Welfare Reform on the Web (September 2008): Social care - UK - community care

Homecare re-ablement: why and how providers and commissioners can implement a service

G. Pilkington

Journal of Care Services Management, vol. 2, 2008, p. 354-367

Adult social care services are increasingly establishing homecare re-ablement services which seek, through an outcome-focused, short-term intervention, to maximise a person's independence and reduce their on-going homecare needs. This paper presents a body of evidence which demonstrates that significant benefits can be achieved for homecare recipients, local authorities, and their healthcare partners. Many who have received re-ablement services have continued to benefit for at least two years.

The power to hire and fire

A. Mickel

Community Care, July 3rd 2008, p. 28-29

Direct payments have allowed service users to take control of their own support by hiring personal assistants. This can lead to serious problems if the relationship between employer and PA turns sour or breaks down. Difficulties can be avoided if rights and responsibilities are set out in a written contract from the beginning.