DISABILITY UK TASK FORCE

Richmond Liberal Democrats Lib-Dems, Liberal Democrat Political Party 'Care capping' and other care changes 'steam rollered' by Liberal Democrat Richmond Council Lib-Dems, Liberal Democrat Political Party26th March 2001. Just like they allways do.Richmond Liberal Democrats Lib-Dems, Liberal Democrat Political PartyThe Real Facts of Real Peoples Life's. Lib-Dems, Liberal Democrat Political Party

We would request the Lib-Dem Council and Social Services to consider these true and factual cross samples of some disabled users of social care in the Liberal Democrat Borough. We would also request a feasible and practical resolution to the cases below. One that keeps in mind the sensitivity, difficulties, needs and care deserved towards those with disabilities. In addition, one that takes into account Human, Disability and Care Rights.

Case One. Richmond Liberal Democrats Lib-Dems, Liberal Democrat Political Party
Middle aged gentleman. Cognitive impairment, memory difficulties, needs constant stimulation, prone to wander and get lost. Not able to shop, cook or resolve other basic necessities. Unable to live independently in the community without present level of care. 'Pop in' care would be fraught with difficulties for this user. Needs considerable social care.

Presently receives 52 Hrs week.

Care capping options? Immediately condemned to residential care.
Contra central government objectives. Human Rights Act. Disability Discrimination Act

Case Two. Richmond Liberal Democrats Lib-Dems, Liberal Democrat Political Party
Mid 20's lady. Spinal Bifida, wheelchair user. Some of this lady's care needs are very personal and not suitable for 'pop in' workers.

Presently receives 42Hrs week

Care capping options? Reduction of independence. Basic care needs unresolved. Living standards drastically reduced. Degraded.
Contra central government objectives. Human Rights Act. Disability Discrimination Act

Case Three. Richmond Liberal Democrats Lib-Dems, Liberal Democrat Political Party
Mid 20's man. Tetraplegic. Coming out of residential care into independent community living. Needs considerable social care.

24Hr care required.

Care capping options? Back to residential care for this young man, who is only asking for his basic legal and human rights of equality. With any care capping, people like this young man would be institutionalised in the Richmond borough..
Very Contra central government objectives. Human Rights Act. Disability Discrimination Act

Case Four. Lib-Dems, Liberal Democrat Political Party
Mid 50's gentleman. Tetraplegic. Not illegible for ILF. Already pays the maximum contribution of £160 week for care.

Care capping options? What are they? Needs clarity of definitions and answer. As proposed, this person will loose half his care requirements.

Case Five. Lib-Dems, Liberal Democrat Political Party
Mid 40's lady. Visual impairment. Lives on own with guide dog. No other form of financial or care support.

Presently receives 19Hrs week

Under presently proposed eligibility criteria, care would be considerably reduced, to a level well below set standards of independent living. What little relief, enjoyment and freedom this lady has, will be taken away. She will be left feeling very worthless in her disability. Grave depressive or suicidal complexes commonly result from this situation.
Contra central government objectives. Human Rights Act. Disability Discrimination Act

Case Six. Lib-Dems, Liberal Democrat Political Party
Lady early 60's, just out of long term care into community. Severe dexterity and arthritic condition, wheelchair user. Needs considerable social care.

Presently receives (to be evaluated)

Care capping options? Only one, back to care. Denied independent living. Denied rights. Denied opportunity of equality. In fact, denied everything. Care capping would clearly be a 'shove her back into care' attitude. Contravenes social care obligation to inhuman extent.
Very Contra central government objectives. Human Rights Act. Disability Discrimination Act

Case Seven. Lib-Dems, Liberal Democrat Political Party
Single mother, mid 30's, arthritic, two young children - one with learning difficulties. Has live in care for herself and additional care for child with disability.

Presently receives (to be evaluated)

Care capping will not only remove this mothers rights as a disabled parent, it will remove her ability to function as a parent and family. In light of this abhorrent possibility, the other losses in basic rights to living conditions, independence, security etc., seem to pale.
Very Contra central government objectives. Human Rights Act. Disability Discrimination Act

Case Eight. Lib-Dems, Liberal Democrat Political Party
50's male. Dementia. Constant care required. Fits into 'high needs' criteria

Presently receives 57Hrs

Care capping options? Without at least the care hours received in the manner presently received, another one delegated to institutional care. The law gives no person - or council, the right to commit an act of such human degradation.

