Single Handed Care

More and more local authorities are reviewing their manual handling policies and procedures allowing for a more flexible, person centred approach, which recognises that with the right training and modern specialist equipment, people requiring assistance transferring can be supported safely by one carer rather than two.

Tameside Council were looking to review manual handling policies and procedures locally with the overall aim of establishing a single handed care team.

The consultation was open for 8 weeks. Respondents could give their comments on the proposals online. We wanted to hear how the changes would affect people receiving care or their families/friends. Those already in receipt of care at home were supported to participate in the consultation via paper copies of the questionnaire.

40% of those who responded identified as being in receipt of double-handed care, of those nearly half had received this support for three years or more. Comments on the proposals showed a general concern for those who currently require two carers. For example, respondents said that they currently require two carers to stand and move about, and that they would feel nervous or unsafe without both. Similarly, many who responded expressed the need for properly assessing individuals before commissioning single handed care. Others stated that as long as all arrangements are safe, that the change would be a positive step.

The responses to the consultation were analysed and used as evidence in the report on the decision to implement the proposals. Any concerns or anxieties that were shared by respondents were mitigated by measures outlined in the proposals. For example where a service user is clear they do not wish to move onto single handed care, there will be no insistence on the change. An extended period is also offered where two members of staff will be present to allow time for the service user to adjust. The decision to implement the proposals was agreed at Strategic Commissioning Board on 26 June 2019.