Together with its residents and partners, East Sussex County Council is developing a long-term plan, its strategy, for adult social care.
This will set the direction of adult social care for everyone who has — or will have — care and support needs within the county, the projects and services that support them and their carers and families.
The ‘Living Well in East Sussex’ survey, which ran in August and September, was the starting point for the strategy, and almost 500 people completed it.
According to the survey, residents are concerned about the cost of living; isolation or connection with others; not having enough care, support or adaptations in their home; and accessible services, facilities, and information.
Key themes to residents living a ‘good life’, highlighted by the survey, are:
- having enough money
- connecting with friends, family and neighbours
- their home
- having hobbies or volunteering
- being active and looking after themselves
The survey responses are being reviewed, and feedback will help organisers plan discussions at a range of focus group events during the next two months.
A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who completed the survey and all of the County Council’s partners who helped promote and share the news about it.
Talks with East Sussex Adult Social Care staff, independent sector care providers, NHS colleagues and wider stakeholders will follow in the new year, informed by what people have said are their priorities via the survey and the focus groups.