Case Study Guidance Notes

Case studies should illustrate the value of social care to all kinds of people, so that we can demonstrate its vital importance to millions of people. Some examples of suitable case studies might be:

  • A person who currently receives care and is concerned that this care may not continue under the new care system from April 1st
  • A person whose care enables them to work or live with dignity
  • A person whose care has been cut, and the impact this has had on them, including their families if appropriate
  • An example of a service for older or disabled people with clear outcomes, particularly if it is under threat or recently closed
  • A carer who has been supported through services for themselves or their loved ones

Length

Case studies should be no longer than 300 words.

Format

Case studies should be written in plain English, with as much written in the individual’s own voice as possible. Case studies should preferably be written up into the format suitable for print to minimise the need for editing.

Please also provide a photo to accompany the case study. This does not need to be of the case study if it would not be appropriate. This would require a small caption to explain this. Please avoid impersonal stock photos.

Further information

If you have any questions about completing this form, please contact

Fredi Cavander-Attwood: / 0207923 5723

Returning your form

Please return this form to Fredi Cavander-Attwoodat NAS– by 11 March

Example case study

Michael, 38, has Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Thanks to the social care support package that he receives, Michael is able to choose to pay a support worker to accompany him to watch his favourite football team, Celtic.

Before he received social care support Michael was dependent on friends and family and unable to participate in society. Now he is able to do voluntary work, and eventually Michael would like to get back to doing paid work.

“If it wasn’t for my social care support I definitely wouldn’t be able to volunteer and therefore feel part of my community.”

“It also helps me live a normal life. It’s great to be able to get up, get dressed and face the day without any hassle or stress.”

When Michael was first diagnosed with MS he was unaware that local authorities provide social care support to disabled people. When he did approach his local authority for funding he was regularly told there was no money available. It wasn’t until 2006, after three years of no support from his local authority, that he finally received a social care support package.

Staff member name:
CSA Member Organisation:
Contact details:
I confirm that the individual featured in this case study has consented to the Care Support Alliance using all or part of this material, and understands that this material may be subject to minor edits.
Name______
Signed______Date______
Identification
Please confirm how the person would like to be identified in all material (circle as appropriate):
First name/ Full name/ Anonymous/Alias………………………………
The following information is to ensure that we have a good balance of case studies. None of this will be used in the publication, unless stated in the case study story below.
Which region do they live in? (include constituency if known)
How old are they?
Ethnic background?
Case study
What is the context of this case study? What are the person’s circumstances?
How can/could they benefit from social care?
Have they been affected by the care crisis?
What could be done to improve their situation?
Any specific quotes from them?