Supported living

[jamie6798]

Hi is there a procedure to follow when a decision has been made to move an elderly resident from supported living into residential care, we do not agree with decision and believe the decision has been made on a purely financial basis.

There has been no consultation with family members or carers to discuss this prior to a decision being made, a request was made to social services for extra hours to support her bathing needs and the decision was made that she would be placed into residential care.

[Jofisher]

I would speak to an independent consultant social worker and see if they can advise you. And support you if required but you would need to pay for them. If you can’t find one I have a contact for one.

[jamie6798 in reply to Jofisher]

Thankyou for your reply

[Theneighbour in reply to Jofisher]

My neighbour is looking to go into a residential home ,but no social worker will get involved as he still has capacity to care for himself..can I have your contact for the independent social worker. Have you used this service and would you recommend that path . Thank you

[Jofisher in reply to Theneighbour]

Vanessa Evans email address [e-mail] and her phone number is 01273 831699

[SpeedyH]

Hi, I think you are asking about the process that should have been followed *before* the decision is made, and what process should be followed now the decision has been made?

If you reported a change in her circumstances ie that she now needs support with bathing, this should have triggered a formal review of her care and support plan. The legal framework for this is Care Act 2014, S27. If your relative has capacity to understand the review, she can ask for you and her carers etc to be present. Quite often social care don't offer this to the elderly for obvious reasons. If she doesn't have capacity to undertake the review you should have been involved if you are her recognised representative along with her carers unless your relative has said she doesn't want you involved. Then, if it seemed likely from the review that the current care plan wasn't meeting her needs, then there should be a formal reassessment of her needs. This only has to be proportionate in terms of what has been identified in the review, so in your relative's case it would focus on where her care and support should take place. Again, you should to be involved in this and her carers if she wants or doesn't have capacity herself. You have a voice but no decision making powers unless you are Court appointed to act for her. Your input is likely to be proportionate to how involved you have been in her day to day life.

It is not legal to move someone on cost grounds so Social Care are unlikely to say this is the reason. If she loves where she is living and doesn't want to move, there must be a good reason to move her, like she is unsafe or a risk to others and this can't be solved by more support where she is.

It might be an idea to write to the head of adult social care saying that you understand that a decision has been made to move her without input from her family and carers which you believe is contrary to the Care Act 2014. Ask that you are supplied with documentation from both the review and reassessment.

Once you know the reasons for their decision, you could contact CACAIDR and ask their advice, which is free.

[jamie6798 in reply to SpeedyH]

This is brilliant advise, thank you so very much.

[TallandAll]

Hello Yes , but it was depend upon whether the person concerned is deemed to lack the mental capacity to make a decision about where they live.

However, even if they do have mental capacity a planning meeting with the person and anyone they consent to be included or involved should take plan as this is good practice.

The Mental Capacity Act requires a Best Interest meeting for significant decisions - change of accommodation, medical treatment or/and signifcant changes to support.

If you have the consent of the person effected , I suggest you contact the local Adult Social Care team and request review, or contact the local advocacy service.