The Government has announced plans to give personal health budgets to up to 200,000 people by 2024. Wheelchair users and people who access aftercare services under the Mental Health Act will soon have a right to a personal health budget .. which will allow them to choose their own health and care support.
This could include:
*A specially adapted wheelchair designed to maximise independence
*A choice of personal assistants who can be specially trained to meet an individuals needs
*Technology, equipment or even an assistance dog to reduce the need for support from a carer
Over 40,000 people currently benefit from personal health budgets, and the government plans to increase this to up to 200,000 people by 2024.
As well as extending the right to wheelchair users and people who access aftercare services under the Mental Health Act, the government will look to give personal healthcare budgets to:
*people with ongoing mental health needs * Veterans *Autistic people *People with learning difficulties * people receiving adult social care support
Minister for Care, Caroline Dinenage
The Minister stated, “I have seen first hand how personal health budgets can give people a new lease of life, granting them the ability to enjoy their lives to the full. These budgets help to join up health and social care services, improving people’s experiences and outcomes whilst ensuring value for money for taxpayers.
We are therefore extending access so many more people can benefit, a key part of our NHS Long Term Plan which will see personalised care become the norm for millions more.”