Hi,
In January my dad started needing carers twice a day. The council did an assessment and my parents must self fund. Which is fine.
However as his health has deteriorated, he now needs more than the 30 minutes morning and night. I spoke to the care company, but because the council were involved in the initial assessment, even though my parents self fund, the care company cannot increase the time without the council’s say so. I cannot understand this myself.
So I raised a request with the council, and have now left voicemails to chase 3 times, but it has been over 3 weeks and no response whatsoever. It’s terrible. I cannot ever speak to a person, only leave a voicemail.
I’ve highlighted in my messages that dad is being put unnecessarily at risk because he’s feeling he has to rush as he knows he doesn’t have enough time, and so is unnecessarily putting him at an increased risk of falls - he is very unsteady on his feet and poor balance. I thought that may prompt a response, but nothing.
And now some days the carers can’t give him a shower due to time time issues. It is totally unacceptable that he should not be able to properly shower daily simply due to waiting for a box rixk from the council. Extremely unfair.
Obviously I’ll continue to chase this, but it’s got to the point where I am going to raise a formal complaint. But what I wanted to ask on here, is whether there is any legal obligations on the council, to respond to such requests in a certain timeframe? I’d like to quote any relevant legislation in my complaint.
Many thanks.
Talk to CQC who regulate care companies. If dad is self finding he can have whatever he wants.
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I agree with @bowlingbun - perhaps the person you spoke with did not take onboard that you are self-funding and assumed that the Council funded the care. You can get whatever you want to pay for !!!
Hi, the care company definitely know we are self funding. I speak regularly with the supervisor, and she knows us well. We have had conversations about how silly it is that the council need to approve, when we are self funding, she has even raised a complaint herself with the council, as it’s to the care company’s detriment.
So it’s definitely not something for the CQC. This is an issue with the council. I have still had no response despite regularly chasing. It’s just a black hole, I really don’t know what else I can do.
I understand that CQC are now inspecting local authority Social Services departments, so they do need to know!
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Every social services department is subject to CQC inspections.
Gosh I didn’t know that. That’s really helpful to know then, thank you both for putting me right. I will look into that avenue as well.
There is a great deal that is “hidden” from people, one way and another.
This forum tries to give the real facts.
Social workers in Hampshire, where I live earn up to £60,000 a year, so I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect them to be very familiar with the relevant legislation etc.
Always remember that without us they would be out of a job!!!
Does your Council have a drop in station like a hub? Go and present there and don’t leave until you can speak to someone.
Failing that, you can always contact your MP and tell them to kick up a fuss on your behalf. You will probably get a response within a few hours if you go down that route 
Best,