The Key Agreements

No 16: Increase the Proportion of Socially Excluded Adults in Settled Accommodation and Employment, Education or Training

Highlights: Indicators focus on four groups: offenders, care leavers, adults in contact with secondary mental health services, and adults with moderate to severe learning disabilities.

No 17: Tackle Poverty and Promote Greater Independence and Well-being in Later Life

Highlights: Promises

 A common assessment framework for health and social care for people with long-term care needs, possibly including housing support through Supporting People.

 More flexible commissioning.

 More versatile workforce.

 Older people able to choose and shape services.

Indicator 5 calls for a wider view of “help” than that provided by social services departments.

No 18: Promote Better Health and Well-being for All

Highlights: Indicator 4 looks at the proportion of people of all ages supported to live independently. It aims to:

 Reduce the need for more intensive care packages or residential care.

 Improve choice and control through direct payments and individual budgets.

The Department of Health’s psychological therapies programme will also be expanded.

No 19: Ensure Better Care for All

Highlights: Indicator 5 focuses on long-term conditions. It aims to:

 Promote person-centred care planning through integrated health and care, prevention and choice.

 Hugely expand the expert patient programme.

It looks likely to put a premium on information and advice from adult social services for self-funders as well as council-funded users.

From April 2009 comprehensive area assessments will be introduced.

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