Who Cares? The Future of Adult Care and Support in Northern Ireland - Discussion Document

Process of ReformThe Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has decided to reform care and support provision.

The consultation on the discussion document “Who Cares? The Future of Adult Care and Support in Northern Ireland” is the first stage in a 3 stage process. It is intended to raise awareness of the challenges that the care and support system is facing.

The responses to the consultation will help inform the development of proposals for change (stage 2), which will then be followed by a final document setting out the agreed away forward for care and support in NI (stage 3).

CONTEXT

What is care and support?The activities, services and relationships that help us to live an independent, healthy, active and inclusive life.

Involves a wide range of services provided across government. These services include adult social care which is the responsibility of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), and benefits and help with housing which is the responsibility of the Department for Social Development (DSD).

Types of care and support

Who provides care and support?

NEED FOR CHANGE

Why Does Care and Support Need to Change?

The Challenge

VISION

Founding Principles

Vision

Issues to Consider

•Does the vision reflect what you want from care and support? If not, what else should it reflect?

•How can people be supported to have greater choice and control over how their care and support needs are met?

•Should care and support continue to be provided by a combination of the statutory, private and voluntary sectors?

BALANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Who contributes to the care and support system?

Contributions to Care and Support

Charging for care and support

Fairness and Sustainability

Issues to Consider• Do you think the current balance is fair? If not, how

should we change the role of government, people who use services, and carers and the wider community?

• Should people be required to make means tested contributions to all services?

• Should government funding continue to be targeted at those least able to afford support?

• Should additional funding for care and support be redirected from other areas, e.g. NHS, education, economic investment?

How to get involved?

• Consultation closes 15 March 2013;• Respond via questionnaires at end of main

document, public information booklet or through online questionnaire;

• Check website http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/hss/reform-cas.htm for further information.