Understanding the Implications of Charging for Services Training Course

Health & Social Care Training Courses

AIMS:
This session aims to examine the implications for service users for charging for services. It will consider the legislative framework underpinning this and the role of the worker in supporting people to understand the reasons why charging represents best value for social care services.

OBJECTIVES:
This will be achieved by:

• Consideration of the reasons why it may be necessary to charge for services, especially in the current economic climate with local authorities being under more pressure to maintain services than ever before.
• Examining the legal frame work that enables local authorities to charge for services (s26 and s29 of the National Assistance Act 1948, HASSASSA 1983, NHS and Community Care Act 1990 and the FACS guidance 2010)
• Exploring the client's right to refuse a financial assessment, even though their risks to independence under the FACS criteria may indicate that they would be eligible for care services (including Mental Capacity Act 2005 and unwise decisions)
• Consideration of the implications for the relationship between the service user and the local authority when charges are introduces - how becoming a 'customer' rather than a 'client' can empower individuals and the challenges this can pose for providers.

OUTCOMES:
By the end of the session, participants will have had the opportunity to consider the implications of charging for services in terms of honouring statutory requirements and maintaining the relationships with service users.