A social care outcome is a measurable change or benefit experienced by an individual as a result of receiving social care services. It represents what a person achieves or experiences due to the support they receive, rather than simply what services they receive.
Understanding Social Care Outcomes
Social care outcomes focus on the individual's well-being and quality of life. They reflect the positive impact of care and support on various aspects of their life, such as:
- Independence: The ability to manage daily tasks and make choices independently.
- Health and Well-being: Improvements in physical and mental health, including feeling safe and secure.
- Social Inclusion: Participating in community life and maintaining relationships.
- Control: Having a say in the care and support they receive and how it's delivered.
- Dignity: Being treated with respect and valuing their own identity and preferences.
Examples of Social Care Outcomes
Instead of measuring inputs (e.g., number of home visits) or outputs (e.g., person has a cleaner), social care outcomes consider the impact:
- Input (Service Provided): Weekly home help visits.
- Output: The house is clean.
- Outcome: The individual feels safer and more comfortable in their own home, improving their mental well-being and allowing them to continue living independently.
Another Example:
- Input (Service Provided): A person attends a day center.
- Output: The person is attending a day center
- Outcome: The person has reduced feelings of social isolation and is making new friends, improving their overall quality of life.
The Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF)
The Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) is a key tool used in England to measure the effectiveness of adult social care services. It focuses on outcomes that matter most to people, and is used to:
- Set local and national priorities for care and support.
- Measure progress in achieving desired outcomes.
- Strengthen transparency and accountability within the social care system.
The ASCOF provides a standardized way to assess how well services are meeting the needs of individuals and improving their lives. It emphasizes that social care is not just about providing services, but about enabling people to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.
