Hundreds Leave Care Service, Potentially Facing Increased Costs
In the Vale of Glamorgan, a council care service has seen hundreds of people leaving, potentially leading to increased costs for some users. The telecare service provided by Vale of Glamorgan Council, which includes an alarm system to alert carers in case of emergencies like falls, has reportedly saved the NHS hundreds of thousands of pounds. However, a significant number of customers have discontinued their subscription over a 12-month period.
At a recent meeting of Vale of Glamorgan Council’s healthy living and social care scrutiny committee, updates were provided regarding the telecare service. Members were informed that while the falls response service provided by telecare has saved around £750,000 for the ambulance service and NHS, there has been a notable loss in customers. The council gained 542 customers during the same period but lost 407.
Proposals were shared with the committee to revise the service charges, moving towards a flat rate for all users. This would mean that individuals currently receiving the service as part of their care package might have to pay an additional £8.32 per week. Concerns were raised by committee members about the potential financial strain this could place on some users, with suggestions for means testing and an appeals process for those struggling to afford the new charges.
The telecare service offered by the council is divided into different packages – essential, bronze, silver, and gold – each with varying costs and benefits. Plans are in place to review and potentially consolidate some of these packages to streamline the payment structure. The council aims to assess each user individually during their annual care review to determine the most appropriate package and charges.
Andrew Cole, the council’s operational manager for locality services, emphasised the importance of the telecare service, particularly its falls response component, which has proven to be a valuable asset in saving costs for the healthcare system. The service is essential in providing rapid assistance to individuals in need, with a quick average response time to incidents.
While the proposed changes aim to address financial sustainability for the council, concerns remain about the potential impact on users, especially those facing financial difficulties. Committee members stressed the importance of ensuring that individuals do not miss out on vital care services due to cost barriers.
Over the next 12 months, Vale of Glamorgan Council will be reassessing its payment structure and considering adjustments to the telecare packages to ensure both the council’s financial stability and continued access to essential services for residents. As discussions continue, the focus remains on balancing the need for revenue generation with maintaining affordable and effective care for all users.