a pool of talent and information - and anyone with an interest in improving services for people with dementia.
Click here
The Dementia Information Portal offers information and support to members of the National Dementia Strategy Implementation Reference Group – set up to provide a pool of talent and information - and anyone with an interest in improving services for people with dementia.
Click here
Planning for success, implementing the strategy
The National Dementia Strategy Implementation Plan describes what needs to be done to make the strategy work and the support available to fulfil it.
The strategy aims to improve the quality of care for dementia sufferers so they and their carers can live well.
Published in July 2009, the implementation plan is in keeping with the shift towards prevention and early intervention and fits in with wider social care priorities, namely:
The strategy aims to improve the quality of care for dementia sufferers so they and their carers can live well.
Published in July 2009, the implementation plan is in keeping with the shift towards prevention and early intervention and fits in with wider social care priorities, namely:
- putting people
- first world class commissioning the carers' strategy
- end of life care strategy
- the dignity in care campaign
It details what the Department of Health (DH) will do to help authorities deliver the 17 objectives in the strategy and:
- emphasises the priority objectives
- describes the governance arrangements
- provides a structured programme for implementation of the strategy
- gives a proposed timetable for implementation.
The approach to implementation will be based on discussions and decisions made in partnership with the NHS, local authorities and key stakeholders. DH will play an enabling role, but where possible the details of implementation will be decided locally.
National strategy to transform dementia care
Living well with dementia: a National Dementia Strategy, promises to transform the care provided by health and social care services to dementia sufferers. Published by the Department of Health in February 2009, the purpose is to:
- provide a framework within which local services can deliver improvements to dementia services and address health inequalities surrounding the condition
- provide advice, guidance and support for commissioners in all areas of health, social care and the third sector
- provide a guide to the content of high quality health and social care.
Seventeen objectives have to be met with the overall aim of:
- increasing awareness of dementia
- diagnosing the condition and intervening with treatment and care at an earlier stage - proposals include introduction of a dementia specialist in every general hospital and care home, and for mental health teams to assess people with dementia
- providing higher standards of care.
Full implementation of the strategy will mean all people with dementia and the individuals who care for them will have the best possible healthcare and support.
Dementia – the facts
Dementia is a terminal condition but people can live with it for 7–12 years after diagnosis.
Key data for the UK includes the following:(2)
(3) Comas-Herrera A, Wittenberg R, Pickard L and Knapp M (2007). ‘Cognitive impairment in older people: future demand for long-term care services and the associated costs’. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 22:10, 1037–45.
Key data for the UK includes the following:(2)
- approximately 700,000 people have dementia
- in 30 years the number of people with dementia is expected to double to 1.4 million
- the national cost of dementia is about £17 billion per year
- in the same 30 years, the cost will treble to over £50 billion per year (3)
- dementia is predominantly a disorder of later life, but there are at least 15,000 people under the age of 65 who have the illness
- its incidence (the number of new cases per year) and prevalence (the number of cases at any one time) rise exponentially with age
- it affects men and women in all social groups
- people from all ethnic groups are affected by dementia. The current number of people with dementia in minority ethnic groups is around 15,000, but this is set to rise sharply
- the level of UK diagnosis and treatment of people with dementia is generally low, with a 24-fold variation between highest and lowest activity by PCT
- international comparisons suggest the UK is in the bottom third of European performance for diagnosis and treatment, with less than half the activity of France, Sweden, Ireland and Spain.
Source:
(2) Knapp M, Prince M, Albanese E et al (2007). Dementia UK: The full report. London: Alzheimer’s Society.
(3) Comas-Herrera A, Wittenberg R, Pickard L and Knapp M (2007). ‘Cognitive impairment in older people: future demand for long-term care services and the associated costs’. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 22:10, 1037–45.
New dementia director takes charge
Professor of psychiatry, Alistair Burns, has been appointed to oversee the government's National Dementia Strategy.
His role is to promote better care of people in England with dementia. He is currently professor of old age psychiatry at the University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health and Science Centre.
The dementia strategy provides a framework for health and social care services to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, intervene at an earlier stage, and provide better quality care.
Read more
His role is to promote better care of people in England with dementia. He is currently professor of old age psychiatry at the University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health and Science Centre.
The dementia strategy provides a framework for health and social care services to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, intervene at an earlier stage, and provide better quality care.
Read more
Foreword - February 2010
Welcome to the February issue of the JIP e-bulletin.
The bulletin is here to showcase examples of excellence and good practice in the region.
In this issue we focus on dementia and what is being done to support people with the condition, their families and carers.
The term 'dementia' describes symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions; there are over 100 different types including Alzheimer's.
