Presentation of Devon County Council Adult Social Care draft annual report
JEF members saw the annual report and self-assessment for adult social care.
Discussion on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection process and its implications.
State of Care Report: Key issues highlighted by CQC, including workforce challenges, cost pressures, unmet needs, and inequalities.
Local performance data and comparisons with national averages were discussed.
Strengths and areas for improvement in Devon’s adult social care services were identified.
JEF members were invited to send in feedback by email with a deadline of 31st January 2025.
Local Engagement Round-Up
Dimensions for Autism (DFA)
- Update on activities, new members, and upcoming focus groups:
- Celebrating 5th anniversary in March 2024.
- Engaging over 300 members weekly in Devon.
- Health needs assessment focus group on January 22, 2025.
Carer Ambassadors – Devon Carers
- Overview of special interest projects, individual activities, and peer support initiatives:
- Quality of GP Services: Concerns about varied quality at GP surgeries.
- Access to GP Surgeries: Suggested meeting with Suzie, Devon Carers partnership and development manager.
- Scams Awareness Program: 2-year funded program by Age UK Devon.
- Scams Impact on People with Learning Disabilities: Highlighted importance of addressing this issue.
- Resource Availability on Scams: Suggested having a speaker at a DFA meeting.
- Scamming Engagement: Good engagement at LD meetings.
Older People – Age UK Devon
- Feedback on adult care services:
- Issues with occupational therapy and assessment delays.
- Increase in enquiries from unpaid carers.
- Positive response from DCC on feedback results.
- Key feedback messages: shorter wait times, clarity on timescales, understanding assessments and rights.
Ethnically Diverse Community Involvement – Hikmat
- Engagement with ethnic minority communities:
- Busy summer and Christmas with various groups.
- Overcoming cultural and language barriers.
- Co-production Group activities and Afghan resettlement team engagement.
Co-production
- LD Jargon Busters Film
- Recorded a script for a film to recruit more people with learning disabilities.
- New project on the SEND route map to simplify information and create accessible short films.
Learning Disability Partnership Board
- Updates on recent meetings and future themes:
- Discussed commissioning, supported living, safeguarding, and barriers for ethnic minority carers.
- Health updates and winter tips on energy saving and damp.
- Plans for 2025 include presentations, updates on bus pass applications, and a Q&A on domestic abuse.
Learning Disability Friendship Groups
- Recent activities:
- 15 online and 10 face-to-face sessions with 233 attendees.
- Efforts to encourage more volunteers.
- New website link and directory for people with disabilities.
Healthwatch
- Ongoing consultation for NHS Devon’s ten-year plan:
- Quarterly impact report shared.
- Engagement methods include postcards, workshops, and online surveys.
Oliver McGowan Autism Awareness Training – Living Options Devon (LOD)
- Current operations and future plans:
- Conducting 4-5 training sessions per week.
- Trained 4,000 individuals.
- Collaborating with commissioners for the next year.
- Challenges with funding and support from DCC.
Health and Wellbeing Board (HWWB) – Living Options Devon (LOD)
- Main update:
- Review with LGA on board effectiveness.
- Push for more representation from the VCSE sector.
- Better coordination needed between NHS and Devon’s 10-year plans.
Other Living Options Engagement
- Ongoing work:
- Positive conversations on UP (Unleashing Potential) Quality Standards.
- Phone Line Mystery Shopping shows reducing hold times.
- Feedback on better transport, financial complications, funding rules, workforce improvement, housing barriers, carers burnout, and goal-focused interventions.
- NHS annual health check audit work and improving the website for neurodiversity.