Trial of same-day social care assessments helps 200

Over two hundred residents had their social care and health needs assessed with same-day results as part of an innovative new trial in Brent.

As the population of Brent grows older, the demand for adult social services has been increasing. The number of people the council supports has risen 11.6% over the past three years, putting significant pressure on the council’s budget.

The council’s Adult Social Care teams and Brent Health Matters held two successful community assessment days in November and December, bringing together health care and partner services under one roof to support residents on the waiting list for assessments or reviews.

During the assessment days, the care teams used AI technology, Magic Notes to automatically generate the assessment and case notes. This helped to reduce the admin burden and additional paperwork, which enabled social care workers to spend more time engaging with clients face-to-face.

Councillor Neil Nerva, Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing, said: “Our mission is to help every resident to live their best life. When we get approached for help with social care, it’s our job to understand what people need and to connect them with the right support. These Community Assessment Day events show residents value being able to see many services in one place, on the same day to discuss their needs. Our aim is to work with individuals to help them live their best lives.”

The benefits of having one stop assessment days include the satisfaction residents get by seeing health and social care services in one place, preventing further delays by having different appointments.”

90-year-old Brent resident, Hugh Chin, who attended the first event at Chalkhill Community Centre in November with his daughter Mia, partner Julie, and granddaughter Sienna, met with the Occupational Health team to discuss his home adaptation requirements.

His daughter Mia said: “This is a brilliant idea! Dad has been on the Occupational Health waiting list and coming here today and seeing someone has made all the difference. I am pleased that someone has looked at his case to get things moving.”

There were options to book appointments in advance or drop in on the day. Once there, clients received comprehensive support in one day, starting with a care assessment and, where needed, an occupational therapy assessment.

Most importantly, residents received immediate outcomes before they left, providing clarity about their care plans, next steps, or access to services.

Each event featured various partners, including the Carers Centre, Citizen Advice Bureau, the Equipment Store, and Brent Health Matters who provided free health checks. The collaboration between services meant attendees could access a range of advice and solutions tailored to their individual circumstances.

The council is committed to working with residents and carers as partners in their own care to support individuals in living happy, healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives.

Building on the success of the pilot’s, further community assessment days are planned for 2025 to reach even more residents.

www.brent.gov.uk/adult-social-care