Independence and transparency

 

An understandable concern about information and advice services is the potential for a skew or bias in terms of its service provision or required outcomes for individuals and their families. This is primarily as a result of the funding source upon which the service relies.

 

A key element of The Care Advice Line is that it is truly impartial and independent. It does not sell or offer any specific products or solutions, nor does it have any motivations regarding outcomes for users of the service. Its aim is to provide information and advice and guide people through the complex care journey and assist them to make informed choices and access professional advice where required – be it care, legal or financial.

 

Being independent does mean that there is no conflict of interest or unease for local authorities or its staff as it removes the ‘product sales subsidy’ or ‘care home subsidy’ issue.