Restoring Stability: Hospital support funding reinstated
A member organisation contacted Access Social Care for general guidance regarding a person they support, who had been hospitalised following a significant deterioration in their wellbeing.
A man being supported by his carer
The individual, who has a learning disability, had longstanding relationships with carers from their supported living accommodation. It was important to the individual to maintain contact with them while in hospital.
The funding authority, however, withdrew funding for this support on the basis that “it was not responsible for funding care from familiar carers during a hospital stay”.
What we did
ASC provided the member organisation with general guidance regarding the relevant legal and policy frameworks.
This included the Care Act 2014 responsibilities, discharge planning considerations, the Transforming Care agenda and the importance of joined up working between health and social care bodies where a person with a learning disability is detained under the Mental Health Act.
Following further representations from the member organisation, supported by evidence from professionals involved in the individual’s care, the local authority agreed to fund the necessary daily support hours to enable familiar carers to recommence supporting the individual in hospital.
Impact of the outcome
The reinstated support enabled the individual to reconnect with familiar carers, helping to promote emotional wellbeing, continuity and stability during a period of significant vulnerability.
“This case highlighted the importance of looking beyond organisational boundaries and focusing on the person’s wellbeing in the round.
The continuation of familiar support during a highly distressing hospital admission will make a significant difference to the individual’s emotional wellbeing and stability.” - Hannah Hewish, Legal Strategy Manager & Data Lead, ASC
The outcome reinforced the importance of considering the wider emotional and relational aspects of care and support for people with learning disabilities, particularly where familiar carers play an important role in communication and emotional regulation.
If you have similar queries, please do get in touch on enquiries@accesscharity.org.uk