Healthwatch Derbyshire, the independent champion for people who use health and social care services, is reaching out to the community to gather their feedback and experiences of social care services across Derbyshire.
From feedback about care homes or wheelchair services, experiences of day centres, or support from social workers - every experience is important.
Helen Henderson, CEO of Healthwatch Derbyshire, explained: "Your voice matters, and your experiences can spark real change. We tend to get feedback about health services quite often, which is understandable considering the pressure on the NHS at the moment.
“However, we want to urge more people to come and tell us about their experiences with social care services too, it’s just as important for Derbyshire residents.”
Types of social care services include:
- Mobility services such as wheelchair services, and other mobility equipment to remain independent at home
- Home adaptation services
- Care after a stay in hospital or serious illness
- Care provided at home that is paid for
- Nursing in a care home
- Day centres in the community
- Support from a social worker
- Social care support for a mental health condition
She continued: “Most people will know someone who relies on mobility equipment to get around, or someone who lives in a care home, or maybe someone who has had a social care assessment.
“Local people’s input on social care services is crucial in our mission to improve services for the diverse needs of Derbyshire residents."
One example of creating change is when a Derbyshire resident got in touch about a care home that was not providing culturally appropriate meals to their loved one. By letting Healthwatch know, they were able to work with the home to make sure that the meals provided met the persons cultural and religious needs.
People wanting to share their experiences of social care services can do so by filling out Healthwatch Derbyshire’s online feedback form, by calling 01773 880786, by sending e-mail to enquiries @ healthwatchderbyshire.co.uk, or by sending them a message on social media.