Adult social care
Council launches new approach to adult social care
Published on
Earlier this month, the first phase of a new adult social care initiative was launched by Walsall Council.
Called Pathway to Independence, this initiative introduces a new approach to adult social care which aims to support adults who need social care services to achieve their personal goals and help them live as independently as possible for as long as possible in their own homes.
Available to residents approaching adult social care for support, the service is based on the principles of person-centred care, choice and control, and prevention and early intervention.
“ Councillor Keir Pedley, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care at Walsall Council, said, “Pathway to Independence is an important new service for us. It’s a new approach to social care, placing personalisation at the heart of everything we do, and ensuring residents receive support to maximise their independence before there is a need for long-term support.
I’m thrilled that Walsall Council has chosen to invest in this brilliant initiative and we are committed to delivering quality services. Over the course of the summer, we’ve built a team of fabulous people and recruited 32 members of staff. The team is here to make sure residents get the right support, at the right time, helping them stay independent and well in their own homes.
Early help can help prevent small problems from becoming bigger. That’s why it’s so important to have personalised plans tailored to individual needs, supporting residents to develop and maintain daily living skills at home in the community, and helping them lead a more fulfilling life and to live as independently as possible. “
To make a referral to Adult Social Care please contact:
Tel: 0300 555 2922
Email: initialintake@walsall.gov.uk
Ends
To find out more, watch the video below:
Notes to Editors
The Pathway to Independence service is based on three principles:
- Person-centred care.
- Choice and control.
- Prevention and early intervention.
The pathway has the following overarching objectives:
- Promote the independence, dignity and autonomy of residents.
- Improve the quality of life and wellbeing of residents.
- Enable residents to achieve their personal goals and aspirations.
- Support residents to participate in and contribute to their communities.
- Prevent, reduce or delay residents’ social care needs.
- Reduce the reliance on formal social care services and promote independence.
- Provide high-quality, person-centred social care services.
The pathway consists of three components, outlining the types of support residents might receive:
- Prevention and Early Intervention.
- Community Based Reablement.
- Enablement.
Prevention and Early Intervention
This support area went live on 4 November 2024 and includes:
- Equipment, adaptations, assistive technology or learning new techniques.
- Signposting to local groups and services to encourage community engagement and reduce social isolation.
Community Based Reablement
This is a new service. Phase 1 went live on 4 November 2024 and phase 2 is expected to go live on 1 April 2025. It includes:
- A programme of activity with agreed goals to be achieved over a period of time. This may include equipment, assistive technology, or adaptations.
- Short-term targeted intervention will be supported by an external reablement provider.
Enablement
This support area is expected to go live on 1 April 2025, and it will include:
- Help for young adults to maximise their independence, enhance daily living skills and connect with community services, including education and employment.
- Where appropriate, access to the shared lives support through a tailored matching process.
