Adult Social Care image and perception survey 2006
In 2004 a Social Services and Health Scrutiny Review, which looked at how users and carers were involved in Social Services, recommended we carry out a survey about older people’s perceptions of the department and what part this plays in them not using our services. The aim was to:
- help us improve the way in which services are designed and delivered
- make more information available to people who may need support to continue living at home.
The survey was originally going to be carried out by December 2004 and recommendations produced by 31 March 2005. But, for a number of reasons, the decision was taken to delay the survey and final approval was given in early 2006.
Please note: The documentation refers to ‘Social Services’ rather than ‘Adult Social Care’ because the department at that time incorporated children's services as well as adults’.
How we conducted the survey
We were particularly keen to talk to older people in hospital who may need our services, but had not taken them up or made contact with the department.
The survey took the form of a semi-structured interview, focusing on the following key areas:
- myths about Social Services
- perceptions (good and bad)
- knowledge of Social Services
- attitudes of Social Services staff
- ability to, or knowledge of how to, influence decisions or be involved.
Elderly patients were interviewed at the Eastbourne District General Hospital and the Conquest Hospital, Hastings. The interviews were taped and were later transcribed and common themes extracted.
Results
The results from the survey were presented to our Scrutiny Committee for Adult Social Care on 12 September 2006.
The issues raised included a lack of awareness and misconceptions about our services, including contact arrangements. Participants also expressed fears about bureaucracy and losing their savings.
As a direct result of the consultation, we will:
- publish the survey results and actions in the local press
- give a copy of ‘Better Care Higher Standards’ (which provides information about support services available from Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and other organisations) to all people in hospital that we contact
- circulate the report to the ‘Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Outreach and Engagement Project’ to highlight the issues identified. This project, funded by a government initiative to improve public services, will enable BME people, gypsies and travellers to have better access to, and be more actively engaged in, the development and delivery of health and social care services.
- explore options with the local Older People’s Forums around their potential role in providing information about Adult Social Care
- work with the Adult Social Care Communications Manager to ensure that regular good news press releases are produced
- use the findings to inform improvements to the access of information, services and choice in health, social care and related services in partnership with other agencies in East Sussex as part of ‘All Together Better’ the East Sussex Local Area Agreement (target 8.1).
A copy of the summary and full report is available to download below.
