Personalisation

The aim of a personal health budget is to give individuals and their families greater control over their own health and by using innovative ideas and as a individual approach, achieve better health outcomes.  The first step is for the patient to create a personal health plan, looking at their health needs and what outcomes they would like to achieve.

The market for 'elective' rather than 'prescriptive' telecare, for those with lower needs is already growing, particularly for self-funders.  An emphasis on increased personalisation and choice may stimulate this further.

The Coalition Government is committed to extending Personal Budgets to all users by 2013.  The October 2010 Comprehensive Spending Review stated that the £2billion that has been placed into social care will mean:

"Combined with a programme of reform and efficiency savings, such as greater use of personal budgets, this will mean local authorities will be able to improve outcomes and will not need to reduce eligibility for services."