Gap revealed between Suffolk patient and adult social carer satisfaction
While 69.5% of Suffolk adult care recipients say they're satisfied with services, only 41.9% of carers share the same view, new data shows.
Why it matters: The gap between carer and patient satisfaction could indicate underlying challenges with our country's social care system.
By the numbers: 455 care recipients and 320 carers responded to the survey:
- 69.5% of care recipients reported they were satisfied with the care they received, rating their quality of life at 19.2 out of 24.
- Meanwhile, less than half (41.9%) of carers said they were satisfied with the system – higher than the East of England (35.4%) and England (36.7%) but still significantly lower than satisfaction levels amongst patients.
What they're saying: Melanie Williams, president of ADASS (Association of Directors of Adult Social Services), warns that recent changes could put further pressure on carers:
"Changes made in the recent Budget to employers' National Insurance contribution and National Living Wage increases could further harm the social care sector, creating a shortfall of around £1.3bn."
She added: "Fewer people will be able to draw on care and support to help them stay independent and well, including a reduction in support for family carers."
She welcomed the Government's plan for a National Care Service, but warned it needs to be "fully funded", and "co-produced with people with lived experience of care and support".
The other side: The Department of Health and Social Care says it is taking action, with a spokesperson stating they are "taking the first steps towards building a National Care Service" and increasing the Carer's Allowance earnings threshold "by over £2,300 - the biggest rise since the 1970s."
They also said they were committed to "giving local authorities an additional £3.5 billion in 2025-26, including a £680 million increase in the social care grant to support the sector."
The statement comes as it was announced that Ipswich will receive more than £200,000 of a wider £86 million national funding boost to the Disabled Facilities Grant to help disabled and elderly residents make improvements to their homes.
The bottom line: While most Suffolk residents receiving adult social care are satisfied with services, the much lower satisfaction rate among carers suggests more support is needed for those providing it.
Sources
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