Taking On and Taking Over: physically disabled young adults and their care and support arrangements

Introduction

Personalised adult social care emphasises the aspirations and preferences of service users. Providing opportunities and support for service users to achieve their preferred level of choice and control over their support arrangements is central. This is particularly important for young people as they transfer to adult services, move towards adulthood and seek increasing independence. Transition services aim to improve knowledge, understanding and practitioner practice during the transition years, but it is not clear how far these services prepare young adults for exercising choice and control over their own support once they enter adult social care. Developments in practice/services and research surrounding personalisation within adult social care have, to date, tended to focus on older people and adults with learning disabilities. Little is known about the experiences of physically disabled young adults. This study focused on physically disabled young adults and those with chronic, complex or degenerative health conditions. It explored what support is needed and provided for them to achieve their preferred level of choice and control over their support arrangements.