The annual report for the City of Wolverhampton Council's Adult Social Care Services details successes and challenges in 2021-22 and priorities for the year ahead.
This year, the council has worked alongside Think Local Act Personal (TLAP), a national partnership of organisations committed to transforming health and care through personalisation and community based support, and has structured the Local Account around TLAP's Making It Real framework for supporting good, personalised care and support.
The report shows that over 7,100 people received adult social care services in Wolverhampton during 2021-22, with the council spending more than £91m on adult social care services in that time.
It also shows an increase in the number of people accessing Direct Payments during 2021-2022, up to 615 individuals from 537 the previous year. Direct Payments allow a person to have more choice and control over their life, as highlighted by Elna’s story within the Local Account.
The Carer Support Team have continued to support unpaid carers across Wolverhampton, providing both practical and emotional support, and the impact of this can be seen in Ken and Ann's story in the Local Account; the support put in place has given Ken peace of mind that Ann was being cared for while he carried out essential day to day tasks.
The Local Account highlights how the council continues to use a Three Conversations approach to find out what a good life looks like for the person. An example of this is shown with Jake’s story, who has been connected to the Shared Lives service. Through this approach, Jake says he feels listened to, valued and is hopeful for the future.
Occupational Therapy (OT) services in Wolverhampton continue to support people to remain living independently in their own home using equipment and adaptations. This is highlighted through Isaaq’s story within the Local Account, who has been able to remain living at home safely with his existing package of support thanks to the work of the OT team.
Meanwhile, the Local Account also demonstrates how the work of the council's Community Support Team is transforming lives. The team provides advice and information to help adults live independently by connecting people with their local communities to reduce loneliness, support wellbeing and improve quality of life. The Local Account highlights George’s story, where the community support team were able to provide advice and information to areas of concern.
George complimented the service, saying: "Please let me say a huge thank you to you. Your professionalism and empathy with the way that you dealt with my 'plight' were second to none; you have helped me out considerably and indeed have made me aware of services that I would have otherwise been ignorant to. Thank you.”
Councillor Linda Leach, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “We have worked alongside adults with care and support needs and carers to shape this year's Local Account in a more co-produced way, which has enabled us to put people at the heart of everything we do, as per our vision in adult social care.
"The report showcases the fantastic work that took place in 2021-22 with adults with care and support needs, their families and carers, and shows the varied ways adult social care services support adults and their carers within the city.
“It is positive to see the continuing progress that is being made in adult social care, despite the well documented challenges that the sector faces, and I’d like to thank all colleagues at the council and our partner agencies for their continuing dedication.
"The report highlights many positives, for which we are very proud, and it also recognises areas where there is still more we can do to support people in our city. For example, we want to ensure that our city's tens of thousands of unpaid carers feel that they have the right support to carry out their caring role, and people are able to live the life they want – including living in their own homes and being supported to find a job wherever possible.”
To read the 2021-22 Local Account, please visit Adult Social Care.
