North Lincolnshire Council’s adult social care provision rated good overall
North Lincolnshire Council’s adult social care provision rated good overall
North Lincolnshire Council’s adult social care provision has been rated good overall following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) earlier this month.
The assessment examined nine areas across four themes, looking at how effectively the council is meeting its responsibilities in adult social care. Each area is scored from one to four, with one meaning the evidence shows significant shortfalls and four representing an exceptional standard.
Inspectors found the service had a clear focus on helping people maintain their independence. This was reflected in the overall good rating awarded to adult social care within the authority.
However, the inspection identified significant delays in some financial assessments. At the time, some people had been waiting more than 1,000 days — almost three years — for an assessment, despite a target of 21 days.
The CQC said the delays left some people uncertain and anxious about how much they would need to pay towards their care. It also said improvements were needed in support for unpaid carers, people from seldom-heard communities, those living in rural areas and autistic adults.
Since the inspection, the council has reduced the waiting time for financial assessments. The CQC said all people are now being contacted within five working days, while 82% of assessments are completed within 21 days.