Liverpool Home Care Prospecting Initiative
LTU Prospects Project

Recommendations

The following list of recommendations reflects the findings of the research, in the four main areas of activity.

Unmet Care Needs

Lifeline Alarm
As there are a number of providers of this service already established, the creation of a new emergency alarm service is likely to displace jobs. Therefore it is recommended that the present providers undertake a marketing and promotional campaign to raise awareness.

NB It must be stressed that where people requested these services, on a face-to-face basis they were given information and advice re Vauxhall Neighbourhood Council Lifeline and Age Concern services. In relation to above, for those who are; disabled, older aged or are recovering from an illness, someone in attendance or available to keep an eye on them was felt to be important. Therefore it may be useful to look at the establishment of a mobile warden service, linked in with a Lifeline alarm. The warden would be able to make regular household calls and respond to emergencies.

Many of the people requiring assistance had problems around the home. This suggests that household facilities could be improved which would increase their self sufficiency, mobility and reduce their dependence on others.

Home Maintenance
It is recommended that any business providing these services should also consider the provision of services that deal with damp and rotting windows and doors.

Befriending Services
Those that are currently available should be better publicised. Whilst demand for these services was low, the CSAs found a large number of people who felt lonely and isolated. Services that provide the opportunity to meet people and socialise would therefore improve the lives of many people.

When dealing with people with care needs it should be noted that they are often very proud and wish to retain their independence. Therefore sensitivity and an awareness of the persons circumstances is required when discussing a persons care needs.

Income Maximisation
If a similar Project is considered the MRDO should be in post at least two months prior to CSAs and should then have made initial contacts with organisations to inform them of the Project and request feedback to address potential problems.

The establishing of a client base, prior to CSAs commencing employment, is seen as essential and would also alleviate suspicions and fears. This would enable CSAs to proceed with welfare rights advice immediately, rather than spend time trying to build up a client base

More input is needed from voluntary and statutory bodies, especially at grass roots level, whose professional judgement could then be used to facilitate referrals of a more diverse nature (other than mainly elderly or disabled) i.e. Social Workers referring families or young adults with care needs would ensure clients needs were fully assessed.

Regarding the actual exercise of maximising peoples income, it would be useful if:-

  • Advice could be given in the respondents home
  • Claim forms were more concise and more easily understandable
  • Medical practitioners were made more aware of what is required of them in order that the correct information is given. Some form of training in welfare benefits may be required.
  • Respondents could be better informed of their entitlement. They would then be less likely to be afraid/wary of claiming.

Long Term Unemployed People
Many LTU are prevented from taking up employment because of the "Benefits Trap". To overcome this a sliding scale of benefits payments should be introduced. These could be in line with the number of full-time hours worked between 16 and 35 and this would ensure that someone working more than 16 hours but less than 35 hours is still receiving enough income to cover all their expenditure.
(NB Comments regarding Welfare to Work initiative can be found in the Executive Summary )

When recruiting LTU, businesses should be aware of the grants available for recruiting people who have been unemployed for at least a year or more. These could be used to assist in the training costs of new employees.

Training should be provided to LTU to help them gain employment and raise self awareness/motivation. However, it should be noted that simply moving from one training programme to another creates despondency and apathy. Training programmes that are likely to lead to full-time paid employment should be encouraged.

The re-introduction of a benefit such as Job Match (a weekly payment of £50.00 for the six months of employment), should be a statutory requirement, especially for those over 40 years of age. This would assist in meeting the costs of living once full-time employment status is achieved. This may help LTU take up offers of employment they currently have to refuse because the level of pay does not take them beyond the Benefits trap.

Potential Business Activity
Any businesses created from this research should be aware of peoples limited willingness or ability to pay. People with a care need are likely have limited disposable income. Therefore an efficient and comprehensive marketing campaign should be undertaken to ensure that people are fully aware of the quality and level of service provision.

Any services established should be fully aware that potential service users are sometimes quite vulnerable and are wary. All efforts should therefore be made to reassure users of the quality and high standard of service provision. This issue should also be considered when developing marketing strategies.

There are opportunities to train people to provide services such as painting and decorating, laundry, gardening and day to day home help/care. The workforce should, if possible, be included in discussions regarding business planning as many LTU have a wealth of previous experience and expertise that should not be wasted or ignored.

It is necessary to ensure that any businesses created are as cost effective as possible. There should also be clear channels of communication with service users to ensure that their needs are fully addressed.

As the business start-up costs may be prohibitive every effort should be made to access the variety of grants available to assist in this area.

Initial business plans should remain flexible due to the likelihood of a gradual build up of the client base.

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