Councillor Keith Humphries presented a report which recommended to Cabinet how carers support should be changed in light of the requirements of the Care Act, to be implemented in April 2015.
In the course of the presentation and the discussion, the issues discussed included: the importance of supporting carers who play a vital role in the community; that many carers were not necessarily known to the Council; that
support could be given by providing an enhanced website portal for carers, and seeking to improve the assessment criteria to provide support earlier to certain groups of carers; that whilst the scheme should save money for the Council, there were currently no plans to charge for services; that work would be undertaken to see how Area Boards could support the changes, with appropriate support; and that some work was being undertaken to see what the specific impacts were for young carers.
Resolved that Cabinet:
1. Agree to developing low level early intervention services for carers.
2. Agree to consultation with carers and Area Boards about what type of services should be available in communities across Wiltshire.
3. Agree to approach Area Boards with the purpose of appointing a Carers Champion in each area to work with around consulting Carers and developing carers support options for their community.
4. Agree to the development of a tiered approach to deliver a proportionate assessment and the inclusion of a “one off” payments or support (amount and type of support to be determined following consultation with carers) to meet an immediate need prior to any offer of longer term support.
5. Agree to further work to promote the current GP accreditation scheme, which could be developed to allow GPs broader scope for giving Carers access to crisis support
6. Ensure existing prevention services are included in the information and advice portal.
Reason for Decision:
Supporting carers early will help them to carry on in their caring role for longer and reduce the demand and costs across the health and social care system. Provision of early support will mean resources are directed towards supporting carers, rather than resources to establish eligibility, whilst ensuring that Wilshire Council meets the Care Act duty to prevent, reduce and delay needs for care and support.