PEOPLE across the county are being urged to share their experience of adult social care to help improve it.
Oxfordshire County Council, in support of the ‘because we all care’ campaign from the Care Quality Commission and Healthwatch England, is calling on residents to shape its social care offering.
The new campaign comes at a time when the coronavirus crisis has highlighted the work of adult social care staff and with more people receiving care and support than ever before.
Also read: Oxfordshire care homes reveal coronavirus experience
Healthwatch Oxfordshire this month published a report which showcases responses to a survey of the county’s 123 care homes looking at the pressures they faced due to the pandemic.
Some staff said they felt the care sector was ‘bottom of the pile’ when it came to resources, with problems accessing testing, PPE and staff shortages from illness or self-isolation.
Research from the CQC and Healthwatch has found though nearly two thirds of people are more grateful for the services they receive and would be more willing to support their local social care services following the pandemic.
Stephen Chandler, director of adult social care and housing at the county council, said: “We are delighted to support this campaign from the CQC and Healthwatch.
“Many of us may feel apprehensive about trying to get involved at present. But whether your experiences are good or bad, we appreciate any feedback.”
Also read: Are people scared to live in care homes after Covid-19?
He added: “These are unprecedented times for adult social care.
“It is through feedback directly to us, or from our partner organisations such as Healthwatch, that residents can help us to improve and shape our services.”
Eddy McDowall, chief executive of Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers said: “While we are living through unprecedented times, the increased appreciation of social care providers and their staff has demonstrated that care is invaluable to all communities across Oxfordshire.
“Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers encourages clients and residents using social care, as well as staff, to describe and voice the fabulous work that keeps people safe, as well as sharing what is not working so we can improve it.”
For more information visit oxfordshire.gov.uk.
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