Disabled people and carers should follow the example of Rosa Parks (pictured) and not leave their destinies in the hands of systems that exclude them, says Lynn Elwell. There is no doubt that we are experiencing massive changes, both in our economy and in people’s expectations. So we all need to re-examine the best use [...]
As the costs of supporting younger disabled adults rise faster than those for older people, councils must enlist the help of user-led organisations to ensure sustainable budgets, argues Theo Blackmore. Disability Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have produced a report from data compiled by the National Adult Social Care Information Service. This report demonstrates [...]
Maddy Hamp said her world fell apart after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis but social care – specifically, direct payments – gave her back her independence; now she fears that council cuts will take this away. I was diagnosed in 2001 aged 27 with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative neurological condition which for me causes [...]
Government plans to close the Independent Living Fund and distribute its cash to local authorities make sense but may undermine independent living for existing users, warns Simon Stevens. The government’s plan to close the Independent Living Fund and transfer its budget to councils from 2015 makes sense as the fund has been an anomaly for [...]
Northamptonshire Council is seeking to overcome problems with transition by setting up one of the country’s first services for disabled people aged 14-25. This guest blog explains how this will work and its possible impact. In Northamptonshire we are working hard to transform the way we support young disabled people. We know there have been [...]
This is Lynda Guest, who suffered a stroke in 2010 that left her paralysed down one side and lacking in self-esteem. Her initial contact with social services was not positive. She says the social worker concentrated on her mental health and her initial care plan did not meet her needs. After more than a year [...]
[11.20am] Hundreds of service users are gathering in Westminster ahead of a mass lobby of Parliament calling for reform of adult social care, reports Tristan Donovan for Community Care. The lobby aims to highlight the need for extra funding and reform of care services for older people and those with disabilities. The event has been [...]
Forgive the image of Bob Geldof but yesterday I received an email in my inbox entitled “Do they know it’s Christmas?”. Instead of this question being asked of victims of famine in Ethiopia by pop stars, it is being asked of ministers by disabled people on the receiving end of cuts to their benefits.A choir [...]
If you haven’t already done so, it’s worth anyone working with disabled people checking out the new(ish) code of practice for providers of community equipment.Despite an estimated four million people receiving 12 million pieces of equipment each year, and safety and quality issues being so important for service users, there is no system of regulation [...]
The Adult Care blog looks behind the policies, practices and personalities involved in the care of older and disabled people for any hidden truths, helpful tips or humour.
It is written by Community Care’s adults’ services beat editor Mithran Samuel.
Email: Mithran Samuel
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