Partner Article

Care Reforms ‘Long Overdue’, Says Homecare Provider

One of the North West’s leading homecare providers is welcoming a big shake-up of adult social care provision in England, saying that a change in legislation is long overdue.

Lancashire-headquartered Community Life Choices (CLC) has voiced its support for the Care Act 2015, which comes into effect tomorrow (01 April) and presents the biggest reforms in social care for more than 60 years.

The legislation promises to bring together outdated care and support measures into a single law, which puts people and carers at the heart of the care system and provides them with greater control when making decisions.

Whilst not all changes are immediate, with deferred payment agreements and a cap on care costs coming into force in April 2016, people will see instant improvements in how they receive personalised care and support.

Care providers and local authorities will offer real choice and control, with services that are flexible, innovative and designed around the individual.

Alan Frew, managing director of Community Life Choices, said: “The changes within the Care Act show that policymakers have taken the time to properly understand our industry and implement necessary measures that ensure providers and local authorities improve.

“The care industry in Lancashire alone serves more than 30,000 people and plays host to 100,000 carers and 14 local authorities. The modernised system will make care and support more consistent and give people greater independence and involvement in how they gain support that best meets their needs.

“As a homecare provider that already complies with the upcoming changes, we are disappointed that the outdated laws have taken so long to get up to speed, with some people suffering as a result of disjointed care and support.

“The devil is in the detail and whilst the Care Act will be very positive in the long run, I hope we’re not waiting another 60 years before the system improves once again.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Community Life Choices .