Healthwatch Isle of Wight recently launched a survey to collect the experiences of people receiving care at home. Now, due to the public interest, the survey closing date has been extended to Friday 29th July.
It is widely reported that people with support needs often prefer to have these met in the comfort and familiar environments of their own homes. Getting care at home right is crucial, as this can delay and possibly prevent the need for people to enter residential and nursing homes, and allows them to retain their independence, maintain their quality of life and ability to live their lives as they choose.
Care at home has been highlighted as an area of concern by Isle of Wight residents in the Healthwatch Isle of Wight priority survey that was launched earlier this year. The Isle of Wight Council are supporting Healthwatch with this survey by sending a copy to over 2000 people that currently receive funded care at home services. The actual figure for people receiving care at home is difficult to ascertain but it is likely that there are a substantial amount of people that pay for their own care and therefore may not receive support from social services and it is vital that these people are also given a voice.
This survey provides an opportunity for individuals receiving care in their own homes or their family members/carers, to share their experiences, concerns and/or praise with an independent watchdog for tasks ranging from personal care to cooking and assisting with eating and drinking.
The results of the survey will be analysed and any areas of best practice or areas highlighted as needing improving will be reported to the Isle of Wight Council as the commissioner of these services, the Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, the Care Quality Commission and also the individual care agencies if identified and where appropriate.
The survey can be accessed online by visiting www.healthwatchisleofwight.co.uk or alternatively hard copy surveys are available from the Citizens Advice Bureau located at the Isle Help Advice Hub in Newport High Street.
Anyone who wishes to share their experiences (good or bad) of local health and/or care services can do so by ringing 01983 608608 or by emailing [email protected].
