Community Care Law Deputy Services For Adults
On 1 April 2015, the Care Act 2014 overhauled the social care system and changed almost every aspect relevant to the provision of care and support to older people and adults with disabilities
Although many of the new provisions were welcomed, Social Services lacks resources to meet the increasing demand for social care. As a result, you as Professional Deputies, Attorneys and Private Client lawyers need to develop your knowledge about the interface between public law and private law. This includes how and when to challenge decisions made by Health and Social Services. Understanding the national minimum eligibility criteria for social care and support is vital, as is knowing how to ensure eligible individuals receive all the services they are entitled to, and that they don’t pay for any of those services unnecessarily.
It may be useful to refer to our list of Abbreviations Used in Community Care Law and Abbreviations Used in SEN and Disability Law.
Care Act 2014 – enforcing individuals’ rights and challenging Local Authority decisions
As one of a very small handful of Community Care Law specialist firms who assist Private Client teams, we can assist you as Professional Deputies and Attorneys on an ad hoc or case by case basis with complex issues such as:
- Challenging Local Authority assessments of an individual’s eligible needs to ensure that they are receiving the services to which they are entitled
- Understanding when your clients should qualify for Local Authority funding; First & Third Party Top Ups and Choice of Accommodation; the Deferred Payment Agreement regime
- Accessing all potential sources of health and social care funding to conserve your client’s assets and income (NHS Continuing Healthcare; Fast Track Pathway funding; Social Services funding; section 117 Mental Health Act aftercare funding; State Benefits). Preparing the Deputy for or representing your clients at NHS Funding Panels
- Managing allegations or potential allegations of deprivation of capital or income made by the Local Authority or OPG
- Protecting your clients who are facing financial or health and welfare safeguarding situations (including about where they live and are cared for; contact with family and friends; financial exploitation by family members or others)
- Preparing you for or representing your client at Best Interest meetings and in Court of Protection litigation
- Understanding the rights of family carers under the Care Act 2014 and whether / how services to carers can be charged for
- Community Care Law File Review of client matters – making sure the Deputy feels confident that all avenues have been explored, reducing risk of later action or complaint by beneficiaries and charity-beneficiaries
When you are arranging ‘care at home’ packages for your clients, either by employing carers directly or by using an agency, we can assist through our Employment Law services for Deputies and Attorneys.
If you are a Professional Deputy or Attorney and require advice and assistance on any Community Care Law matter, we can help.
From our offices in Brighton & Hove, Croydon, Gatwick & Crawley, Eastbourne and Shoreham, we serve clients from across the country and overseas, through their preferred means of communication.
Contact us today on 01273 609911, or email info@ms-solicitors.co.uk to find out more.
