DISABILITY - USE OF AN INDEPENDENT LIVING FUND IN SOUTH EAST LONDON AND USERS VIEWS ABOUT THE SYSTEM OF CASH VERSUS CARE PROVISION

Study objectives - To describe the uses of the Independent Living Fund (ILF) in south east London and to highlight users' views about the sy stem of cash versus care provision for people with disabilities. Desig n - Face to face interviews between users of the fund and an interview er to discuss cash for care, using a structured questionnaire. Setting - Interviews took place in the person's home. Participants - The data base at the ILF headquarters in Nottingham of all recipients of the fu nd was used. People were entered into the study on an ''opt-in'' basis . Results - Ninety five people were interviewed, of whom 72 (76%) had a modified Barthel score of less than 10. Before the ILF award, 31 (32 %) people had received no community services, although it seems that s ocial services were targeted at those living alone among the remaining 64 people. After the award, 23 of the 64 (36%) had their community se rvices reduced or withdrawn. Sixty eight (71%) people bought a total c are package with their award. Forty two people (44%) used agency care and a quarter of these had complaints about the quality of care. Seven ty four (78%) overall, and 93% of those from ethnic minorities, would opt for a system of cash for care again. Conclusions - People used the ILF successfully to procure care of a type and flexibility which suit ed them and enabled them to live independently. Central government sho uld reconsider wider cash for care schemes and the possibility sectors on contract to some care users.