Community Assessment Day: What did we find out?

Healthwatch Brent attended on 24th June to see how the event went and speak to residents about what matters to them.

Brent Adult Social Care have been taking care needs assessments into the community, arranging the assessment events at local venues and inviting residents who are on their waiting lists.

Healthwatch Brent attended on 24th June to see how the event went and speak to residents about what matters to them.

The event was also attended by several organisations who offered advice and support, and the Brent Health Matters team were providing free health checks.

It was refreshing to see services being delivered in the heart of the community, face to face and in environments that residents said felt less formal. Residents expressed that they hoped the event would take away the need for several phone calls, chasing services for follow up and delays in getting answers.

 

The residents we spoke to had issues including:

  • Housing and adjustments needed to help them stay safe within their home.
  • Changes needed to their current social care package such as increasing carer support.
  • Not having access to social care support and having to care for their relative alone. Carers said they often felt isolated and tired themselves.
  • Feeling frustrated that they were unclear about the support that is available and how to access it quickly.

 

There was a bit of a wait to be seen, and the environment was a little noisy and open plan, however we did notice a few smaller rooms which we assume were being used for more confidential conversations.

Overall, the event was well attended, and residents were pleased to have been invited. We look forward to seeing Community Assessment Days expand into other areas of the borough.

 

If you’d like to request a Care Needs Assessment for yourself or another person, check out the Brent Council website.

Two attendees (a lady and her mother, both wearing hearing aids) found it difficult to hear due to a party taking place next door. The action taken on the day were rooms were used for needs assessments to minimise disruption.

Housing Issues/Adaptations were raised by attendees, and the OT Service Manager provided a helpful explanation of the process.

Finally, one attendee felt the event was disorganised due to overlapping activities and delays. We will certainly look into this to improve the experience at future events.

Molly Meakin, Practice Development Lead Social Worker at Brent Council

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