The government's National Dementia Strategy provides a framework for joint working between health and social services to deliver improvements in care. Emphasis is on assisting people to live fulfilling, healthy and dignified lives.
Currently 700,000 people with dementia live in the UK; it's predicted over one million will have the condition by 2025.
With good care, support and understanding, advancement of the disease can be slowed down and the quality of life improved. At the heart of improving care are the attitudes and approaches adopted by care providers.
Last month, Sir Michael Parkinson published a report on his year as the nation's Dignity Ambassador - a role he took on following the death of his mother who had dementia - as part of the Dignity in Care Campaign. He points to strong leadership as key to good quality care. We include a report on his observations.
We bring you several examples of local and health authorities leading the way, both regionally and nationally, in providing appropriate and innovative services.
The JIP welcomes feedback from readers on how to improve the bulletin. Send your ideas and information for inclusion in future issues to cathrinalouis@btinternet.com.
Tony Oakman
Director of adult social care, health and communities
Stoke-on-Trent City Council
ADASS Lead for Dementia
The bulletin is here to showcase examples of excellence and good practice in the region.
In this issue we focus on dementia and what is being done to support people with the condition, their families and carers.
The term 'dementia' describes symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions; there are over 100 different types including Alzheimer's.
The government's National Dementia Strategy provides a framework for joint working between health and social services to deliver improvements in care. Emphasis is on assisting people to live fulfilling, healthy and dignified lives.
Currently 700,000 people with dementia live in the UK; it's predicted over one million will have the condition by 2025.
With good care, support and understanding, advancement of the disease can be slowed down and the quality of life improved. At the heart of improving care are the attitudes and approaches adopted by care providers.
Last month, Sir Michael Parkinson published a report on his year as the nation's Dignity Ambassador - a role he took on following the death of his mother who had dementia - as part of the Dignity in Care Campaign. He points to strong leadership as key to good quality care. We include a report on his observations.
We bring you several examples of local and health authorities leading the way, both regionally and nationally, in providing appropriate and innovative services.
The JIP welcomes feedback from readers on how to improve the bulletin. Send your ideas and information for inclusion in future issues to cathrinalouis@btinternet.com.
Tony Oakman
Director of adult social care, health and communities
Stoke-on-Trent City Council
ADASS Lead for Dementia
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Joint Improvement Partnership (JIP) Blog Editorial Guidance
Please keep your contributions polite, tasteful and relevant. Bear in the mind the following:
Do not post comments that are defamatory. Defamation is caused by comments that damage the reputation of a person or organisation. This can lead to being sued for liable resulting in considerable damages and costs.
Avoid contempt of court by not posting anything that risks prejudicing on-going or forthcoming court proceedings.
Do not incite people to commit crime
Avoid breaking a court injunction
Do not post content that you have copied from someone else and don’t own the copyright
Please limit the number of contributions you make to allow space for others
No profanities or words that might cause offence
No personal information. Keep personal details confidential including address, place of employment, name of educational establishment, phone numbers, email addresses for your safety and everyone else’s
No advertising, promotion of products or services or posting of web links
Post in English only
No impersonating other people
You own the copyright of your posting, but by submitting your comment to the Joint Improvement Partnership (JIP) Blog you also agree to grant the JIP a perpetual, royalty-free, non exclusive right and license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, exercise all copyright and publicity rights or to incorporate it in other works. If you do not wish to grant such rights to JIP, it is suggested you do not submit your contribution to this site.
Do not post comments that are defamatory. Defamation is caused by comments that damage the reputation of a person or organisation. This can lead to being sued for liable resulting in considerable damages and costs.
Avoid contempt of court by not posting anything that risks prejudicing on-going or forthcoming court proceedings.
Do not incite people to commit crime
Avoid breaking a court injunction
Do not post content that you have copied from someone else and don’t own the copyright
Please limit the number of contributions you make to allow space for others
No profanities or words that might cause offence
No personal information. Keep personal details confidential including address, place of employment, name of educational establishment, phone numbers, email addresses for your safety and everyone else’s
No advertising, promotion of products or services or posting of web links
Post in English only
No impersonating other people
You own the copyright of your posting, but by submitting your comment to the Joint Improvement Partnership (JIP) Blog you also agree to grant the JIP a perpetual, royalty-free, non exclusive right and license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, exercise all copyright and publicity rights or to incorporate it in other works. If you do not wish to grant such rights to JIP, it is suggested you do not submit your contribution to this site.
Friday, 8 January 2010
Age equality in health and social care
Views are sought by the government on non-legislative recommendations on actions the Department of Health, NHS and social care providers should take to prepare for the introduction of the new public sector equality duty, and the ban on age discrimination.
