Solihull Care NHS Trust Reablement Service is proving to be highly effective at helping people with poor physical or mental health remain independent for as long as possible.
A recent survey of users shows 90 per cent felt they were able to do more for themselves as a result of care provided by the reablement team.
The service which is delivered by multi-disciplinary teams of home care assistants, occupational therapists and social workers, helps service users learn or relearn skills impaired by illness, and rebuild their confidence. This could entail managing all aspects of personal care, or learning to carry out everyday tasks such as making a cup of tea, using a microwave, making a sandwich or looking up a phone number.
Intensive support and guidance is given during a six week period. Eighty per cent of service users said they had achieved the goals set at the beginning.
Click here for details.
Monday, 10 August 2009
Transforming Community Equipment – Project Managers’ induction course
Organised by DH Care Networks the two day programme runs from Thursday 24 September to Friday 25 September 2009.
The event is for council project managers about to transform their community equipment services. It aims to:
• provide project managers with knowledge and skills to prepare for local launch of TCE projects
• brief project managers on the national retail model
• set out requirements for local governance of the project
Click here for information
The event is for council project managers about to transform their community equipment services. It aims to:
• provide project managers with knowledge and skills to prepare for local launch of TCE projects
• brief project managers on the national retail model
• set out requirements for local governance of the project
Click here for information
National Telecare and Telehealth Conference
A three day event from Monday 16 November to Wednesday 18 November 2009.
Featuring nationally and internationally acclaimed speakers in the areas of telecare, telehealth and the ageing population.
Main conference speakers include Dame Joan Bakewell, acclaimed writer and broadcaster, and nationally recognised champion of age equality issues, and Janice E Knoefel, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine (Gerontology) and Neurology, University of New Mexico, expert on the management of chronic conditions using telehealth.
Click here for information.
Featuring nationally and internationally acclaimed speakers in the areas of telecare, telehealth and the ageing population.
Main conference speakers include Dame Joan Bakewell, acclaimed writer and broadcaster, and nationally recognised champion of age equality issues, and Janice E Knoefel, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine (Gerontology) and Neurology, University of New Mexico, expert on the management of chronic conditions using telehealth.
Click here for information.
Up Close and Personal
A one day conference on personalisation on Thursday 12 November 2009.
Organised by the English Community Care Association, the conference will examine the reality and the rhetoric of personalisation and what it means for care providers.
Click here for information.
Organised by the English Community Care Association, the conference will examine the reality and the rhetoric of personalisation and what it means for care providers.
Click here for information.
Blog Update
Due to changes to the JIP blog, your June and July 2009 copies of the bulletin will no longer link to it.
Refreshed versions of these bulletins allowing access to the blog are available on the Improvement and Efficiency West Midlands website. Click here for details.
The blog carries bulletin stories in full and gives you the opportunity to comment on what you read, engage with colleagues and partners in the region, and share your views on adult social care.
Contact Matt Bowsher for further details. Mobile: 07500 944 766 Email: mbowsher@westmidlandsiep.gov.uk
Refreshed versions of these bulletins allowing access to the blog are available on the Improvement and Efficiency West Midlands website. Click here for details.
The blog carries bulletin stories in full and gives you the opportunity to comment on what you read, engage with colleagues and partners in the region, and share your views on adult social care.
Contact Matt Bowsher for further details. Mobile: 07500 944 766 Email: mbowsher@westmidlandsiep.gov.uk
Pill Dispenser training video
An information and training DVD produced by PivoTell, the distributors of the automatic pill dispenser is now available.
For copies of the DVD contact PivoTell Ltd, Telephone 01799 550 979, Fax 01799 550 686, Email office@pivotell.co.uk
West Midlands JIP is preparing to launch the first large scale pilot of the automatic pill dispenser on 14 September 2009. The aim is to test its effectiveness and safety, its appropriateness for various groups and the cost implications for making it available on a wider scale.
Eight local authorities and Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) have signed up. The pilot sites are Dudly MBC, Herefordshire County Council, Solihull Care Trust, Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire North PCT, Telford and Wrekin Council, Wolverhampton City Council and Worcestershire County Council.
The device automatically reminds users to take pills when the built-in alarm sounds. Programmed to release tablets at specific times, the battery operated container is preloaded with pills and securely locked by a pharmacist.
The pilot will run for six months after which a final report will be published. It is a joint project between the JIP, Boots UK, independent pharmacies, and PivoTell the distributors of the device; and supported by funding from the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG).
Newly appointed pill dispenser project manager, Andy Jackson, can be contacted by email: andy.jackson28@ntlworld.com
mobile: 07815 073611.
