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Those of us working in the world of social care cannot fail to be aware of the Care Act which brings about the biggest legislative changes for social care in 60 years. New duties and responsibilities will have theprinciple of wellbeing at their heart and a renewed focus on the rights and responsibilities of those in need of support and their carers. Most of the changes are due to be implemented from April 2015, which is not far ahead, and we are now involved in extensive preparations to ensure that we are ready in time. We will be holding a public consultation starting from December to ensure all our stakeholders have a say on how increased numbers of assessments and independent advocacy will be delivered and how our charging policy will change.We will be keeping our stakeholders up to date with progress with a regular Care Act Newsletter which you will be able to subscribe to from here.
I’ve mentioned before how our work to redesign Adults’ Services has placed us in a good position to implement the requirements of the Care Act and it’s thanks to the dedication of our staff that we are in this advantageous position.Although we know there are challenges ahead with such significant changes to implement,I’m confident that this will also bring opportunities to improve services for people and make a positive difference to their lives.View this useful film about the Act.
Peter Catchpole, Cabinet Member, Adult Social Care and Health
Celebrating the best in care
It was a great pleasure to attend the fifth annual county’s ‘Oscars’ for care workers – the 2014 Care Accolades held on 15th October. The awards organised by West Sussex Partners in Care and supported by the County Council , are a great way of recognising and showcasing outstanding care practice and it was aprivilege to celebrate the excellent care that goes on in West Sussex.My congratulations go to all nine winners. Find out more here
Businesses that provide care and support products and services for adults in West Sussex are being encouraged to set up an online store on the County Council’s new website, West Sussex Connect to Support.
The website offers information and advice about care and support, as well as an online marketplace where residents can buy services to help them live independently, whether they are self-funding or spending a personal budget provided by the County Council.
Over 110 companies have already taken the opportunity to promote their goods and services on the website and we will be promoting the website to residents in the coming months . If you know a provider who should be represented, please encourage them to go to www.westsussexconnecttosupport.org/providers to sign up or to call 0333 600 6330 for further information. There is no cost to signing up to Connect to Support.
Orchid View
The Serious Case Review into the failings at Orchid View Care Home was published in June 2014. The report outlines recommendations to reduce the likelihood of further incidents of substandard care and neglect that sadly contributed to the deaths of five elderly residents at the home.
In response, the Safeguarding Adults' Board established a multi-agency Improvement Board to oversee the delivery of an Action Plan to implement the recommendations . As part of this work an eventis being held for care home providers to consider how best to achieve the 11 recommendations that relate to care homes. This is being held at Billinghurst Village Hall on 25th November and any care home providers who have not received an invitation and would like more information should contact Alice Price on email or call 07525 822 023.
Help shape the future of learning disabilities day services in West Sussex
Residents are being asked for their views on options to improve a learning disabilities day service in Burgess Hill. There has been a decline in the numbers using the centre and the scale of the repair works now required to the building mean it is beyond economical repair.The County Council wants to improve the service it offers people using the Burnside day centre and a public consultation on three options began on 13th October and will run until 9th January 2015.
A meeting for people to find out more and ask questions will be held on:
·25th November at 6pm a public meeting will be held at the Martlets Hall, Civic Way, Burgess Hill.
To participate in the consultation visit the County Council’s website at www.westsussex.gov.uk or for more information call 033022 25855.
Working hard to find and support unpaid carers
Over the past two years a County Councillor’s Task and Finish Group has been considering whether the support provided to carers of all ages is appropriate and sufficient, and identifying areas for improvement.A summary of the key findings has been submittedto the County Council, NHS partners and other interested parties for their views to inform the final report and recommendations which are due to be published on 28 November, to coincide with national Carers Rights Day.County Council considered the findings on 17th Oct and highlighted the need to identify more young carers and relieve them of inappropriate caring responsibilities which was considereda very high priority for the County Council.
In addition the Carers Partnership are developing a quick guide for health and social care staff to remind them to ‘Think Carer!’ and make sure the people they are in contact with who are in a caring role get the right help and support.
Transformation of health and social care services – Better Care Fund
Since my last update in June we have been making good progress with our plans for the Better Care Fund which will be used to transform the health and social care system in West Sussex to meet the combined challenges of the demands of an ageing population and reducing budgets. We have recently had confirmation from NHS England that they have approved our plans for West Sussex, subject to some additional information. This good news means we can now start building on existing arrangements and developing new approaches to help us transform our health and social care services. Our vision for 2019/20 is that we have a more proactive health and social care system, which will mean more people are healthier, safer and can live independently in their own home and community for longer.
KEY DECISIONS
30th July
Development of a new framework for commissioning of care and support at home services.
Commissioning of Telecare as part ofwider Assistive Technology Services for West Sussex.
1st October
Approval of a 12 week consultation on a draftLearning Disabilities Commissioning Framework.
Learning disabilities - Approval of a consultation on options for the future of the day service at Burnside in Burgess Hill and that Coastal Workshop Rustington day services building be improved and the service continue to be developed.