Closing date for responses: 15 February 2010
Read more
Closing date for responses: 15 February 2010
Read more
Personal care at home
The government is consulting on proposals to require councils in England with adult social services responsibilities to provide personal care free of charge in certain circumstances to people with the highest needs.
Closing date for responses: 23 February 2010
Read more
Closing date for responses: 23 February 2010
Read more
Care Fund Calculator to go on line
A contractor will be appointed by the end of January 2010 to put the Care Fund Calculator on line.
The calculator is a tool used for gauging the cost of residential and supported living placements based on data gathered by the Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnerships (RIEPs).
Data includes price details of staffing, hotel places, overheads and other costs. The calculator gives care purchasers an indicative price for each element of their client’s care plan. The estimated cost is then used to negotiate a fair price for the care package with the supplier.
Putting the calculator on line makes it more accessible and easier to use. Information can be retrieved quickly; local, regional and national price comparisons can be made at glance; and reports will no longer have to be produced manually as they can be pulled directly from the database.
A pilot to test functionality of the new system is scheduled to start by early June this year, for six to eight weeks. The calculator is due to be rolled out in summer.
For more information about the Care Funding Calculator project, contact Mihir Trivedi, Project Manager, telephone: 07977 160 163, email: mihir@hb21.co.uk
The calculator is a tool used for gauging the cost of residential and supported living placements based on data gathered by the Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnerships (RIEPs).
Data includes price details of staffing, hotel places, overheads and other costs. The calculator gives care purchasers an indicative price for each element of their client’s care plan. The estimated cost is then used to negotiate a fair price for the care package with the supplier.
Putting the calculator on line makes it more accessible and easier to use. Information can be retrieved quickly; local, regional and national price comparisons can be made at glance; and reports will no longer have to be produced manually as they can be pulled directly from the database.
A pilot to test functionality of the new system is scheduled to start by early June this year, for six to eight weeks. The calculator is due to be rolled out in summer.
For more information about the Care Funding Calculator project, contact Mihir Trivedi, Project Manager, telephone: 07977 160 163, email: mihir@hb21.co.uk
Contracting for Personalised Outcomes
Social care commissioners, contractors and providers are invited to a one day seminar on 8 February 2010, to learn how commissioning and contracting practices can be adapted to suit personalisation and personal budgets.
The session will be delivered by the Department of Health West Midlands and the Office for Public Management.
Participants will:
• Hear about leading edge practice
• Take part in discussions between commissioners and providers
• Work on adapting leading edge practice for local use
• Identify challenges that must be tackled to allow personalisation of services.
Contact Sam Bennett, telephone: 07827 983136, email: sam.bennett@dh.gsi.gov.uk,
The session will be delivered by the Department of Health West Midlands and the Office for Public Management.
Participants will:
• Hear about leading edge practice
• Take part in discussions between commissioners and providers
• Work on adapting leading edge practice for local use
• Identify challenges that must be tackled to allow personalisation of services.
Contact Sam Bennett, telephone: 07827 983136, email: sam.bennett@dh.gsi.gov.uk,
Where do I get cashable savings?
A free event demonstrating how financial savings can be made throughout local government will take place on 14 January 2010 at the ICC in Birmingham.
Hosted by the West Midlands, East Midlands, and Yorkshire & Humber Regional and Improvement and Efficiency Partnerships (RIEPs), the interactive event is aimed at colleagues from county, unitary and metropolitan councils.
Delegates will be shown examples of how savings can be made in response to government demands for increased efficiencies.
Register here
Hosted by the West Midlands, East Midlands, and Yorkshire & Humber Regional and Improvement and Efficiency Partnerships (RIEPs), the interactive event is aimed at colleagues from county, unitary and metropolitan councils.
Delegates will be shown examples of how savings can be made in response to government demands for increased efficiencies.
Register here
Personal Assistants - Building capacity & quality
The JIP has commissioned a project to help build the capacity and quality of PAs in the region.
Personalisation of adult social care is resulting in significant numbers of people receiving direct payments and increasing demands for directly employed PAs.
The project will deliver:
• Legal advice and guidance on social care, employment, health and safety legislation, and the implications for councils' direct payment and safeguarding responsibilities
• An analysis of barriers to becoming (or remaining) a PA, and a strategy to overcome the barriers
• A specification for a PA register
• A business case for local authority investment in PA capacity building measures.
Project Sponsor, Mark Godfrey, Assistant Director of Adult Services at Coventry City Council, said: “it’s important that the project reflects the needs of those who employ personal assistants and those who work as PAs. Both groups are represented on the Project Board and, through a series of engagement sessions taking place in the New Year, we will make sure that we focus on the right issues.”