For copies of the DVD contact PivoTell Ltd, Telephone 01799 550 979, Fax 01799 550 686, Email office@pivotell.co.uk
West Midlands JIP is preparing to launch the first large scale pilot of the automatic pill dispenser on 14 September 2009. The aim is to test its effectiveness and safety, its appropriateness for various groups and the cost implications for making it available on a wider scale.
Eight local authorities and Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) have signed up. The pilot sites are Dudly MBC, Herefordshire County Council, Solihull Care Trust, Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire North PCT, Telford and Wrekin Council, Wolverhampton City Council and Worcestershire County Council.
The device automatically reminds users to take pills when the built-in alarm sounds. Programmed to release tablets at specific times, the battery operated container is preloaded with pills and securely locked by a pharmacist.
The pilot will run for six months after which a final report will be published. It is a joint project between the JIP, Boots UK, independent pharmacies, and PivoTell the distributors of the device; and supported by funding from the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG).
Newly appointed pill dispenser project manager, Andy Jackson, can be contacted by email: andy.jackson28@ntlworld.com
mobile: 07815 073611.
Developing Dudley’s physical and sensory disability services
Over 50 service users and carers attended a physical and sensory disability conference held by Dudley Council at the end of July.
The conference gave people a chance to air their views on services and hear about the Council’s three year plan for improvement. Their feedback will be used to update the physical and sensory disability strategy and shape future development of services.
The conference gave people a chance to air their views on services and hear about the Council’s three year plan for improvement. Their feedback will be used to update the physical and sensory disability strategy and shape future development of services.
Place Shaping Staffordshire
Staffordshire County Council has created a place shaping toolkit for promoting the health, independence and well being of older and disabled residents.
Place Shaping – finding creative ways of using resources to promote well being – forms the basis of the council’s early intervention and prevention plan.
The toolkit provides examples of effective place shaping mechanisms and templates for team self assessments.
Place Shaping – finding creative ways of using resources to promote well being – forms the basis of the council’s early intervention and prevention plan.
The toolkit provides examples of effective place shaping mechanisms and templates for team self assessments.
Supporting Micro Market Development Guide
The Department of Health has funded a three year project looking at ways of supporting and increasing the number of small businesses providing adult social care services.
The project is run by NAAPS (originally the National Association of Adult Placement Schemes) a charity established to represent the interests of all those involved in delivering small, individualised, community based services.
Small or microenterprises are seen as integral to creating choice and diversity for people with personalised budgets.
Locally owned and managed micro providers are in a good position to deliver tailored services to people in the same community, but their number has fallen over the last five years.
Part of the decline is attributed to barriers created by regulations, legislation and commissioning practices designed for larger organisations.
Local authorities have been tasked with shaping and building the micro-market to ensure greater choice is available.
Findings from the first phase of the project have been compiled into a practical guide for local authorities, and form part of the Department of Health Personalisation Toolkit.
Click here to download a copy
The project is run by NAAPS (originally the National Association of Adult Placement Schemes) a charity established to represent the interests of all those involved in delivering small, individualised, community based services.
Small or microenterprises are seen as integral to creating choice and diversity for people with personalised budgets.
Locally owned and managed micro providers are in a good position to deliver tailored services to people in the same community, but their number has fallen over the last five years.
Part of the decline is attributed to barriers created by regulations, legislation and commissioning practices designed for larger organisations.
Local authorities have been tasked with shaping and building the micro-market to ensure greater choice is available.
Findings from the first phase of the project have been compiled into a practical guide for local authorities, and form part of the Department of Health Personalisation Toolkit.
Click here to download a copy
Breaks for carers pilot in Warwickshire
Carers in Warwickshire can look forward to more time off following the announcement of an £800,000 pilot project in July this year.
Warwickshire County Council is the only West Midlands’ authority and one of just 12 nationally to be chosen as a demonstrator site for the Breaks for Carers programme.
The aim of the project is to give carers more opportunities to take the breaks they want when they want them.
Approximately 53,000 people in Warwickshire care for friends or relatives, and for many caring is a full-time unpaid job with rare holidays.
Called ‘Book and Go’, the Warwickshire scheme will be on trial primarily with people caring for adults with learning disabilities. Carers can choose when and how they take time off, whether it is for a training course, a trip to the theatre or a holiday.
Funding will be spent on support for carers, including sessional support staff, leisure opportunities, therapy sessions and training.
It is hoped the lessons learnt from the scheme will benefit carers countywide and nationally.
Click here for details.
Warwickshire County Council is the only West Midlands’ authority and one of just 12 nationally to be chosen as a demonstrator site for the Breaks for Carers programme.
The aim of the project is to give carers more opportunities to take the breaks they want when they want them.
Approximately 53,000 people in Warwickshire care for friends or relatives, and for many caring is a full-time unpaid job with rare holidays.
