Relocation, portability and social care practice: A scoping review

Abstract

The portability of publicly-funded adult social care across local authority boundaries received recent policy attention in England and was addressed in the Care Act 2014. This article presents the findings of a scoping review conducted between July-September 2012 that searched selected journals and online databases for relevant material. The aim of the review was to identify what is known about the experiences of adults entitled to publicly-funded social care who move between local authorities, and the support provided by social workers to those planning to relocate. The review focused specifically on disabled adults and carers, eligible for and in receipt of social care support, who relocate for work or education in England.Findings: The review identified little direct research covering experiences of moving between local authorities. However, six specific barriers, challenges and facilitators to relocation were identified; these included the portability of social care support, variations in policy and practice between local authorities, and housing availability. The review concludes that the process of relocation may be complex, challenging, and uncertain, although individuals may experience benefits and positive outcomes.Applications: The review outlines areas for good social work practice in supporting people using social care services to relocate. These include: ensuring the provision of information; close working between local authorities and social workers; the Downloaded from development of interim plans to address potential delays in setting up support; proactive and rapid monitoring and reassessment following a move to address potentially changed support needs arising from changed housing circumstances.

The continuity of social care when moving across regional boundaries

“…535-536). It concluded that relocation between local authorities is unusually complex, a risky undertaking and an uncertain process, which may provoke anxiety and stress (White et al, 2016).…”

“…Our scoping review suggested that relatively few social care recipients move between local authorities (White et al, 2016). Therefore, our study participants are potentially easy to identify.…”

An uncertain practice: social work support for disabled people and carers moving across local authority boundaries in England

“…Concerns have been raised about the limited 'portability' of social care, leading to lack of continuity of care (Law Commission, 2011). A scoping review carried out as part of the present study found no studies had addressed relocation with social care support as a primary research question; although some research identified problems associated with relocation in the context of other life changes (White et al, 2016). Such problems included losing (and fear of losing) care; delays and disruption; 'last minute' decision making (National Union of Student (NUS) n.d., Dilnot, 2011;Sayce, 2011;Arksey and Baxter, 2012).…”

“…The present paper reports the findings of this latter data set. Fieldwork was informed by a scoping review of the research and grey literature (White et al, 2016).…”

“…Some had experienced the move as harmful to their physical or emotional wellbeing. The transition to a new local authority was often experienced as complex, disjointed and lacking in continuity (White et al, 2016;Marsland et al, 2018).…”