Project manager, Paul Johnston of Impact Change Solutions Ltd, said: “As we all strive to meet the target of 30% take-up of direct payments by March 2011, it’s important that the infrastructure is in place to support this growth without exposing councils to legal challenges and vulnerable service users to risk. The region recognises the importance of capacity building and a good quality PA workforce. Impact Change Solutions is delighted to facilitate this work.”
Engagement sessions for direct payment recipients and for PAs are planned for January 2010.
Contact Paul Johnston , telephone: 01670 528438 or 07847 318672, email: Paul.johnston@impactchange.co.uk
Personalisation of adult social care is resulting in significant numbers of people receiving direct payments and increasing demands for directly employed PAs.
The project will deliver:
• Legal advice and guidance on social care, employment, health and safety legislation, and the implications for councils' direct payment and safeguarding responsibilities
• An analysis of barriers to becoming (or remaining) a PA, and a strategy to overcome the barriers
• A specification for a PA register
• A business case for local authority investment in PA capacity building measures.
Project Sponsor, Mark Godfrey, Assistant Director of Adult Services at Coventry City Council, said: “it’s important that the project reflects the needs of those who employ personal assistants and those who work as PAs. Both groups are represented on the Project Board and, through a series of engagement sessions taking place in the New Year, we will make sure that we focus on the right issues.”
Project manager, Paul Johnston of Impact Change Solutions Ltd, said: “As we all strive to meet the target of 30% take-up of direct payments by March 2011, it’s important that the infrastructure is in place to support this growth without exposing councils to legal challenges and vulnerable service users to risk. The region recognises the importance of capacity building and a good quality PA workforce. Impact Change Solutions is delighted to facilitate this work.”
Engagement sessions for direct payment recipients and for PAs are planned for January 2010.
Contact Paul Johnston , telephone: 01670 528438 or 07847 318672, email: Paul.johnston@impactchange.co.uk
Gas leak gadget keeps elderly residents safe
Residents in sheltered accommodation in Sandwell could live more safely in their homes due to an innovative gas leak detection device.
STAY, Sandwell’s telecare service, has trialled a natural gas and carbon monoxide detecting system, which triggers an alarm and turns off the gas supply as soon as a leak is detected.
The system consists of a gas valve which is wired to a control box and inserted into pipes between the gas mains and cooker. A wireless gas detector is fitted near the cooker and communicates with the control box which is linked to the Community Alarms Monitoring Centre via a telephone line. When the detector senses escaping gas, the system is activated, sending an alert to the monitoring centre while simultaneously turning off the gas.
The borough aims to use the system more extensively when it becomes cheaper. For details telephone STAY on 0121 569 2758, or by fax on 0121 569 2753 or email telecare_team@sandwell.gov.uk.
Read more
STAY, Sandwell’s telecare service, has trialled a natural gas and carbon monoxide detecting system, which triggers an alarm and turns off the gas supply as soon as a leak is detected.
The system consists of a gas valve which is wired to a control box and inserted into pipes between the gas mains and cooker. A wireless gas detector is fitted near the cooker and communicates with the control box which is linked to the Community Alarms Monitoring Centre via a telephone line. When the detector senses escaping gas, the system is activated, sending an alert to the monitoring centre while simultaneously turning off the gas.
The borough aims to use the system more extensively when it becomes cheaper. For details telephone STAY on 0121 569 2758, or by fax on 0121 569 2753 or email telecare_team@sandwell.gov.uk.
Read more
Safeguarding on film
- The Social Care Institute for Excellence has three short videos about safeguarding on its website.
They are: - Safeguarding adults: preventing abuse through community cohesion, communication and good practice - The film shows how good communication with older people can improve safeguarding.
- Safeguarding adults: lessons from the murder of Steven Hoskin - Featuring lessons learned and subsequent changes in practice following the murder of Steven Hoskin.
- Safeguarding adults: an independent life after long-term abuse within the family - The film focuses on the story of Philip who suffered abuse in the family home for many years. Since he spoke out about the abuse, Philip has been supported to live a full and independent life.
To view films click here
Managing risks in safeguarding and personalisation
Local authorities in the region have identified potential risks that may arise with personalisation of adult care services and have made recommendations on how they might be managed.
In early 2009, JIP asked the authorities to develop a regional understanding of and a common approach to managing individual, organisational and programme risks.
The Risk Task and Finish Group were set up to handle the project, and have produced a detailed account of the experiences, and approaches adopted by councils in the region.
