It's my last day in the office this year (I know - what a part-timer!) so I thought it might be worth taking stock of what's been an extraordinary time for the adult care sector.
I've reported on the subject since 2003 and have never known a year like 2009 - big government strategies on dementia and learning disabilities; the creation of a new inspectorate; personalisation rumbling on; the green paper; the Personal Care at Home Bill.
And 2010 should be more of the same: a strategy for adults with autism; a white paper on funding reform; a big rush to get the Personal Care at Home Bill onto the statute books in time for the election; and an election campaign that should have the future of adult social care at its heart.
However, there are a few reasons to approach the coming year with any rose-tinted spectacles firmly in our pockets:-
- Some policy areas are not seeing a great deal of development or progress - adult protection and safeguarding being the most obvious area. The government is due to report on its review of the No Secrets guidance shortly but there can be little hope that we will see a legislative framework - what professionals and campaigners have been crying out for years - anytime soon.
- The recession is driving increased demand for adult social care but public spending is likely to go in the opposite direction - and fast - from 2011 onwards. Dealing with this - while implementing personalisation - is going to cause more than a few headaches in more than a few town halls.
- We may have political debate on adult social care funding but political consensus seems a far way off. The Tories are apparently considering whether to back or oppose the Personal Care at Home Bill (that will introduce free personal care at home for people with high needs) but they show no sign of backing the government's green paper plan.
However, what is unarguable is that adult social care will not be swept under the carpet as an issue as it has been by the political classes in the past.
There is much to play for for social workers, managers, service users, providers and campaigners in the year to come and I for one am looking forward to seeing what happens.
On a personal note I and my son have not experienced any benefit from the 'Valuing People' White Paper, in fact his life and mine have become dramatically changed for the worse. So 2010 holds no hope of anything better especially now local authorities will tighten their belts.
The White Paper as a blueprint for the future of care for people with severe learning disabilities is fine, but to get local authorities to actually implement these proposals has become a farce.
I live in one the London boroughs which scored badly in the latest CQC inspections so I know personally that they only play lip service to the ethos of the White Paper. They seem to have a problem with the word 'choice' and also understanding the meaning of equality and dignity.
My son now is at home all day with my husband and myself. He has become anxious and still misses his day centre. The strain on my husband and I is affecting all aspects of our lives and I dearly wish we could go back to the way it was before they decided to value us.