Adult social care
Everyone should have equal access to high quality, personalised health and social care, so that people can be independent, healthy and fully engaged in their community.
Social care
Social care is vital for many people with complex disabilities, including those who are deafblind, and their families to live healthy, happy and independent lives. It involves different services and support, including washing and dressing, personal care, and support to access the community. Social care is usually co-ordinated by local authorities, who carry out the assessments for what the person might need.
The current social care system is under pressure, with growing demand and financial challenges meaning that fewer people are getting the care and support they need. We've been calling for and expecting reform to the social care system for several years, but this hasn’t yet happened. We campaign for a sustainably funded and high quality social care system that meets the needs of all who use it; irrespective of age or level of need.
What we're calling for
- Adult social care to receive long-term sustainable funding to ensure that all people with care needs get the right support. It is essential that working age disabled adults are recognised and included in any funding and reform.
- For disabled people to be at the heart of any health and social care reform, so that they are given the opportunity to shape a system that reflects their needs and experiences.
- The adult social care system must urgently receive additional funding to continue providing vital care and support services for working age disabled adults during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.
What we've achieved
Sense has been campaigning for social care reform for many years, including through our When I’m Gone campaign, and as a member of the Care and Support Alliance, raising awareness of the challenges faced by disabled people and their families. We continually monitor developments in health and social care; taking opportunities to ensure that the government consider the needs of people who are deafblind or have complex needs in their proposals.
Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on the social care sector, with many services having to close or limit the support they can provide. Many disabled people are relying more on family members to meet care needs and are feeling more socially isolated. Read more about our influencing work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Get in touch
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