It reveals:
• risks identified are common to all
• personalisation is occurring at different rates across the region
• different processes, systems and circumstances have led to authorities developing their own responses.
One area highlighted as in need of urgent attention is safeguarding.
The task group proposes councils in the region:
• be less risk averse and make it possible for service users and carers to take more responsibility for keeping safe
• establish a robust safeguarding system that is easy to apply and addresses the specific challenges of personalisation
• raise awareness of risk for individuals receiving and supporting personalisation
• provide additional support to people lacking capacity to safeguard
• make information available to people wanting to insure against litigation
• provide sufficient information on employment issues for hiring PAs
• establish a set of agreed principles across the region that reflects collaborative work and still allows for local interpretation.
The group recommends that personalisation and safeguarding are not developed as ‘polarised agendas isolated from each other’.
For full details of the task group’s findings and recommendations contact Sandra Hudson, Department of Health West Midlands, telephone: 01213525040, email: sandra.hudson@dh.gsi.gov.uk
In early 2009, JIP asked the authorities to develop a regional understanding of and a common approach to managing individual, organisational and programme risks.
The Risk Task and Finish Group were set up to handle the project, and have produced a detailed account of the experiences, and approaches adopted by councils in the region.
It reveals:
• risks identified are common to all
• personalisation is occurring at different rates across the region
• different processes, systems and circumstances have led to authorities developing their own responses.
One area highlighted as in need of urgent attention is safeguarding.
The task group proposes councils in the region:
• be less risk averse and make it possible for service users and carers to take more responsibility for keeping safe
• establish a robust safeguarding system that is easy to apply and addresses the specific challenges of personalisation
• raise awareness of risk for individuals receiving and supporting personalisation
• provide additional support to people lacking capacity to safeguard
• make information available to people wanting to insure against litigation
• provide sufficient information on employment issues for hiring PAs
• establish a set of agreed principles across the region that reflects collaborative work and still allows for local interpretation.
The group recommends that personalisation and safeguarding are not developed as ‘polarised agendas isolated from each other’.
For full details of the task group’s findings and recommendations contact Sandra Hudson, Department of Health West Midlands, telephone: 01213525040, email: sandra.hudson@dh.gsi.gov.uk
Support package for safeguarding
Support for local councils and their partners with responsibility for safeguarding vulnerable adults is available from the Improvement and Development Agency for local government (IDeA).
Using the skills and expertise of officers, councillors and partners in the social care sector, the IDeA is offering:
• peer review of local adult safeguarding arrangements
• training and briefings for councillors and lead members
• a pool of accredited peers and sector specialists to deliver customised support to councils and their partners
• an online community of safeguarding networks to share knowledge and best practice
• national conferences.
The programme of support will be delivered in partnership with the Local Government Association, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, and the Social Care Institute for Excellence.
For details contact Louise Wright, Project Coordinator, email: louise.wright@idea.gov.uk, telephone: 020 7296 6693
Read more
Using the skills and expertise of officers, councillors and partners in the social care sector, the IDeA is offering:
• peer review of local adult safeguarding arrangements
• training and briefings for councillors and lead members
• a pool of accredited peers and sector specialists to deliver customised support to councils and their partners
• an online community of safeguarding networks to share knowledge and best practice
• national conferences.
The programme of support will be delivered in partnership with the Local Government Association, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, and the Social Care Institute for Excellence.
For details contact Louise Wright, Project Coordinator, email: louise.wright@idea.gov.uk, telephone: 020 7296 6693
Read more
Personalisation and safeguarding in Wolverhampton
An adult safeguarding DVD has been launched by Wolverhampton Safeguarding Adults Board at a workshop held to examine challenges and links between personalisation and safeguarding.
Participants included social workers, nurses, councillors, NHS and housing representatives.
The DVD will be used to raise awareness and for training purposes.
Other council initiatives include:
• contributions to regional work on safeguarding and personalisation through regional managers meetings
• working with doctors by displaying notices in GP surgeries, and acting as the main contact point for GPs and other health professionals seeking advice on safeguarding matters
• devising a set of Service User Standards for people on personal budgets
• producing a leaflet on “What to do if you are being abused”
• making regular contact with various user and partnership groups in the city
•finalising arrangements to work with VOICE UK and facilitate workshops for people with learning disabilities.
Read more
Participants included social workers, nurses, councillors, NHS and housing representatives.
The DVD will be used to raise awareness and for training purposes.
