Care workers in Worcestershire are making a difference in people’s lives every day and in recognition and appreciation of this, Worcestershire County Council is proud to sponsor this year’s Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards.

The awards are being run by Newsquest - publishers of the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette, Evesham Journal, The Shuttle, Bromsgrove and Redditch Advertisers - in conjunction with the University of Worcester - to recognise the hard work of care workers across the county, focussing on the time they dedicate to support people every single day, and the impact this has on the lives of those in need.

One Worcestershire residents who has really benefitted from the support offered is Del.

Del is 88 years of age and has advancing Dementia and unfortunately has a very limited family support network. She has complex care needs that require care and support at least four times a day to ensure her nutrition, medication, hygiene, and social needs are met.

Del started her direct payment scheme in February 2020 when she opted for her local authority to provide her with cash payments instead of care services, giving her much more flexibility and control over her personal support plan. She employed two personal assistants (PA’S) and when Covid 19 hit in March 2020, they were able to continue providing care with no changes to the level of support Del received as they took the necessary precautions and wore the correct PPE.

As Del has needed more support, her direct payments have increased to enable her to secure a higher level of support and her niece (her facilitator) feels that this payment option has supported Del to remain happy and independent in her own home, which is what she wanted. Not only do her personal assistants give her the care that she needs, but they also provide an essential source of trusted friendship and companionship.

Worcestershire County Council Social Care Worker, Michael Stanley said: “Before losing the mental capacity to make her own decisions regarding care Del was clear that she wanted to remain living at home for as long as possible.

“Arranging a direct payment has provided her with two personal assistants who now know her well and whom she trusts. They provide a personalised service that is specific to Del’s whole care and support needs.

“I am confident that the flexibility that this care model provides has enabled Del to stay in her own home and maintain her independence.”

For more information about adult social care visit here