Live discussion: how can we nurture innovation in adult social care?
Author: Sarah Marsh, the Guardian |
Localis’ Steven Howell took part in a Guardian Local Leaders live discussion on innovation in adult social care.
In particular, the Guardian highlighted two of Steven’s comments:
Social care cannot be viewed in isolation: Local public service leaders have an opportunity, through the shake-up of the health and social care landscape, to redesign services on a broader scale than perhaps ever before.
What are the barriers to innovation? In our Commission Impossible report on strategic commissioning a year or two back, some barriers included: a limited variety of providers in some areas, the need for greater engagement and dialogue from commissioners and providers.
Click here to read the expert roundup
Click here to read the whole discussion and the original article.
The rising cost of care coupled with government cuts means that maintaining support for the vulnerable in society is one of the biggest challenges facing local authorities. But where does the solution to this crisis lie – and what can local government do to drive down care costs?
A survey from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (Adass) in May revealed that, although councils had made substantial savings through efficiencies, it is getting harder to shield the most in need from cuts. To plan for the future, including an ageing population, we need to think of innovative ways to cope.
One way that local authorities can help tackle these challenges is by using new technology. Telecare systems have been adopted by some councils to help people stay out of hospital and manage their own care. Hertfordshire county council also recently launched a website which acts as a place for people to search for and review services and goods.
However, there are some questions to consider:
Do these approaches work everywhere?
How can we make sure those not up to date with latest technologies aren’t excluded?
What other kinds of innovation are being tried?
How can councils keep up with developments in this ever-changing area?
Expert panel:
- Richard Vize is a commentator on public policy and public services reform. He is a columnist for the Guardian healthcare and local leaders networks, works with a range of health and local government organisations, and is a visiting lecturer in journalism at City University.
- Steven Howell is senior policy and communications officer at local government thinktank Localis.
- Richard Humphries is assistant director of policy at the King’s Fund.
- Martin Farran is executive director of adult social care at Barnsley Metropolitan borough council.
- Zoe Patrick is chair of the Local Government Association’s community wellbeing board
- Catherine McDonald is Southwark council’s cabinet member for health, social care and equalities.
- Linda Sanders is vice president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.
- Liv Bickerstaff is head of service personalisation and health at Wigan council.
- Frazer Dawkins is partnership development director at Serco.
- Elizabeth Jones is assistant director of finance for adult social services at Brent council.