Other council initiatives include:
• contributions to regional work on safeguarding and personalisation through regional managers meetings
• working with doctors by displaying notices in GP surgeries, and acting as the main contact point for GPs and other health professionals seeking advice on safeguarding matters
• devising a set of Service User Standards for people on personal budgets
• producing a leaflet on “What to do if you are being abused”
• making regular contact with various user and partnership groups in the city
•finalising arrangements to work with VOICE UK and facilitate workshops for people with learning disabilities.
Read more
Keeping safe in Dudley
Dudley Borough Council has produced a safeguarding leaflet for people on direct payments employing their own personal assistants (PAs).
Called Keeping it Safe, the leaflet explains what abuse is, how to minimise risks, and who you should go to if you are unhappy with your PA. It also gives details of free awareness raising training courses.
Read more
Called Keeping it Safe, the leaflet explains what abuse is, how to minimise risks, and who you should go to if you are unhappy with your PA. It also gives details of free awareness raising training courses.
Read more
Safeguarding in partnership in Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has put partnership working at the heart of safeguarding vulnerable adults.
The council works closely with Staffordshire County Council on the new Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults in Staffordshire and Stoke Executive and Operational Boards, and with all of the board’s six sub groups.
The council also:
• holds regular workshops with the police to discuss cases of vulnerable adults and develop safeguarding arrangements
• holds ‘serious fire’ debrief meetings to consider lessons learned from cases where vulnerable adults have been involved in house fires
• has reciprocal arrangements for serious case reviews to ensure impartiality and professionalism
• looks at discharges to residential and nursing care of individuals and develops improvements to the process in partnership meetings with Stoke PCT and the Hospital Trust.
The council works closely with Staffordshire County Council on the new Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults in Staffordshire and Stoke Executive and Operational Boards, and with all of the board’s six sub groups.
The council also:
• holds regular workshops with the police to discuss cases of vulnerable adults and develop safeguarding arrangements
• holds ‘serious fire’ debrief meetings to consider lessons learned from cases where vulnerable adults have been involved in house fires
• has reciprocal arrangements for serious case reviews to ensure impartiality and professionalism
• looks at discharges to residential and nursing care of individuals and develops improvements to the process in partnership meetings with Stoke PCT and the Hospital Trust.
Taking the dignity pledge
Sandwell Council and its partners are urging local people to become dignity champions.
The appeal is part of a local campaign to adopt a zero tolerance approach to abuse and disrespect of older people.
Members of the public, council employees, councillors and other individuals have been asked to sign up as dignity champions and pledge to do ‘just one thing’ to help others.
A pack including ideas of how to help, details of dignity awareness training courses, and a pledge card, has been made available.
Call the healthy lifestyle helpline, telephone: 0800 011 4656.
Read more
The appeal is part of a local campaign to adopt a zero tolerance approach to abuse and disrespect of older people.
Members of the public, council employees, councillors and other individuals have been asked to sign up as dignity champions and pledge to do ‘just one thing’ to help others.
A pack including ideas of how to help, details of dignity awareness training courses, and a pledge card, has been made available.
Call the healthy lifestyle helpline, telephone: 0800 011 4656.
Read more
A fresh approach in Worcestershire
Worcestershire County Council has taken major steps to develop its adult safeguarding services since its inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in January 2009.
The authority – in common with the majority of West Midlands’ councils - was rated ‘adequate’, with ‘promising prospects’ for improvement.
Over the past year Worcestershire has embarked on a number of initiatives to raise awareness, improve skills and services, and set up new adult protection processes. These include:
Training – delivering workshops to nearly 2,000 employees ranging from social care and support staff to emergency planners, libraries and museum workers. They were shown how to spot potential abuse of vulnerable people in public places, and how to make safeguarding referrals.
A training strategy has been approved and additional courses will be provided on topics such as investigative skills for managers and undertaking independent management reviews of serious cases.
Members and the Safeguarding Adults Board – specific training for councillors has been provided to increase their awareness. An independent chair, funded jointly by key agencies in the county, will be appointed to the Safeguarding Adults Board.
Adult Protection Referrals – Safeguarding referrals have increased by 46% since last year. The workload has been greatly eased by additional support provided by the county’s new Care Services Quality Team (CSQT), particularly when investigating problems with service providers.
Establishing CSQT – The team provides support and guidance for care homes that are rated ‘poor' or ‘adequate’ by the CQC. All poorly performing homes are dealt with under the adult protection process where they are regularly monitored and reviewed. Home managers are required to suspend admissions until they can demonstrate improvements in care. CSQT works with staff to address failings, particularly in the areas of safeguarding, person centred care and dignity in care.
For information on safeguarding contact Sue Pidduck, Safeguarding lead, spidduck@worcestershire.gov.uk or Nicky Barry, Adult Protection Co-ordinator nbarry@worcestershire.gov.uk .
