Council cares well for Southend’s vulnerable adults

 

 

The Council was awarded an overall rating of 'performing well' for its services in this area by the Government's inspection body, the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

After examining seven outcomes the CQC judged the Council as 'excellent' in the areas of

·       improved quality of life and

·       making a positive contribution

It rated the Council as 'performing well' in the other five areas of

·         improved health and well-being

·         increased choice and control

·         freedom from discrimination or harassment

·         economic well-being and

·        maintaining personal dignity and respect

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council currently assists 5,545 adults in the borough.

These include older people, people with a learning disability, those with physical and sensory disabilities and people with mental health needs.

The Council also supports over 1,600 carers in the community with advice respite care and other services.

The CQC report said: "The Council, under stable leadership, has continued to make progress in transforming adult social care to ensure people are supported to remain as independent as possible and are provided with choice through the use of self-directed support.

"There has been a reduction in the use of residential care and an increase in the use of services supporting independence. As in previous years we received positive feedback on the individual staff providing services. This included staff in the safeguarding team, social workers and home support staff."

The report went on to acknowledge how the Council consulted its service users to improve services, and worked effectively with its partners.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, Councillor Anna Waite, said: "We are really pleased that the Council's efforts to improve the quality of life for elderly residents have been judged excellent.

"Over the past year we have worked hard to improve services and enable older people to contribute to our community and feel valued.

"I congratulate all the staff involved for their work in achieving this accolade and for making such a positive contribution to continue to improve, despite the very difficult economic times.

"The inspection result is a particular achievement because it shows we have been able not just to maintain, but also to build on the high standards we had already reached."