West Berkshire Adult Social Care delivers strong performance amid rising demand

West Berkshire Council is proud to publish the Annual Report for Adult Social Care 2024/25, showcasing a year of resilience, innovation, and continued commitment to supporting the district's most vulnerable residents.

Despite a sharp rise in demand, including an increase in safeguarding referrals, the Adult Social Care team has delivered impressive outcomes across a range of services.

The report highlights that 96% of safeguarding investigations successfully led to the identified risk being reduced or removed, demonstrating the council's focus on safety and protection.

Feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive. The in-house reablement service received exceptional praise, with 98% of respondents saying they would recommend the service to others. Additionally, 99% felt respected and treated with dignity, and 90% reported feeling more independent following support.

Councillor Patrick Clark, West Berkshire's Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health said:

"This report reflects the dedication and professionalism of our Adult Social Care teams. I am particularly proud of the positive feedback from those we support and our strong financial stewardship during challenging times. I

'd like to thank everyone for their outstanding work and look forward to building on these successes by continuing to listen to residents, learn from their experiences, and continuously improving services to meet evolving needs."

Key Highlights from the Report

• 2,455 individuals received long-term care and support, a 1.4% increase from the previous year. As of 31 March 2025
• 1,388 people were supported in the community, including 166 receiving direct payments
• 297 people were in residential care - 198 people were in nursing care
• Hospital Discharge - Adult Social care teams supported 1,332 referrals from hospitals, a 6% increase year-on-year, helping ensure timely and safe discharges
• Mental Health Services- 178 Mental Health Act assessments were completed by Approved Mental Health Practitioners
• Financial Assessments - 2,775 financial assessments and reviews were conducted, ensuring transparency and support for residents navigating care costs
• Learning Disability Support - 81% of adults aged 18-64 with a learning disability are in settled accommodation, promoting independence and stability
• Resident Satisfaction - 67% of survey respondents were extremely or very satisfied with the support received
• 93% said services improved their quality of life
• 75% felt they had control over their daily life
• 92% felt safer thanks to the services provided

The completion of the report has helped identify key priorities for the coming year, which will shape the development of a refreshed Adult Social Care Strategy. This includes expanding feedback mechanisms, supporting carers, enhancing collaboration with health services, and embracing new technologies to improve service delivery.

Read the full ASC Annual Report 2024/25