'Disjointed and intrusive' care system set for overhaul
CARE for older residents living in two Rotherham housing complexes has been described as “disjointed and intrusive”, as the council sets out plans to bring services back in-house.
A report going before councillors highlights concerns that too many different carers are involved in residents’ daily lives, with support currently delivered by a mix of council staff, private agencies and personal assistants.
The proposals relate to two supported housing complexes, Potteries Court in Swinton, and Bakers Field Court Herringthorpe, where around 90 people aged 55 and over live independently, but with on-site support available.
A report to councillors says the system has become “disjointed and intrusive”, with too many different people involved in residents’ lives.
The council has proposed to bring most care services in-house, allowing its own staff based on site to provide personal care directly for the first time.
To do that, the service will need to be registered with the Care Quality Commission, enabling staff to deliver round-the-clock care from within the complexes themselves.
Officials say the move would result in residents seeing more familiar faces, getting quicker support when their needs changed, and leaving them better able to maintain their independent for longer.
The current system costs just under £2 million a year, with spending split between external care providers, direct payments and staffing. The council believes a simplified, in-house model could offer better value for money as well as more consistent care.
However, the changes could have wider implications. Existing care providers may lose work, while council staff roles could be reshaped as part of the new model. Residents would still retain the right to choose their own care provider.
Across the two sites there are 87 homes, with demand remaining high,meaning there are around 15 people currently waiting for a place.
The next move is a 90-day consultation with residents, families, staff and care providers, which is expected to start next month. Feedback from that would be used to shape a final proposal, which is expected to return to councillors in September.
If approved, changes could then be kick-started, with the new system could be introduced from April next.year