5 July, 2011
The Dilnot Commission report on the funding of Social Care in England has been released today, and contains ideas which reinforce the key role played by home improvement agencies.
The report notes (p61) "The Commission understands the critical role that housing provision plays in improving well-being and delivering better outcomes for individuals. Being housed in suitable accommodation can improve someone's overall quality of life by offering greater security, support and peace of mind. Specific support through aids, adaptations and home modifications can help people remain at home and manage needs better."
Alongside its main recommendation of a cap on personal social care contributions, the report also recommends that there is better alignment of all benefits for disabled people, including the Disabled Facilities Grant.
In a second volume accompanying the main report, Evidence and Analysis, the Dilnot Commission makes several recommendations with direct implications for the HIA sector, including:
Health, housing and social care needs should ideally be all assessed and delivered jointly, so that individuals receive the optimum level of care (p. 144).
People should be able to access more information about their housing options so that they can plan better and prepare for old age (p.144)
A reccomendation that the Government reviews the funding and operation of the DFG, with particular concern noted about the length of time it takes for people to access funding for small routine adaptations, also that the current system is burdensome and has significant administration costs (p.145).
More investment in telecare and telehealth technologies, and better information about these options to be made available (p.146).
The full report and supporting documents can be downloaded here
This report was preceded by the Centre for Social Justice report Age of Opportunity published last week, which set out some controversial proposals for the reform of repairs and adaptations policy, including the reduction of the DFG grant maximum from £30,000 to £6,500, available here
Foundations will be leading the sector response to these reports and we welcome any views you may wish to share by email or via our forum, but for HIAs locally these reports also provide useful context to the case for continued or renewed funding and the retention of vital services.
Foundations is currently gathering examples of changing practice within adaptations delivery, highlighting examples of where more joined-up service delivery can vastly improve value for money, efficiency and outcomes. Please get in touch if you feel you can add to this work.
