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England's Care Future: Small Homes, Big Impact
29 Apr
Summary
- Shared Lives households offer a cost-effective and supportive alternative.
- Smaller lodge-style settings provide a more personal care experience.
- These models aim to integrate individuals into communities like families.
The future of social care in England is facing new possibilities with the emergence of innovative models in the South West. These alternative care solutions, focused on smaller, more personalized settings, are proving to be both kinder and more cost-effective.
One such model is Shared Lives, where individuals with learning disabilities live in households with carers, experiencing a sense of family and community. This approach, exemplified in Cornwall, allows residents to maintain independence, work, and engage in social activities. It is reported to save local authorities up to £20,000 per person annually.
Near Barnstaple, another initiative places older adults in small lodges, moving away from large institutional care homes. These intimate environments emphasize personal connection and allow residents to feel like part of a family, rather than patients. The success of these models suggests a promising direction for England's social care system.
