UK citizens are fully behind the need for a revolution in how adult social care is delivered, according to recent research.
The independent market research commissioned by Younifi, a solution provider for local authority adult social care departments, found that 72% of adult care recipients and 78% of people caring for others believe there must be a better way to deliver care to adults and the elderly. However, less than a quarter (23%) of those receiving care feel they know enough about the types of services on offer to enable them to make informed decisions about care choices in the future.
This lack of understanding into how the care system works also extends to carers with only 40% considering themselves to be knowledgeable enough to navigate the system. Only 12% think they have sufficient knowledge to make decisions on the right choice of care for their family member or friend.
The research surveyed the views of 2,000 people and included those who receive care, family and friends that provide care and people with an interest in what it should be like for them in the future.
The overriding findings from the research were that respondents want a better way for their care needs to be met; that there’s a huge knowledge gap among social care customers; care recipients and carers would like greater transparency and control; and people are willing to harness new innovations to improve care delivery and quality.
The research also showed that many people are confused by the cost of care with 71% of care recipients admitting they have no idea how much the cost of their care is, and only 27% of care providers claiming to have a ‘fairly accurate’ or precise understanding of costs.
Looking to the future, the research also shows that the vast majority of people want to take far greater responsibility for their own care; 68% want to be in control of it, many in partnership with their close family.
A willingness to be open to new ideas and concepts that improve care outcomes and quality of life was also highlighted. Over three quarters of respondents showed an interest in the use of technology to both access and manage their care.
Tony Pilkington, Managing Director of Younifi, said: “It’s abundantly clear that those currently in receipt of care, or providing it, want to see a change to the way care is delivered and managed.
“It’s reassuring to see that people are open to the use of technology to help deliver and manage care. It has the potential to revolutionise how people choose their care and support and the options available to them.”
www.younifi.co.uk
