People who are self-funding (not eligible for social services financial support) have to navigate social care systems independently. I help self-funding clients to explore their care options, consider available options and organise care to improve their quality of life.
The following anonymised case study illustrates how I can assist self-funding clients as an Independent Social Worker. For ease of reading, I have named the client Roger and changed some facts to make it unidentifiable.
Please read the following anonymous case study to illustrate how I can assist private clients.
⇾ Roger previously alone and overtime became more isolated, as his close friends who lived locally died. He did not have any family or friends to support him. Roger began to neglect himself and became physically and mentally unwell. After being found wandering in the community he was admitted to hospital. He was assessed by a local authority social worker who arranged for Roger to be discharged to a local care home.
⇾ The care home manager contacted a solicitor because she was concerned that Roger had very few needs, in comparison with other residents, and may be more suited to other less restrictive accommodation options. These options had not been presented to Roger by the local authority social worker because he was self-funding and regarded as having the mental capacity to decide where he should live for care and treatment. The solicitor had fortunately met me previously and was aware I provided independent social work advice and support to private clients and suggested the care home manager contact me which she did.
⇾ I met with Roger and the care home manager in the care home and discussed the practical support I could provide going forward. Roger was open to my involvement, and I began by spending time with him to see what things were important to him.
⇾ I provided Roger with practical support to manage his correspondence. I escorted him to the bank to cancel direct debits for utility bills he no longer needed to pay for and tidy up his financial affairs. I introduced a financial advisor, who was suitable to work with vulnerable clients, to assist Roger to manage his financial affairs and consider his financial options going forward.
⇾ I provided Roger with all possible least restrictive housing options available to him, including a return to his own home with social care support, however Roger did not wish to pursue any of these preferring to remain where he was. Overtime Roger had become settled in the care home and made good relationships with staff and other residents. He developed a set routine for his day and did not wish to leave the care home unaccompanied.
⇾ I recognised that Roger was not claiming attendance allowance and applied for this on his behalf. Roger successfully received over £1000 in back pay and now receives the higher rate of attendance allowance (£101.75 per week in 2023).
⇾ I advised Roger about the benefits of a lasting power of attorney and a Will. He agreed to a meeting with a solicitor to put these in place to appropriately plan for his future.
⇾ I completed a comprehensive Care Act assessment for Roger and provided a copy to the care home with his consent, so they had full information about his health and social care needs in their records.
⇾ I continue to visit Roger monthly to support with any correspondence, shopping needs and provide emotional support.
⇾ It is a pleasure to work with Roger and see how he has improved mentally and physically over time. I have developed a good working relationship with him and have assisted him to appropriately plan for his future. The care home staff and manager are relieved that Roger is settled and has been provided with the support he needs which was not available to him from the local authority.
Do you have a private client in need of independent social work advice and support?
Please contact me for an informal discussion to explore how I may be able to assist.