New adult social care strategy unveiled

The new strategy focuses on helping people to stay independent wherever possible, connecting people to the wealth of informal support that is available across Shropshire before looking to formal care services.

Based on four key priorities, the document details how the council will work with organisations across the health, social care, voluntary and community sector to achieve better outcomes for people within the available resources. The key priorities outlined in the strategy include:

Creating resilient communities and helping people to continue to live independently

Helping to prevent or reduce the needs of individuals

Delaying the impact of people’s needs

Meeting people’s needs through a creative approach to care that is value for money.

The strategy details how effective information and advice together with preventative services will help people to live healthier lives, meaning they are less likely to need intensive or long-term care. Increased support and resilience in the community will also help people to stay independent for as long as possible.

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult services, health and social housing, said: “Our strategy sets out a clear set of innovative and ambitious plans to ensure Shropshire’s most vulnerable residents remain safe and well, and independent for longer.

“The strategy focuses on how we, along with our partners, promote, maintain and enhance people’s independence so that they are healthier, stronger, more resilient and less reliant on formal social care services.

“As well as looking to the future, the strategy highlights the challenges and progress so far, and looks to make the most of the opportunities that digital and assistive technology offers to help improve the health and well-being of local people and communities.

“We hope those who have a social care service or an interest in adult social care, will find our strategy interesting and informative and we welcome any comments.”

Shropshire Council’s adult social care team are currently working on a wide range of innovative projects with partner organisations across the county to achieve the outcomes identified in the strategy. Projects range from a new home assistance scheme based on using consumer technology in the home, to the 2 Carers in a Car programme, a night time community care scheme that helps people remain at home and avoid hospital admission.

The strategy also signposts readers to real stories showing people who’ve experienced and benefited from social care and community support.