Published: Monday, 9th December 2024
An easy-to-use online service, which identifies a range of day-to-day support needs and provides people with immediate opportunities to help themselves, has been launched.
Bettercare Support gives residents, their families and carers the opportunity to access care services in Stoke-on-Trent by simply filling in a user-friendly questionnaire.
The information submitted through the questionnaire will be used to direct users to specific community services to help maintain independence and improve quality of life, or through to adult social care as a direct referral.
Launched today (Monday, December 9), Bettercare Support also replaces the need to make phone calls, wait in queues or for face-to-face meetings – streamlining the whole referral process.
It’s simple to register and very secure, so residents can complete the questionnaire themselves, or can get help from relatives, neighbours or friends.
The platform is being used to support referrals by other local authorities around the UK – but only Stoke-on-Trent City Council is using it to signpost people to the tailored solutions which meet their needs.
It includes short, easy-to-understand videos, available in multiple languages, to guide people through the process.
In addition, if a resident doesn’t qualify for financial support or adult social care services, Bettercare Support will signpost them to help and support that they can access or buy for themselves.
Councillor Duncan Walker, Stoke-on-Trent’s cabinet member for adult services, said: “We are very pleased to launch this user-friendly and speedy self-assessment service.
“We’re making it easier for residents to assess and refer themselves, or with help from their families, friends and neighbours.
“The assessment service is available 24/7. No-one will have to wait to get through and the information provided will go straight to the portals who are there to help.
“Stoke-on-Trent is leading the way in helping residents live independently for longer by accessing the services they need, wherever and however that might be.”
The Bettercare Support questionnaire helps to quickly identify areas where a resident might need support, including:
• eating and drinking
• personal hygiene and appearance
• using the toilet
• getting dressed and choosing what clothes to wear
• staying safe at home
• keeping your home clean and comfortable
• your day-to-day relationships with family and friends
• accessing and taking part in work, training, education or volunteering
• using your local shops, leisure facilities and public services
The portal is available at a short web address: www.stoke.gov.uk/supportforadults
It comes hot on the heels of a similar service which was launched for emergency services, voluntary sector, health and care professionals last month. Thousands of referrals are already reaching adult social care services through the new streamlined 24/7 service.
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