Many people with care needs face difficulties accessing social care services due to the complicated application process and a lack of clear, easy-to-understand information. In response, local authorities in England are introducing digital tools, such as easy-to-read guides and online self-assessment options, to simplify the process. These resources aim to improve access to services, reduce unmet care needs, and enhance individuals' wellbeing by making it easier for them to navigate the social care system.
However, a new study, funded by the Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS), which examined the prevalence and effectiveness of these digital tools across 152 local authority websites in England, found that only 20% of local authorities currently provide easy-read information online, and only 25% offer self-assessment tools. These tools are designed to help users navigate the often-complex social care system more easily.
Local authorities offering easy-read information on their websites were found to have a higher rate of ongoing low-level support services, for example, the provision of a community alarm, minicom line and telecare. These services are particularly valuable for individuals with less-intensive care needs.
The study highlights the potential impact of expanding digital channels, which can offer a more user-friendly “front door” for people seeking social care support. Researchers suggest that integrating these digital tools into local authority services could complement traditional methods of social care access, giving individuals more options and potentially improving their overall experience.
Leading the research, Dr Jinbao Zhang, from the University of Kent, said: “By expanding the availability of easy-to-use digital resources, we can make social care services more accessible and user-friendly for a wider range of people. These tools could offer individuals more control over how they seek support, while also easing pressure on traditional services.”
The findings of this study: Association between Digital Front Door and Social Care Utilisation for Community-dwelling Adults in England: cross-sectional Study have been published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.
A summary of the project can be found here.
