Working with Hillingdon Council Adult Social Care
Karuna Care London expects to work primarily in partnership with Hillingdon Council Adult Social Care, as our home is located within the London Borough of Hillingdon. We recognise that the council has the lead role in assessing needs, agreeing care plans, arranging placements and monitoring the quality of services in the borough. Our aim is to be a reliable, transparent and well governed partner within that system once we are fully registered and ready to accept residents.
Role of Hillingdon Council in placements
Most residents who come to live at Karuna Care London will do so following an assessment and decision by Hillingdon Adult Social Care. The council will decide whether our service is suitable for a particular individual, taking into account their needs, risks, preferences, funding position and the availability of other services.
We do not intend to accept placements that bypass this process. Even where individuals contribute to, or fully fund, their care, we expect the council to be involved so that there is a clear, consistent understanding of needs, outcomes and responsibilities.
Assessment and referral process
Before any placement is agreed, the council will normally:
- Carry out a care needs assessment and any necessary risk assessments
- Discuss options with the individual and, where appropriate, their family or representative
- Identify whether Karuna Care London appears to be a suitable option
- Contact us to discuss capacity, compatibility with existing residents and any specific requirements
If both the council and Karuna Care London consider a placement potentially suitable, we will complete our own pre‑admission assessment, usually involving a visit to meet the person and, where possible, discussions with current carers or professionals involved in their care. A decision will then be made jointly about whether it is safe and appropriate for the person to move into the home.
Ongoing contact and reviews
Once residents are living at Karuna Care London, we expect Hillingdon Council to remain actively involved through:
- Regular care plan reviews and funding reviews
- Contact with social workers and other professionals
- Participation in best‑interest decisions where required
- Involvement in safeguarding enquiries, where concerns are raised
We will provide clear, timely information to the council about residents’ progress, significant changes in need and any incidents or concerns that require their attention. Our goal is to work alongside the council so that residents receive coordinated, consistent support.
Quality monitoring and safeguarding
Hillingdon Adult Social Care will have a role in monitoring the quality and safety of our service. This may include contract monitoring visits, quality audits and participation in safeguarding processes. Karuna Care London welcomes this oversight and will cooperate fully with any enquiries, reviews or improvement plans.
Where safeguarding concerns arise, we will notify the council’s safeguarding team promptly and follow local procedures, working with them to protect residents and address any underlying issues. Our internal policies are aligned with the council’s expectations so that responses are coordinated rather than fragmented.
Current status
Karuna Care London is not yet operational. We are progressing through registration with the Care Quality Commission and will only begin to accept referrals from Hillingdon Council once all regulatory approvals are in place and the home is ready to operate safely.
In the meantime, we are aligning our policies, assessments and governance systems with the standards used by Hillingdon Adult Social Care, so that when we do open, we are able to work smoothly within the council’s processes and provide a service that is both safe for residents and straightforward for professionals to work with.