Homecare survey generates ideas

The results of a joint homecare survey by Department of Health and Guardian Social Care Network has provided new ideas for improving homecare.

The ideas were among comments received from more than 1,000 service users, their friends and family, providers of care and care professionals.

Suggestions to improve homecare included:

• Care providers having an online or telephone booking system like online groceries for people to book a care slot linked to individual care workers;
• Using tablets to record care visits with access for the family doctor, local nurse and the person’s family; and
• Creating local care teams so intimate care is never delivered by a stranger.

Those who took part in the survey said the most important factors in homecare are friendly, respectful and capable care workers; sufficient time for care; and choice about services.

To view the results of the survey visit www.theguardian.com/social-care-network-department-of-health-partner/interactive/homecare-survey-results.

Jon Rouse, Director General, Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships, has written a blog about the survey and homecare innovation, which is available at https://jonrouse.blog.gov.uk/2013/10/31/homecare-innovation.