From crisis to prevention: Rethinking social care

The report, Caring About Health, highlights underfunding, complex commissioning, high staff turnover, and poor coordination between social care and public health that prevents the system from helping people stay independent and well. 

Instead of promoting wellbeing and preventing crisis, social care is too often reduced to short, rushed visits that simply manage decline. The report found that despite national guidance, “15-minute visits” are still common. These short appointments leave no time for meaningful conversation, emotional support, or early intervention, the things that help people stay well. For residents who depend on care at home, this can mean isolation, anxiety, and worsening physical and mental health.

At Healthwatch Greenwich, we see these patterns locally. People tell us that care often arrives too late, changes too often, or doesn’t reflect their needs. Many describe feeling anxious and uncertain about whether their care package will continue, or if they will have to pay privately to fill the gaps. Family members frequently step in to provide extra help, often at the expense of their own health and financial security. We also hear from care workers and health professionals who take great pride in what they do but are stretched to breaking point. They want to spend more time with the people they support, spot problems early, and prevent crisis but the system rarely gives them the time or resources to do so. 

For Greenwich, the message is clear: while the Council and the Integrated Care Board have begun work to promote prevention and integration, too much care still remains reactive stepping in only when people’s health and independence have already declined.