Learning aim B - B2 - issues that affect access to services Flashcards
what is a self referral?
when a person contacts a care provider personally and accesses primary healthcare services such as the doctors, dentists, opticians. many social care services for children and adults can be accessed through self referral
what is a strength of self referral?
- individual gets the care they believe they need and dont have to wait for a GP to refer them
- empowerment -> know yourself best
what are the weaknesses of self referral?
- may be worried about symptoms that are actually very minimal, so waste professionals time
- might need a different level of support than they thought - referred to the wrong team
- not all services accept self referral
what is a third party referral?
when a friend/ neighbour/ relative contacts a service on another persons behalf. these referrals are usually to services that are accessed through self referral
what is a strength of third party referral?
may really need the help, but do not know how to do a self referral, so allows them to get the help they need
what is a weakness of third party referrals?
the service user may show resistance and choose not to accept the referral
what is a professional referral?
when a health or care professional contacts another service provider to request support for a service user
what is a strength of professional referral?
- more specialist treatment
- accurate and qualified referral to the right specialists
what are the weaknesses of professional referral?
- long waiting lists
- not a hollistic health care system - look at treating the issue rather than investigating
- may be referred to wrong specilaism first - get passed around a lot
what is an assessment?
local authorities have a duty to carry out a community care assessment for anyone who appears to be finding it difficult to look after themselves without additional help. this is usually carried out by the adult social services department by a social worker
what might a social care assessment suggest that the service user needs?
- they may need extra support in their home - a nurse or occupational therapist can make sure that adaptations are in place, and recommend changes to make life easier
- may not be able to live at home
- ammendments to home - stair lift, lower work surfaces, wider doors, ramps etc
- referral to a day care centre
what is a carers assessment?
this is for any informal carers supporting an individual. they are entitled to this assessment to see whether they need support to carry out their caring activities.
what does the care act 2014 set out?
The legal rights for assessment and support for an informal carer. It also states that the service user must be provided with a written copy of the report outlining the needs identified and actions required -> empowers them
what is the eligibilty criteria to receive care and support from the local authority?
- a physical and or metnal impairment or illness PLUS
- an inability to achieve at least two outcomes (daily activities)
An adult must meet both of these to qualify for support
what are the daily activities that are used to assess eligibilty of support?
- prepare and eat food
- wash themselves or their clothes
- manage their toilet needs
- dress appropiately - especially in cold weather
- move around their home easily
- maintain family or close relationships
- keep their house safe and clean
- access work, training, education or volunteering (unsupported)
- use local facilities such as shops
- carry out caring responsibilities
why might service users need to contribute to their social care?
It is not usually free, the local authority carries out a financial assessment, which takes into account the individuals regular income
what financial support may a service user qualify for so that they can get their social care support?
they will likely receive a personal budget or direct payment that allows them to purchase social care services from companies of their own choice
what are the advantages of being given a personal budget for social care support?
- SU can choose the services that best meet their needs
- can choose services close to their local area
- family and friends can help support the decision to ensure it is the best choice for everyone
what are the disadvantages of being given a personal budget for social care support?
- budget may not be big enough to cover all their personal needs
- providers may not have availability, so SU’s have to go through the process multiple times to find somewhere -> miss out on key support
why might an individual face a barrier to accessing services?
if they are unwell or have complex personal difficulties which may lead to service users and their families not receiving the care they need to, and have a right to.
how could language a barrier?
- hearing impaired
- english as an additional language
- nonverbal
how could the barrier of language be overcome?
- using an interpretor
- system hooked up on to hearing aid loops
- sign language interpretors available
how could geography be a barrier?
- lack of transport
- cost of transport
- location of the service
how could the barrier of geography be overcome?
- free transport to and from the service
- option for service to go to you