1. Do you have any official policy guidelines that describe what qualifies someone to receive double- or single-handed care?
No.

2. If so, what is the rationale that underlies these guidelines and what determines the level of care someone can receive?
Not applicable.

3. In practice, are there any issues or barriers that have been encountered when implementing either double- or single-handed care?
Not held information but willing to answer. Carers not understanding the benefits for single handed care, carers not appropriately trained to manage someone's care single handed. Someone may have behaviour challenges which makes it unsafe or difficult to manage single handed care. Lack of appropriate equipment or the carers trained in using the equipment. Carers fear of liability. Some care agencies have a mandatory 2 carers policy. Resistance to change from staff, carers, family and the person. Time pressure - carers not having enough time.

4. Has there been a shift in the qualifying criteria for someone who can receive double-handed care? (i.e. how long has your current policy been in place, how is it different to anything that existed previously?)
No / Not applicable.

5. If there is a preference towards single-handed care, what is the rationale behind this and how has this been managed?
Yes; to promote independence and dignity, empowers the person to do more for themselves. improves consistency, efficient use of resources (reduces care cost but also frees carers to support more people within the community), people feel more comfortable and less intimidated with just one carer apposed to 2.