SOCIAL CARE SURVEY SEEKS VIEWS ON EQUIPMENT DESIGNED TO HELP PEOPLE REMAIN IN THEIR OWN HOMES (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

SOCIAL CARE SURVEY SEEKS VIEWS ON EQUIPMENT DESIGNED TO HELP PEOPLE REMAIN IN THEIR OWN HOMES

January 28, 2010 12:00 AM

York residents who have benefited from community equipment or adaptations to their home provided by City of York Council's Adult Social Services department will get the chance to have their say on the service in a national survey taking place next month.

Over 1,100 customers who have received a piece of community equipment (such as sticks and walking frames) or minor adaptation services (such as hearing loops and portable ramps) to their home between September and December 2009 will receive a questionnaire asking them for feedback on the service.

The questionnaire is part of the national Personal Social Services User Experience Survey and will allow City of York Council to compare its services to others across the country.

Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Housing and Adult Social Services, Councillor Jonathan Morley said the community equipment and housing modifications provided by City of York Council often had a big impact on people's lives.

He said, "Some of the equipment or modifications may seem fairly simple things but they can make a big difference to people's lives."

"Often a small adaptation can make the difference between someone being able to stay in their own home and having to go into residential care."

"More and more people are expressing their desire to receive the care they need in their own homes. That is why we spending more than £1m extra next year on helping people to live in their own homes."

"We will also be investing £450,000 as part of the capital programme in hi-tech Telecare equipment which will help people with even more complex needs retain their independence and stay in their own homes. There will also be extra funding in the capital programme for more home adaptations."

Councillor Morley said the survey would help the Council assess how the system of community equipment and adaptations was working and would help to identify improvements to make things easier for customers.