National Care Service: Scottish Learning and Improvement Framework for Adult Social Care Support and Community Health (SLIF) co-design report

What we learned

A number of key themes came across the various group discussions, and these are summarised below. Overall key findings were that:

• being more connected and supported through their local communities would support people to live fuller, more independent lives
• people having a more active role in maintaining their health and wellbeing would improve continuity of care and support, and provide more holistic, personalised support
• improved coordination of care and support services, would enable people to have better access to care and support services, and information

See below for a more detailed breakdown.

Being more connected and supported through their local communities would support people to live fuller, more independent lives.

People felt that improvements would help them feel more connected, joyful, and in control of their lives, with better mental health and social relationships.

Other points around this included:

• disabled people, and people with experience of mental health challenges especially valued feeling respected and included
• disabled people highlighted gains in confidence, autonomy, and independence

People having a more active role in maintaining their health and wellbeing would improve continuity of care and support, and provide more holistic, personalised support.

People felt that having an active role would help them feel understood, improve access to services, and lead to stronger self-worth and wellbeing.

Other points around this included:

• disabled people and others with lived and living experience of accessing services stressed the importance of support that adapts to changing needs across life
• clear communication and easier access to information were key for many
• feeling seen as individuals and receiving inclusive care helped people especially those with experience of homelessness, feel respected and valued

Improved coordination of care and support services, would enable people to have better access to care and support services, and information.

People felt that improvements would make care journeys clearer and more joined-up, helping them feel safer, more confident, and better supported as individuals.

Other points around this included:

• a single point of contact was seen as crucial, especially by Gypsy and traveller communities and those with experience of Alzheimer’s
• taking cultural needs into account was vital for Gypsy and traveller communities
• better integration could improve health and boost energy for meaningful activities, particularly for disabled people
• people valued support that helps them understand their rights and access services more easily