Positive reaction to potential changes for older people’s ca

[Kintyre Forum News]

Staff, carers, residents and their families have reacted positively to discussions with Argyll and Bute Council about how older people could be looked after in the future.

Extensive consultation, conducted over two years, revealed the majority of older people would prefer to receive care in their own home, instead of having to move to a dedicated care home. And they would like to remain as independent as possible in their own homes, for as long as possible.

The research also revealed most people are satisfied with their current care arrangements, whether they are delivered by the council or by independent providers. Care Commission reports show there is little difference in the grading scores awarded toservices provided by the council or independent providers.

As a result of the research and meetings with Argyll and Bute Social Enterprises (ABSEN) some council staff expressed an interest in running some council care services as a social enterprise.

The council’s Older People’s Project Board agreed in February to begin a tender process for external providers interested in providing adult care services.

Since then council teams have held additional meetings in Oban, Rothesay, Campbeltown, Tiree, Mull, Lochgilphead, and Islay with meetings for Dunoonand Helensburgh being arranged,with people already using the services and staff to keep them up to date with progress and feedback has been largely positive.

Jim Robb, Head of adult services, or Anne Austin, Service, Manager, have attended all of the meetings so far: Councillor Andrew Nisbet, spokesperson for social affairs has also attended most of the events. Mr Robb noted,

“We’ve taken the time to speak directly to the people who are already using our services so we can address any concerns they have. The response so far has been largely positivewhile recognising that any change will need to be managed sensitively. People are pleased that there will be more opportunitiesfor them to receive the care they need in the way they want, rather than taking a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

“Our customers already have their care needs delivered on an individual basis and this will continue.”

The council will make decisions on the future delivery of adult services in September.