Implications. Lib-Dems, Liberal Democrat Political Party
In the above cases, maximum external care input is being utilised. I.e., Family, friends, ILF, DLA, adaptations, wheelchairs, etc. Therefore, reduction of care hours supplied by Lib-Dem social services will immediately place them at the minimum - disadvantaged. Though, even worse, at risk or condemned to residential care.

The proposal to replace some hours with five minute 'drop ins', may well satisfy some elderly care needs from the aspect of personal safety. However, introduction to under 65's as a method of alternative care would make it impossible to maintain individual lifestyle or independence. Government introduced direct payments expressly to preserve this independence

There is also a need for reassessment of the proposed 'High, Medium & Low' care criteria eligibility in much greater detail and clarity.

The additional question arises, of including the DLA care component towards the cost of social care. This is already hot debate with many organisations, as DLA is specifically for extra needs in association with the persons disability. It is not defined by, or has ever been intended towards any element of personal care costs. These being the responsibility of local councils under the social care charter. Opposition to any councils implementing this strategy and, prosecution failing dialogue, is the remit of several established organisations.

May we remind the reader, that by law, every council has a legal duty to fore fill their social care obligations. Though with a few councils, this is to the bear minimum, the majority of more responsible councils, far exceed their minimum care obligations. However, these proposed changes to Liberal Democrat Richmond councils care policy, plunges disabled care users well below minimum care levels, into the realm of direct contravention of Human and Disability rights.

The law is very specific and clear on subjecting those with disabilities to a substandard life, denial of equality or, any actions by any person, that reduces or demeanours their right to independent living. It is also very strict in dealing with offenders.

Another question in need of answering, in consideration of the Lib-Dem councils inability to meet it's current care duties, there will obviously be financial delay expanding direct payments as required by government. Indeed all users feel very insecure, as an appropriate policy for secure continuance is absent.

Conclusion.
The proposed change to the boroughs social care has been hurriedly thrown together in an emergency financial rush. It lacks consultation, external specialist advice and has no consideration - other than financial towards those most at risk in the borough. There are no transparently structured policies for short or long term care of the disabled, at least not in keeping with law.

By the Liberal Democrats own admission, it is financially incapable of fore filing obligations as laid down by government in relation to social care within legal guidelines. Leaving serious questions of its expertise or financial stability to run social services in the borough. In such cases of no confidence, the council or an independent may request central governments intervention to administer social care in the borough, to divert social injustice.Lib-Dems, Liberal Democrat Political Party


**The Liberal Democrat scandal ** Draconian Lib-Dems

Richmond social services Liberal Democrat dont care about care. social services Care Capping Liberal Democrat dont care about care. social services Mothers Fear Draconian Lib-Dems Scrap the Disabled council liberal democrats social services Real Cases Richmond Lib Dem Council Scandal Pages Richmond Lib Dem Council Porn Councillors Draconian Lib-Dems D.O.H. Care Plan Richmond social services Liberal Democrat Polititions Richmond social servicesRichmond's Care Plan Liberal Democrat council social services Lib Dem Performance council liberal democrats social services Press Clippingscouncil liberal democrats social services Human Rights
social services from Liberal Democrats Party Other Rights
Disability Task Force Draconian Lib-Dems Community Care DP Draconian Lib-Dems Disability Rights Commission Act The Euro Charter
Draconian Lib-Dems E-mail a Lib Dem Draconian Lib-Dems E-mail an MP Draconian Lib-Dems Lib-Dem UK Sites Draconian Lib-DemsLinks Draconian Lib-Dems Useful Info Liberal Democrat Polititions Liberal Democrat Polititions

Task ForceHome Page
Lib-Dems, Liberal Democrat Political Party All content is without prejudice. Disability UK is Europe's TOP disability site. We have no affiliation with any other group. Lib-Dems, Liberal Democrat Political Party

social care


These web site links are listed as a convenience to our visitors. If you use these links, we take no responsibility and give no guarantees, warranties or representations, implied or otherwise, for the content or accuracy of these third-party sites.

Home: disabilities information from Disability UK Sitemap: disabilities information from Disability UK
© Disability UK - Richmond - UK disabilities information from Disability UK Established 1997. disabilities information from Disability UK