The Casey Commission is asking people across England to have their say on the future of adult social care – and we want to make sure people’s experiences are heard.
Adult social care affects millions of people, whether they receive care themselves, support a family member or friend, or work in the care sector.
Yet many of us don’t think about social care until we suddenly need it.
That might be after a fall, following a diagnosis such as dementia, when someone becomes less independent, or when a disabled person needs additional support to live, work and take part in their community.
A chance to have your say
The Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, chaired by Baroness Louise Casey, has launched the Big Conversation on Care – a national conversation about what adult social care should look like in the future
The Commission wants to hear from the public about some fundamental questions:
- What should adult social care be for?
- Who should receive support?
- What should people be able to expect from the care system?
- Who should pay for care?
- What needs to change?
The Commission says that public involvement needs to be at the heart of reform. Its chair, Baroness Casey, has highlighted how people can currently find themselves trying to understand what support is available, where to go for help and how they will pay for it, often at a time when they and their families are already facing a crisis.
Why your experience matters
At Healthwatch, we know that people’s experiences can tell us things that statistics alone cannot.
Perhaps you’ve struggled to understand what support you’re entitled to.
Maybe you’ve spent hours trying to find the right service, waited too long for an assessment or had difficulty arranging care.
You may have had a positive experience of care that you think should become the standard for everyone.
Or perhaps you’ve supported someone close to you and know first-hand how the system affects families and unpaid carers.
All of these experiences matter.
Healthwatch has previously heard from people about the importance of care being accessible, person-centred, competent and trustworthy.
These principles are particularly important when we think about the future of social care. Good care isn’t simply about providing a service. It’s about helping people live the lives they want, maintain their independence and stay connected to the people and communities that matter to them.
Social care is part of all our lives
The Casey Commission has described adult social care as a system that has developed over many years without a clear public agreement about what care is for, what people should expect and how it should be paid for.
That makes this conversation particularly important.
Decisions about social care will affect older people, disabled people, unpaid carers, families, care workers and communities across the country.
Healthwatch England has previously welcomed the establishment of the Casey Commission, highlighting the importance of a properly functioning social care system in helping people live independently, supporting unpaid carers and ensuring people receive joined-up care.
Have your say
The Big Conversation on Care is now open, and the Casey Commission is inviting people to share their experiences, ideas and views about the future of adult social care.
You don’t need to be an expert in social care.
You don’t need to know how the system works.
You just need to know what matters to you.
Whether you’ve received care, supported someone else, worked in social care or simply have views about what care should look like in the future, your voice can help inform the conversation.
Take part in the Big Conversation on Care
Help us make sure people’s voices are heard
We’d also like to hear about your experiences of health and social care.
If you’ve used care services, supported a family member or friend, or have thoughts about what needs to change, sharing your experience with Healthwatch can help us understand what matters to people in our communities.
Your experience could help influence the future of care – locally and nationally.