Called ‘Book and Go’, the Warwickshire scheme will be on trial primarily with people caring for adults with learning disabilities. Carers can choose when and how they take time off, whether it is for a training course, a trip to the theatre or a holiday.
Funding will be spent on support for carers, including sessional support staff, leisure opportunities, therapy sessions and training.
It is hoped the lessons learnt from the scheme will benefit carers countywide and nationally.
Click here for details.
Stay at home in Stoke-on-Trent
Increasing numbers of dementia sufferers in Stoke-on-Trent are remaining in their homes and out of residential care because of the city’s Stay at Home Service.
Eighty six per cent of people using the service have managed with customised support, to remain in their homes; while just four per cent have gone into long term care.
The service consisting of health, social care and voluntary sector professionals, helps individuals manage their daily activities by detailing what their needs are, and how they can be met.
This entails an intensive two week assessment observing what they do, how they do it , what their abilities are, if there are concerns that need addressing and what changes are required to allow them to say in their own homes.
Throughout the assessment new goals and challenges are set for the individual as a way of increasing their motivation to help boost their confidence.
Findings form the basis of a care plan providing appropriate levels of support.
Eighty six per cent of people using the service have managed with customised support, to remain in their homes; while just four per cent have gone into long term care.
The service consisting of health, social care and voluntary sector professionals, helps individuals manage their daily activities by detailing what their needs are, and how they can be met.
This entails an intensive two week assessment observing what they do, how they do it , what their abilities are, if there are concerns that need addressing and what changes are required to allow them to say in their own homes.
Throughout the assessment new goals and challenges are set for the individual as a way of increasing their motivation to help boost their confidence.
Findings form the basis of a care plan providing appropriate levels of support.
The Big Care Debate
The government is urging everyone involved in care and health services to have their say following publication of its Green Paper: Shaping the Future of Care Together.
The Big Care Debate is a 16 week consultation during which staff, stakeholders and the public are invited to say which of the paper’s reform options they would like implemented. It will run until the 13 November 2009.
The paper sets out three main choices for reforming and funding adult social care in England these are:
Partnership – where the Government pays a quarter to a third of the cost of care or more for those on low income. This would apply to people of all ages.
Insurance – where the Government covers a quarter to a third of the cost of care and people would have to take out insurance to cover the remaining costs. This system would be for people over retirement age.
Comprehensive – where everyone pays into a state insurance scheme, whether or not they need care, and everyone gets free care when they need it.
The government also stipulates every adult should expect:
Prevention services - appropriate support to help individuals stay independent and well for as long as possible and to stop their care needs getting worse.
National assessment - care and support needs will be assessed in the same way and the same proportion of care paid for any where in the country.
Joined up services - all services will work together smoothly, particularly at assessment stage.
Information and advice – that people can understand and use to find their way through the care and support system easily.
Personalised care and support – provided services will be based on an individual’s circumstances, needs, preferences and desired outcomes.
Fair funding - money will be spent wisely and everyone who qualifies for support will get some help meeting the cost of care and support needs.
Thousands of health and social care organisations and employees will be affected by the changes. They will be required to:
-Participate more in joined up working
-Offer a wider range of services
-Innovate and improve the quality of what they provide
The Department of Health is in the process of formulating an action plan for training and developing the workforce.
Click here for details.
The Big Care Debate is a 16 week consultation during which staff, stakeholders and the public are invited to say which of the paper’s reform options they would like implemented. It will run until the 13 November 2009.
The paper sets out three main choices for reforming and funding adult social care in England these are:
Partnership – where the Government pays a quarter to a third of the cost of care or more for those on low income. This would apply to people of all ages.
Insurance – where the Government covers a quarter to a third of the cost of care and people would have to take out insurance to cover the remaining costs. This system would be for people over retirement age.
Comprehensive – where everyone pays into a state insurance scheme, whether or not they need care, and everyone gets free care when they need it.
The government also stipulates every adult should expect:
Prevention services - appropriate support to help individuals stay independent and well for as long as possible and to stop their care needs getting worse.
National assessment - care and support needs will be assessed in the same way and the same proportion of care paid for any where in the country.
Joined up services - all services will work together smoothly, particularly at assessment stage.
Information and advice – that people can understand and use to find their way through the care and support system easily.
Personalised care and support – provided services will be based on an individual’s circumstances, needs, preferences and desired outcomes.
Fair funding - money will be spent wisely and everyone who qualifies for support will get some help meeting the cost of care and support needs.
Thousands of health and social care organisations and employees will be affected by the changes. They will be required to:
-Participate more in joined up working
-Offer a wider range of services
-Innovate and improve the quality of what they provide
The Department of Health is in the process of formulating an action plan for training and developing the workforce.
Click here for details.
Delivering efficiency through reablement services
Additional funds have been given to West Midlands councils responsible for adult social care to help them deliver more efficient services.
