Welfare Reform on the Web (March 2003): Services for the Disabled - UK

CARE HOMES FOR YOUNGER ADULTS AND ADULT PLACEMENTS: NATIONAL MINIMUM STANDARDS [AND] CARE HOMES REGULATIONS

Department of Health

London: TSO, 2002

Standards are core requirements for all residential homes providing nursing or personal care for adults who have physical, sensory or learning disabilities, mental health problems, substance misuse problems or AIDS. They cover:

• physical environment;
• complaints procedures;
• staffing;
• needs assessment;
• care planning;
• healthcare;
• lifestyle.

THE FUTURE CHALLENGE FOR DIRECT PAYMENTS

A Carmichael and L Brown

Disability and Society, vol 17, 2002, p.797-808

This paper is based on evidence from a user-controlled Best Value review of direct payments in Wiltshire. It explores, from disabled people's perspective, the advantages and disadvantages of receipt of cash payments instead of services directly provided by the council. Advantages include greater user control and choice. Disadvantages include the complexity of the system and having to take responsibility for managing the money.

HOUSING REPAIRS, ADAPTATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS: RECENT CHANGES

M Ellison

Disability Rights Bulletin, Winter 2002, p.14-16

Under the Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002, local authorities will have wide discretionary power to provide financial and other assistance for home owners for housing repair, adaptation and improvement. The Order aims to target help through grants and other financial assistance at poorer home owners, particularly the elderly or disabled.

IMPOVERISHING POLICIES: NEW HOME CARE CHARGES FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

V Beechey

Disability Rights Bulletin, Winter 2002, p.2-5

Local councils now have to follow new government guidance when charging people for home care services. The new charging system is based on means testing which means that people with savings and modest fixed incomes will have to pay a lot more. The new system will act as a disincentive to saving and will lead to the social exclusion of people whose incomes are largely swallowed up by care charges.

MEASURING POVERTY: AN UPDATE

G Preston

Disability Rights Bulletin, Winter 2002, p.26-28

The Labour government consistently promotes paid work as the key route out of poverty. It is failing to address the needs of those who cannot work due to sickness or disability.