Enabling people to live independently
People receiving support from adult social care and their carers
The number of people we support with ongoing care and support is a good indicator of how successful we are at enabling people to be independent. As of 31 March 2022, there were 3,531 people receiving long-term ongoing support from adult social care (a rate of 1,183 per 100,000).
The number and rate have stayed at a similar level over the last 5 years and remains lower than comparators.
Satisfaction with adult social care
In 2021/22 62% of people surveyed who use services with their care and support were satisfied, a small reduction from 63.1% from the last survey in 2019/20 but not a significant change or downward trend.
Adult social care has an equal responsibility for anyone providing unpaid care within the city. Anyone providing necessary care to another adult is entitled to a carer’s assessment.
The survey regarding the overall satisfaction of carers with social services was also delayed a due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Performance reduced from 40.1% in 2018/19 to 32% in 2021/22.
Comparator information is due to be released in October 2022 and we will be able to see whether the reduction is a trend across the different comparator groups and nationally. During the covid-19 pandemic the council implemented ‘enhanced support for carers’ without which the decline may have been larger for this group who were severely impacted by the pandemic.
Short-term reablement services
In 2021/22 the outcomes met short-term reablement services increased to 67% from 60% in 2020/21. This increase in performance is evidence that we are being more effective in enabling people to remain at home as an outcome of this support and strong performance against this indicator is critical to assurance of the effectiveness of our promoting independence approach. However, Coventry’s outcomes met is still lower than the England average of 74.9% but higher than the CIPFA nearest neighbours 2021/22 average of 62.1%.
Impact of adult social care services on self-reported quality of life
Despite not being a statutory requirement a survey of users of Adult Social Care was conducted in past year.
• 93% of people who are vulnerable felt safe and protected from harm
• 93% of people had a positive of experience of care services and support
• 92% of people with care and support needs had enhanced quality of life
These results are very positive and demonstrate that despite the significant challenges of the pandemic adult social care continued to provide effective support to many people.
The work of Adult Social Care continues to be supported by a Stakeholder Group, who meet regularly to discuss any updates and influence the improvements of the service. As a result of the pandemic, these meetings have happened virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Safeguarding adults
Protecting adults to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect is a core duty of Adult Social Care. The rate of safeguarding concerns reported between 2020/21 and 2021/22 has increased from 493 to 872 which indicates an increased awareness of know how to report abuse. Our internal audit process indicates that we are effectively addressing many concerns without the need for an enquiry or investigation.