Cumbrians with physical disabilities and sensory impairments nearly always get to see the same care worker or personal assistant and are generally satisfied with the help they receive, according to new research by Cumbria County Council.
More than 500 service users aged 18-64 who receive help to live at home were asked for their views on the care they receive.
The postal and telephone questionnaires received a response rate of 60 per cent and the results will be used to help shape the way services are delivered in the future.
The main findings of the survey were:
- Nearly all of those surveyed (97 per cent) said their care workers and personal assistants ‘always’ or ‘usually’ treated them with dignity and respect;
- 97 per cent said they ‘always’ or ‘nearly always’ saw the same care worker or personal assistant;
- Three quarters of those surveyed (76 per cent) said their views were ‘always’ or ‘usually’ taken into account when decisions were taken about what services were available to them. When this survey was last carried out (2003-04), the figure was just over half (55 per cent);
- 89 per cent described their relationship with their carer or personal assistant as either ‘excellent’ or ‘good.’
These results suggest that in general people are very satisfied with the services they receive. There were however, some areas where service users felt more improvements were necessary.
The survey found one in five people (22 per cent) didn’t know they may be eligible to receive money directly to arrange their own help and support. Other people reported difficulties in obtaining information about services.
An action plan is being put together to address areas where people want to see improvements.
Councillor Oliver Pearson, the Cabinet member responsible for Adult Social Care and Health in Cumbria, said: “This survey has produced some very useful information. We will now use it to help shape the kind of care and support we provide for people with physical disabilities and sensory impairments in the future.”
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