Agenda item

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Adults and Community which outlined the key issues and development plan and sought Members views on the modernisation and redesign of Day Opportunities for Older People and adults. 

 

The Board was advised that the change in the structure of the population presented a significant challenge to health and social care services. Life expectancy has increased considerably with a doubling of the number of older people since 1931. Between 2006 and 2036, the number of people over 85 in England would rise from 1.055 to 2.959 million, an increase of approximately 180%.  Ill health and disability increased with age and this was reflected in the forecast that the number of people over 65 with a limiting long term illness in England would increase from 3.9 million in 2009 to 6.1 million in 2030 which was likely to be accompanied by an increase in the demand for support across the continuum of need.

 

The Board was further advised that a number of alternative approaches to traditional Day Services had been developed over the past couple of years; with a key focus on Early Intervention and Prevention, meaningful activities, employment and volunteering.  However Older Peoples day services continued to be delivered based on a traditional building based model, and in isolation to other developments.  In addition, older people do not always have the same access to services which were available to younger adults.

 

It was reported that the current services that had been identified within the redesign model were:-

 

·     Sure Start To Later Life for Adults;

·     Community Bridgebuilders;

·     Older Peoples Community Day Care;

·     Oakmeadow Day Centre;

·     Adult Placement;

·     PSD Day Services;

·     Specialist Day Services for Adults with a Learning Disability; and

·     Pingot Day Centre.

 

In conclusion, it was reported that all staff and managers involved with these services would be consulted and views sought. In addition all Service Users and carers who were directly involved with the services would  be consulted on the options.  It was highlighted that the key individual issues and areas of concern discussed would include individual visits to the homes of users and carers of day services where required. The collated responses would be considered by the Executive Board at its 31 March 2011 meeting.  

 

The following comments arose from the discussion:-

 

·        It was noted that there were numerous activities in the Borough for older people and the Authority were working with groups to ensure that they had access to activities they wished to do;

·        It was noted that there was under a 50% take up of traditional community day care services which was funded to full capacity.  It was also noted that this was as a result of alternative services in the community that they preferred to access;

 

·        It was noted that Sure Start To Later Life for Adults gave information and advice and worked with the client to identify activities available in the community;

 

·        It was noted that Oakmeadow Day Centre had been part of the Business Plan and had been remodelled to include meaningful activities for older people and were engaging with the community to get people involved;

 

·        It was agreed that the Board receive a further report when the consultation had been completed and after consideration by the Executive Board at its meeting on 31 March 2011; and

 

·        The excellent service Country Garden provided was noted.   

 

RESOLVED: That

 

(1)                     the report and comments made be noted; and

 

(2)          a further update report be presented to a future meeting of the Board.