For information on CSQT contact Annie O’Mara, telephone: 01905 766939, email: aomara@worcestershire.gov.uk
The authority – in common with the majority of West Midlands’ councils - was rated ‘adequate’, with ‘promising prospects’ for improvement.
Over the past year Worcestershire has embarked on a number of initiatives to raise awareness, improve skills and services, and set up new adult protection processes. These include:
Training – delivering workshops to nearly 2,000 employees ranging from social care and support staff to emergency planners, libraries and museum workers. They were shown how to spot potential abuse of vulnerable people in public places, and how to make safeguarding referrals.
A training strategy has been approved and additional courses will be provided on topics such as investigative skills for managers and undertaking independent management reviews of serious cases.
Members and the Safeguarding Adults Board – specific training for councillors has been provided to increase their awareness. An independent chair, funded jointly by key agencies in the county, will be appointed to the Safeguarding Adults Board.
Adult Protection Referrals – Safeguarding referrals have increased by 46% since last year. The workload has been greatly eased by additional support provided by the county’s new Care Services Quality Team (CSQT), particularly when investigating problems with service providers.
Establishing CSQT – The team provides support and guidance for care homes that are rated ‘poor' or ‘adequate’ by the CQC. All poorly performing homes are dealt with under the adult protection process where they are regularly monitored and reviewed. Home managers are required to suspend admissions until they can demonstrate improvements in care. CSQT works with staff to address failings, particularly in the areas of safeguarding, person centred care and dignity in care.
For information on safeguarding contact Sue Pidduck, Safeguarding lead, spidduck@worcestershire.gov.uk or Nicky Barry, Adult Protection Co-ordinator nbarry@worcestershire.gov.uk .
For information on CSQT contact Annie O’Mara, telephone: 01905 766939, email: aomara@worcestershire.gov.uk
Partners show support in Coventry
Over 100 delegates from key organisations in Coventry attended the launch of a new city council initiative to safeguard vulnerable adults.
The event, held on the 30 November 2009, was used to inform 117 delegates of advances made in protecting and supporting individuals at risk or subject to neglect and abuse; to outline future priorities and to unveil a single contact telephone number for the public to report their concerns.
The new number, 024 7683 3800, has been introduced along with an information leaflet and an updated website providing useful information, advice and case studies illustrating how safeguarding works in practice.
The launch was an opportunity for partner agencies including the police, NHS and Age Concern, to publicly re-affirm their commitment to tackling abuse and neglect; to raise the profile of safeguarding adults to a broad audience; and to encourage people to report safeguarding concerns.
Brian Walsh, Director of Community Services, at Coventry City Council said: "Safeguarding is everyone’s business. We all have a duty to report concerns if we think someone is being abused or neglected. The launch highlighted how working together, sharing information and understanding the complexity involved, is more important than ever. The engagement and commitment from all organisations in the city is essential to tackle abuse.”
The Council will be documenting its progress to date which it will share with other authorities, and has commissioned a peer led review to further develop safeguarding practices in the city.
Read more
The event, held on the 30 November 2009, was used to inform 117 delegates of advances made in protecting and supporting individuals at risk or subject to neglect and abuse; to outline future priorities and to unveil a single contact telephone number for the public to report their concerns.
The new number, 024 7683 3800, has been introduced along with an information leaflet and an updated website providing useful information, advice and case studies illustrating how safeguarding works in practice.
The launch was an opportunity for partner agencies including the police, NHS and Age Concern, to publicly re-affirm their commitment to tackling abuse and neglect; to raise the profile of safeguarding adults to a broad audience; and to encourage people to report safeguarding concerns.
Brian Walsh, Director of Community Services, at Coventry City Council said: "Safeguarding is everyone’s business. We all have a duty to report concerns if we think someone is being abused or neglected. The launch highlighted how working together, sharing information and understanding the complexity involved, is more important than ever. The engagement and commitment from all organisations in the city is essential to tackle abuse.”
The Council will be documenting its progress to date which it will share with other authorities, and has commissioned a peer led review to further develop safeguarding practices in the city.
Read more
Considering No Secrets
The Government is considering its response to the consultation on the review of No Secrets, the legally binding guidance on keeping vulnerable adults safe.
The aim of the consultation was to listen to and learn about views and experiences of adult safeguarding.
The main question posed by the consultation was whether the guidance needed to change to help society keep adults safe from abuse or harm.
Published in 2000, it provides a framework for a multi agency approach to dealing with abuse or harm. It includes:
• a list of the main forms of abuse
• the requirement to identify roles and responsibilities of each organisation
• a directive for establishing clear lines of accountability, and mechanisms for monitoring, reviewing and carrying out annual audits.
