Sutton Council increases support for adults most in need

The Local Account is an annual report from Sutton Council that sets out how Adult Social Care performed in 2019/20, including achievements, priorities and the challenges faced during the year and the positive improvements emerging.  

The Council’s vision and commitment for Adult Social Care is putting people first, to maximise health and wellbeing, by bringing together the right services to deliver the right support at the right time and place.

Key achievements in 2019/20 include:

• 1,522 referrals were made to the START service (Short Term and Reablement Team) which involved 1,194 individuals. Approximately 50,000 hours of care were delivered to these people in their own homes, through over 91,000 visits.
   
• An increased number of people are living at home with long-term support instead of moving permanently to nursing and residential care homes. 
   
• An 8.5% increase in the number of carers supported in their role from 718 in 2018/19 to 779 in 2019/20. Support was provided to carers by means of a direct payment, provision of universal services, information and advice or through signposting to other agencies. 
   
• Increased timeliness of people leaving hospital once ready and getting home with the support they need.

Nick Ireland, Strategic Director of People Services at Sutton Council said; “We are ambitious across the directorate and while there continue to be challenges ahead around our response to COVID-19, we will continue to listen and respond to what people using Adult Social Care services have told us about their experiences, so that we can work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for our most vulnerable residents.”

Steve Clunes, Adult Social Care service user; “This service is a perfect example of how to get things right. It really is a team, and everyone in it is brilliant at what they do.”

Councillor Marian James, Chair of the People Committee at Sutton Council said; “We want all of our residents to be able to make informed choices about their lives, to stay active and to live well independently as far as is possible and to stay safe.

I want to thank all those people who support the most vulnerable people in our community for their continued dedication. I would also like to recognise the massive contribution made by family carers, and the voluntary, community and private sector services, who all play a central role in ensuring that we improve the quality of life of vulnerable people.”

Adult Social Care has been and will continue to be at the forefront of responding to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic in Sutton. Sutton Council’s services will continue working with the NHS, voluntary sector, and the full range of care providers to ensure resources and services support and safeguard our local residents. We will continue to, wherever possible, help people to live as safely and for as long as possible in their own homes. 

Sutton Council is working closely with partners to develop plans to enable us to continue to support our community as the country gets back on its feet and we prioritise looking after our most vulnerable residents.

The results and achievements from 2019/20, as well as future plans for Adult Social Care 2020/21 are available in the Local Account annual report.