Two stars and promising for Warwickshire Adult Social Care Services
A thorough review of Warwickshire’s Adult Social Care Services gave Warwickshire County Council a rating of two stars and promising prospects.
The rating, announced today by the independent Commission for Social Care Inspection, confirms that the county is improving in its provision of services for adults with disabilities and older people.
One short of the maximum of three stars, the result demonstrates that Warwickshire County Council’s commitment to caring for adults and older people is stronger than ever.
The Commission said that the council makes a good contribution to improving people’s health and sense of wellbeing. It also said that the council makes a good contribution to improving the quality of life for those who use care services in Warwickshire.
A good rating was also given to the council’s consultation with service users and carers and the positive contribution this consultation made on planning and delivering the services.
Positive feedback came for the council’s work to increase the services
available and the amount of control people have over support services.
Praise was also given to the work that the council is doing to increase people’s economic wellbeing. In particular the Commission singled out the increased pathways to employment and the longstanding partnership arrangements that help older people in Warwickshire to maximise their incomes and minimise financial difficulties.
Performance improved in key areas such as services for carers and Direct Payments which give people more control and choice over their services.
Two areas were highlighted as being adequate. The first is freedom from discrimination or harassment where the inspectors felt greater clarity was needed.
The second is maintaining dignity and respect which although given an adequate rating, the Commission acknowledged that the council is working to make sure that dignity and respect is maintained in care settings.
Councillor Colin Hayfield, portfolio holder for adult and community services, welcomed the turnabout in performance saying, “This improved performance is down to the hard work and commitment of staff across adult and social services. We are seeing better outcomes for people in Warwickshire as a result of this.”
Graeme Betts, Strategic Director for Adult Health and Community Services, said: “I am delighted to see the improvement in our star rating this year. It is a testament to the hard work of all those involved in planning and delivering Warwickshire’s care services.
“The council is committed to caring for adults with disabilities and older people and the rating awarded by the Commission for Social Care Inspection demonstrates a confidence in the provision of services that we can continue to build upon in the future.”