Home care companies face tougher checking
A MAJOR review of home care services means tougher checks for providers after the shambles surrounding the launch of the new Help to Live at Home scheme.
Leicestershire County Council chiefs say ‘lessons have been learned’ from the roll out of the changes at the end of last year.
An eleventh hour pullout by one of the contracted care companies plunged the new system into chaos and dozens of frail and elderly people were left without visits.
TLC Homecare was among nine large companies the council had engaged to deliver Help to Live at Home, streamlining from 150 care agencies.
However, following apparent recruitment issues TLC backed out of the deal to look after some 350 people in areas including Hinckley, Market Bosworth and Groby.
Agencies whose contracts had been terminated and the council’s own staff were drafted in to provide back-up visits, assisting clients with tasks such as washing, dressing, organising meals and other essential personal needs.
The county council launched a review into the debacle to ensure there was no repeat.
Councillor Richard Blunt, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “Help To Live At Home makes it simpler for people to access key health and social care, and I’m pleased that almost 1,000 residents are now receiving this innovative support.
“During the launch, dedicated staff worked round-the-clock for a week to make sure home care was in place for everyone who needed it.
“I’d like to thank these staff for their hard work which ensured vulnerable people received the vital support they depend on.
“However, I’m clear that we must learn important lessons.
“The fact that we’re helping more people to manage their own care budgets and make their own choices is good news.
“But we need to have a better understanding about what this means for home care companies.
“The report also tells us that testing our suppliers more thoroughly is key. Companies may tell us that they’re ready to deliver but more robust testing is essential.
“Protecting vulnerable people must come first, and thousands of residents rely on this essential support week in, week out. Genuine lessons have been learned which will help shape future changes to health and social care.”
The new Help to Live at Home approach brings home care, health and social care services together in each local area - including GPs, community nurses and social care - making it easier for people to get joined-up support.
The scheme is run jointly by the council and two NHS clinical commissioning groups, and focuses on helping people re-gain skills so they can live independently.