WARRINGTON council and partners in health and housing are working together to focus on an individual’s health and wellbeing to help prevent, reduce or delay the development of their needs as the new Care Act comes into place next week, April 1.
The Care Act represents the biggest change to adult health and social care law in over 60 years and aims to make the care and support system more consistent across the country.
The Act puts people in control of their care and gives carers equality with the people they support.
You may benefit from the changes if you:
•Receive care and support from the council or another organisation, either at home or in a care home
•Give unpaid care and support to an adult family member or friend
•Think you may need care and support in the near future, either for yourself or for someone you help.
The council will put people and carers at the heart of the assessment process and give them control over their lives and over how they are supported to be safe. Information and advice will be provided to help people access services and understand the choices available to them. This will range from support in the community and from the voluntary sector to specialist support for people with specific needs.
As part of the reforms, everyone with an eligible need (following assessment) will have a legal right to be informed of the amount of their personal budget – the amount of money it will cost to fund the necessary support and care for themselves or their carer.
For the first time, the Act will eventually put a limit on the amount anyone will have to pay towards the costs of their care. More information about this limit will become available over the coming months.
Cllr Pat Wright, (pictured) executive board member for health and wellbeing, said: “Care and support is something that nearly everyone will experience at some point in their lives. These changes are significant and will make the system fairer by putting the needs of people, and their carers, at the heart of every care decision.
“This council is ready to take up its new responsibilities and will make sure residents who need social care and support, their carers, and local providers are aware of the improvements and know how to access help and support.”
To find out how you might benefit from the changes, call Warrington Borough Council on 01925 44 3272 or visit www.warrington.gov.uk/careact for more information.
