The Care Act: delays in assessing and changing a care package
- Aug 13
- 2 min read
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has recently found a local authority at fault for delays in both assessing a person under the Care Act and also increasing their existing care package. The delays in assessing and increasing his care package meant the man had to self-fund his care on two occasions the first one lasting seven months. The Ombudsman stated: ‘Councils must carry out assessments over a suitable and reasonable timescale considering the urgency of needs and any variation in those needs.’ In relation to reviews of care needs the Ombudsman stated: ‘They should carry out reviews as quickly as is reasonably practicable in a timely manner proportionate to the needs to be met.’
The Ombudsman ordered the local authority to pay the man £200 for ‘avoidable distress’ plus waive £1,611 of arrears built up by the man in relation to his care package.
Download the report: https://www.lgo.org.uk/decisions/adult-care-services/assessment-and-care-plan/24-017-193
Edge deliver a wide range of courses on the Care Act for adult social care staff. In addition, we offer free training for families and carers on the Care Act. Details from: https://www.edgetraining.org.uk/The Care Act: delays in assessing and changing a care package
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has recently found a local authority at fault for delays in both assessing a person under the Care Act and also increasing their existing care package. The delays in assessing and increasing his care package meant the man had to self-fund his care on two occasions the first one lasting seven months. The Ombudsman stated: ‘Councils must carry out assessments over a suitable and reasonable timescale considering the urgency of needs and any variation in those needs.’ In relation to reviews of care needs the Ombudsman stated: ‘They should carry out reviews as quickly as is reasonably practicable in a timely manner proportionate to the needs to be met.’
The Ombudsman ordered the local authority to pay the man £200 for ‘avoidable distress’ plus waive £1,611 of arrears built up by the man in relation to his care package.
Download the report: https://www.lgo.org.uk/decisions/adult-care-services/assessment-and-care-plan/24-017-193
Edge Training offers a wide range of courses on the Care Act for adult social care staff.
Our commissioned courses can be viewed HERE - if you would like to enquire about commissioning us please email admin@edgetraining.org.uk or call 07825 731139.
Our ticketed Events can be viewed and booked HERE
In addition, we offer free training for families and carers on the Care Act. Details from: https://www.edgetraining.org.uk/
Such delays can leave families stuck waiting anxiously for answers. The clear communication is most crucial, as with urgent care billing companies, turning complicated procedures into simple ones. If assessments of care speed up, then people receive the care they need when most needed.