When last month’s social care white paper announced it would “set out new duties to … ensure that adult social care and housing departments work together”, some were excited that housing had been given a look in, so long had the integration conversation been dominated by health and social care. Others were more cynical, wondering whether the utopian housing vision of strategies, toolkits and capital funds was too little, too late.
Tag Archives: social care
Glasgow appoints new and independent Carers’ Champion
September 13, 2012
Carers, disability, learning difficulties, Older care, Scotland
Glasgow City Council has appointed former councillor Dr Christopher Mason MBE as the city’s new, independent Carers’ Champion.
The first appointment of its kind in Scotland, the Carers’ Champion will be expected to listen to carers, understand their needs, and ensure that their views are properly heard within the council.
Dr Mason, who retired as a councillor in May this year after 30 years as an elected member, was identified for the role in large part due to his long standing commitment to developing support services for people with autism in Glasgow. He was confirmed in the position following a meeting of the council’s Executive Committee, which gave cross party support to the role of Carers’ Champion.
Trial for ‘Big Brother’ care system
September 5, 2012
Carers, Older care
A benign “Big Brother” house that watches over its old, disabled or vulnerable residents is undergoing trials in the UK.
About a dozen homes in Scotland have been fitted with an array of sensors, motion detectors, microphones and digital cameras linked to intelligent software.
If the system spots anything unusual that may indicate a problem, it sends an alarm signal to a network of on-call carers.
It not only spots dramatic events, such as a fall, but also subtle changes in behaviour over time – for instance, going to bed unusually early or skipping meals. Video footage is password protected and can only be viewed by authorised individuals.
Poor housing undermines care reforms
August 28, 2012
Carers, Older care
A suitable home is vital for maintaining independence, so housing must be part of the debate around integrating health and social care
Larger numbers of older and disabled people are living at home and the quality of housing can affect their health and care.
