Adult Social Care
Hospital discharge continues to represent one of the most challenging stages within the adult social care pathway. Families are often expected to make important decisions within relatively short timescales while professionals balance safe discharge with increasing pressure on community services. National discussion also continues around sustainable funding, workforce resilience and consistency in local authority assessments.
Useful sources:
https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/
https://www.local.gov.uk/
https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/
Later Life Support
Many people first encounter adult social care following a hospital admission or sudden deterioration in health. Families are often simultaneously trying to understand care funding, powers of attorney and future planning. The contribution of unpaid carers remains central and highlights the importance of early conversations and independent guidance.
Useful sources:
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/
https://www.carersuk.org/
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/
Consumer Duty & Vulnerability
As firms continue embedding the FCA Consumer Duty, vulnerability is increasingly recognised as overlapping with health, caring responsibilities and financial resilience. Joined-up working between advisers, advocates and care professionals continues to demonstrate real value.
Useful sources:
https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/consumer-duty
https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/finalised-guidance/fg21-1.pdf