Putting people first

'Putting People First' is a new directive from the Department of Health aimed at personalised care and assistance.

It sets out radical changes to the country's social care system, based on individual choice and tailoring services to suit different needs.

Adult Social Care exists to help a range of people who need support in their everyday lives -the introduction of 'Putting People First' will give them more control over the type of assistance they receive and who they receive it from.

For instance, some might need assistance in the mornings to get up, washed and dressed, and want a nurse to come into the home to help, or prefer to pay a member of the family to do it.

Either way, the new system is about respecting choices and supporting clients to get the care that is right for them, according to ESCC.

Everyone will get a 'Personal Budget' which is the total amount of money allocated for their care services and support, following assessment of individual need and financial situation.

They will then consider their options and decide how to use the budget with as much or as little ESCC support throughout this process as is appropriate.

The government laid out 'Putting People First' in December 2007. The County Council now has three years to fully implement the changes and expects this to be a gradual process, but is already looking at internal systems and processes to make sure they can cope with the changes before introducing Personal Budgets.

Adult Social Care now expects between 20 and 50% of people to opt out of traditional social care services and is anticipating a fall in demand for some council-run services. It plans to work with a range of other people who provide care services in both the voluntary and private sector to develop a more flexible range of services.

Anyone interested in finding out more can read 'Putting People First' '“ a summary by the Department of Health at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_081118