Apologies for non-attendance were submitted on behalf of Cllrs Rupinderjit Kaur, Linda Leach and Rita Potter.

There were no declarations of interest

[To consider the responses received during a public consultation into the decommissioning of existing services, the recommission of services and to consider the progression of the Better Care Technology Offer.]

Cllr Paula Brookfield welcomed Elias Mattu, Cabinet Member, Adults and Anthony Ivko, Service Director Older People to introduce the ‘Better Care Technology and Strengthening Support at home’ report to Panel.

The Service Director highlighted from the report that the Council is progressing an ambitious development of its services in line with the Care Act policy drivers. The objective being to intervene and support people earlier, reduce, defer and delay the need for more intensive support by having better information and alternatives of less intensive care to help people be as independent as possible.

He advised that Cabinet had approved five recommendations in July 2015 which are an integral part of the transformation of older people’s services, from ‘care home to care at home’ and that the report before the Panel provided the outcomes of the consultations and actions to mitigate risks associated with the recommendations, advised of the progression and development of ‘Better Care Technology and of work with Wolverhampton Homes (WH) and discussions with statutory agencies to explore a collaborative approach for the delivery of Better Care Technology offer. 

The Service Director informed the Panel that the pubic consultation events had been carried out but had not been well attended and that a petition signed by 5,637 residents had been received at Council and a discussion had taken place regarding concerns raised. He advised that concerns raised during the consultation process had been detailed in the report. 

The Scrutiny Panel raised a number of concerns relating to the following:

·         The quality of service provision being maintained by private sector providers. 

·         The commitment to long term residents maintaining friendship groups

·         Social workers capacity to maintain regular visits

·         Carers also need some support

The Service Director advised that 98% of services were already delivered by the care sector and quality is monitored and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Cllr Elias Mattu, Cabinet Member Adults indicated that of the 72 beds in the residential facility there were 10 full time residents and that the cost of running the facility is high. He informed the Panel that the cost of private sector care is less than half the price per bed.

In response to concerns about the long term resident groups he clarified that a commitment had been given at the Council meeting that every effort would be made to maintain friendships groups.  He advised that there was enough capacity for a group of four and six people together.

Cllr Patricia Patten highlighted the need to address concerns and reassure individuals about the changes, the Service Director advised that there is a Social Worker allocated for each resident in the homes, the social worker will support them through change. He confirmed that all carers and residents will be fully involved.   

The Cabinet Member informed the Panel that the Care Act and Better Care Technology are the crux of safeguarding for adults moving forward. He emphasized that Unison comments will be taken into account and that in addition to the new accommodation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.