Twenty agencies are identified as responsible for safeguarding, including councils, the NHS and police. Local authorities lead the development of policies, procedures and protocols.
A study commissioned by Comic Relief and the Department of Health found between 2.6% and 4% of people aged over 66 had experienced mistreatment. This equates to between 227,000 and 342,000 people in the UK.
The consultation was launched in October 2008. Twelve thousand people took part and a report summarising their responses has been published. These are currently being considered by the government and will form the basis of its response.
Read more:
No secrets: guidance on developing and implementing multi-agency policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults from abuse
Safeguarding Adults - a consultation on the review of the 'No Secrets' Guidance
Safeguarding Adults: report of the consultation on the review of No Secrets
The aim of the consultation was to listen to and learn about views and experiences of adult safeguarding.
The main question posed by the consultation was whether the guidance needed to change to help society keep adults safe from abuse or harm.
Published in 2000, it provides a framework for a multi agency approach to dealing with abuse or harm. It includes:
• a list of the main forms of abuse
• the requirement to identify roles and responsibilities of each organisation
• a directive for establishing clear lines of accountability, and mechanisms for monitoring, reviewing and carrying out annual audits.
Twenty agencies are identified as responsible for safeguarding, including councils, the NHS and police. Local authorities lead the development of policies, procedures and protocols.
A study commissioned by Comic Relief and the Department of Health found between 2.6% and 4% of people aged over 66 had experienced mistreatment. This equates to between 227,000 and 342,000 people in the UK.
The consultation was launched in October 2008. Twelve thousand people took part and a report summarising their responses has been published. These are currently being considered by the government and will form the basis of its response.
Read more:
No secrets: guidance on developing and implementing multi-agency policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults from abuse
Safeguarding Adults - a consultation on the review of the 'No Secrets' Guidance
Safeguarding Adults: report of the consultation on the review of No Secrets
JIP e-bulletin No 8 January 2010
Greetings and best wishes for the year ahead from all of us at the Joint Improvement Partnership.
2010 promises to be an exciting and innovative period as we begin to see the results of the hard work put into transforming and personalising social care, and continue to find new ways of delivering good quality services with fewer resources.
In this bulletin we focus on the pressing issue of protecting – otherwise known as safeguarding - vulnerable adults from neglect; and from physical, financial, psychological, emotional, sexual and discriminatory abuse.
In my own authority, Coventry City Council, we see safeguarding as everyone’s business. Towards the end of last year we launched new safeguarding initiatives including a designated phone number for the public to report their concerns, a new information leaflet and held a conference where all partner agencies reaffirmed their commitment to tackle abuse and neglect.
Other authorities in the region have taken significant steps to raise awareness of the issue by working closely with their partners and ensuring their procedures make a difference to peoples’ lives – read about the initiatives in Worcestershire, Sandwell, Stoke-on-Trent, Dudley and Wolverhampton.
Support for local authorities is available from the JIP, Department of Health and the Improvement and Development Agency for local government – details of how they can help are in the bulletin.
Please keep on sharing news and information about your developments, achievements and good practice, by sending details to cathrinalouis@btinternet.com, telephone 0790 8875533.
Thank you.
Brian Walsh
JIP
Director of Community Services
Coventry City Council
Greetings and best wishes for the year ahead from all of us at the Joint Improvement Partnership.
2010 promises to be an exciting and innovative period as we begin to see the results of the hard work put into transforming and personalising social care, and continue to find new ways of delivering good quality services with fewer resources.
In this bulletin we focus on the pressing issue of protecting – otherwise known as safeguarding - vulnerable adults from neglect; and from physical, financial, psychological, emotional, sexual and discriminatory abuse.
In my own authority, Coventry City Council, we see safeguarding as everyone’s business. Towards the end of last year we launched new safeguarding initiatives including a designated phone number for the public to report their concerns, a new information leaflet and held a conference where all partner agencies reaffirmed their commitment to tackle abuse and neglect.
Other authorities in the region have taken significant steps to raise awareness of the issue by working closely with their partners and ensuring their procedures make a difference to peoples’ lives – read about the initiatives in Worcestershire, Sandwell, Stoke-on-Trent, Dudley and Wolverhampton.
Support for local authorities is available from the JIP, Department of Health and the Improvement and Development Agency for local government – details of how they can help are in the bulletin.
Please keep on sharing news and information about your developments, achievements and good practice, by sending details to cathrinalouis@btinternet.com, telephone 0790 8875533.
Thank you.
Brian Walsh
JIP
Director of Community Services
Coventry City Council
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