In November 2024, Healthwatch in Sussex sought experiences of adult social care services in the last 12 months, or from their relatives, carers or friends.
We heard:
63 people from across Sussex shared their views with us:
• 74% receive support from a friend or family member as an unpaid carer.
• 48.6% would know, 34.3% don’t know and 17.1% wouldn’t know where to find information about self funding care options.
• 31.7% are currently receiving social care support and 14.3% are currently waiting for a care assessment or for care and support to begin.
• Just under 6 out of 10 respondents felt their social care services met their needs.
Respondents to our poll told us:
They would like to see easier access for advice on social care
“Easier access to advice re social care. Difficult to find appropriate contact numbers.”
“A single point of contact for the whole system that helps you’re and the families navigate the system.”
“I would like to be able to access my social work team in the evening and weekends like my care provider.”
“Yes when one has been referred to social care a letter of acknowledgement would be nice as one only has the GP’s word that one has been made and the wait to hear is so long you begin to wonder if they hope you no longer need help, because you’re not around anymore to bother anyone.”
About waiting times for social care
“Waiting times too long. Had a carers assessment and they told me it takes a long time to get things in place. Up to 3 months on average.”
“Long delay in accessing support for daughter”
“Assessments being carried out correctly and in good time.”
About the cost of using social care
“More affordable fit for purpose.”
“I had no alternative than pay for my own care, I get nothing from the state by way of help.”
“Reduced contributions, for adults with learning disabilities who live at home, parents of these adults do 24 hour care.. We cannot work as we are caring 24/7… and the benefits money is taken away from them to contribute to the day centre which they attend.”
“She has had to fund carers, she has had no support outside, no visit from a social worker.”
Next steps
As the public champion for local health and care services, Healthwatch will continue to work in partnership with commissioners and providers to monitor the experiences of patients and the public in accessing health and care services locally and explore how ongoing improvements may be delivered.
We will share the attached report with East Sussex County Council, NHS Sussex, Healthwatch England and others to share this insight and encourage its incorporation into future initiatives.
Tell Us Your Experiences
Please tell us your experiences of local health and care services via our Feedback Centre and let us know how this has been for you.
We want to hear if it has been good, bad or indifferent.
Help and support with Health and Care
If you need help or support related to health or care, then please contact our Information & Signposting Service via
0333 101 4007 or enquiries@healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk
View the report
Click the link below to download the report
| Your experiences of Adult Social Care Services | Download File (pdf 114.44 KB) |
