Community care statistics for adults in Northern Ireland for the year 2023/24
The latest report, compiled from data provided by health and social care trusts, sheds light on the extensive community activities and support services offered by these organisations. Despite the report not specifying the geographical location of the trusts, it provides valuable insights into the services available.
Contacts and Support Services
Each local Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust has carer coordinators who serve as a valuable resource for individuals seeking information on available support groups, day care centres, home help, and residential care options. Carers can arrange both short and long-term alternative care through their Trust.
Care Packages and Day Care
Care packages arranged by HSC Trusts may include day-to-day support services such as attendance at day care centres, which provide specialist care for people with disabilities and can offer respite both for the cared-for and the carers. These services are tailored to meet the assessed needs of individuals.
Meals on Wheels and Home Care
Although specific "meals on wheels" services are not explicitly detailed in the report, home care help—including assistance at home—is often arranged through the Trust, sometimes in partnership with charities or other local groups.
Residential and Nursing Accommodation
The Trusts provide or arrange placements in residential and nursing care homes tailored to assessed needs, often working jointly with independent providers or charitable organisations to find suitable accommodation.
Additional Resources
For those in Belfast, the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust website offers specific localized contacts and information for health and social care services, including residential care and community supports. The Public Health Agency (PHA) oversees broader population health initiatives and provides publications and funding information, which may include community capacity building related to health inequalities and service provision. National audits and clinical resources such as the HQIP Directory outline the settings where healthcare and social care data are collected but do not directly list community care contacts or service descriptions.
Actionable Next Steps
For tailored information on available community support, care packages, day care, and residential/nursing accommodations, individuals are encouraged to contact their local HSC Trust’s carer coordinator. Visiting the relevant regional HSC Trust websites, such as Belfast Trust, for service listings and direct contacts is also advisable. Referring to the Public Health Agency for broader public health service information and resources can provide additional insights.
This package of services and supports is designed to be flexible, reflecting the assessed needs of individuals, enabling carers to access respite and supported care within community-based and residential settings. However, it's important to note that the report does not provide information about the specific number of contacts or care packages, nor does it mention any advertisements or the quality or effectiveness of the services provided.
- The Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, one of the local Trusts, offers specific contacts and information for health and social care services, including residential care and community supports, thereby contributing to the science of health-and-wellness.
- The Public Health Agency (PHA) provides valuable resources and information, such as funding for community capacity building related to health inequalities and service provision, thereby contributing to the realm of health-and-wellness and science.