The Department of Health Care Services Efficiency Delivery Programme (CSED) has allocated £129,000 to the region to increase the range and use of homecare reablement services.
The CSED programme helps local authorities find ways of improving the quality and delivery of care for vulnerable adults through better ways of working, seeking value for money and sharing best practice.
Performance figures for 2008/09 show councils are struggling to find more efficiencies as resources are squeezed and demand for services continues to rise.
In response the CSED has set aside more resources nationally to keep the efficiency drive on track.
Adult social care directors in the region have agreed to use the West Midlands share of resources collaboratively. It will be used to pay for employing one or two specialists from the CSED to work with local authorities on developing early intervention schemes such as homecare reablement services.
Pilot projects across the country show short intensive periods of reablement help service users to live independent lives without any social care support for at least two years, with little support needed thereafter.
Despite this local authorities find it difficult to mainstream these services and provide them on a wide scale basis.
To support development of reablement services in the region and find further efficiencies this financial year, CSED specialists will baseline all 14 authorities to get a clearer picture of what they are doing. Intensive work will begin with more advanced councils so they can be used as models of best practice for the remaining authorities.
For more information contact CSED Implementation Manager Stephen Rea, on 07920-450260, email: stephen.rea@dh.gsi.gov.uk
See Reablement works in Solihull and Stay at home in Stoke-on-Trent stories for examples of reablement services.
The Department of Health Care Services Efficiency Delivery Programme (CSED) has allocated £129,000 to the region to increase the range and use of homecare reablement services.
The CSED programme helps local authorities find ways of improving the quality and delivery of care for vulnerable adults through better ways of working, seeking value for money and sharing best practice.
Performance figures for 2008/09 show councils are struggling to find more efficiencies as resources are squeezed and demand for services continues to rise.
In response the CSED has set aside more resources nationally to keep the efficiency drive on track.
Adult social care directors in the region have agreed to use the West Midlands share of resources collaboratively. It will be used to pay for employing one or two specialists from the CSED to work with local authorities on developing early intervention schemes such as homecare reablement services.
Pilot projects across the country show short intensive periods of reablement help service users to live independent lives without any social care support for at least two years, with little support needed thereafter.
Despite this local authorities find it difficult to mainstream these services and provide them on a wide scale basis.
To support development of reablement services in the region and find further efficiencies this financial year, CSED specialists will baseline all 14 authorities to get a clearer picture of what they are doing. Intensive work will begin with more advanced councils so they can be used as models of best practice for the remaining authorities.
For more information contact CSED Implementation Manager Stephen Rea, on 07920-450260, email: stephen.rea@dh.gsi.gov.uk
See Reablement works in Solihull and Stay at home in Stoke-on-Trent stories for examples of reablement services.
Spotlight on efficiency
In this edition we look at how the West Midlands is dealing with efficiency as part of the transformation of adult social care.I met recently with directors of adult social care from across the region at a special meeting organised by ADASS and the JIP. Top of our agenda was sharing learning and ideas on efficiency, particularly in the context of the recession.
The number of adults in social care is growing and will continue to do so due to increasing
numbers of disabled people, and rising life expectancy. By 2026, 1.7 million more people will need care and support.
Against this back drop the public sector is expected to find £9 billion savings a year by 2013/14. It is predicted local authorities will face cuts in their funding of 7% to15% over the three years from 2011/12.
The meeting allowed us to reassess our approach. We have agreed to support Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s proposals to look at how efficiencies can be achieved when commissioning telecare services across the region.
We will also examine how to boost efficiency through personalisation, and find further opportunities for integration or collaboration with health organisations and other bodies.
Assisting our efforts is additional support worth £129,000 from the Department of Health for local authorities to identify and develop more efficient ways of delivering adult social care services – see the story Delivering Efficiency Through Reablement Services to find out what we plan to do with the money.
While the demands we face may appear daunting they are also an opportunity to be even more creative in designing and delivering services for the public. We will review progress later in the year.
Eddie Clarke
Director of Adult and Community Services
Worcestershire County Council
Monday, 3 August 2009
National commissioning conference
Originally posted June 2009
The Social Care Institute for Excellence in partnership with OLM Pavilion will be holding an event for stakeholders, from commissioners through to providers. The conference aims to give delegates best practice advice, policy updates and interactive debate.
Click here for details
The Social Care Institute for Excellence in partnership with OLM Pavilion will be holding an event for stakeholders, from commissioners through to providers. The conference aims to give delegates best practice advice, policy updates and interactive debate.
Click here for details
Strategy to support adults with autistic spectrum conditions
Originally posted June 2009
The Department of Health is consulting on a future strategy to support adults with autistic spectrum conditions to live full and inclusive lives with accesst to the right care and support. The consultation considers five key themes for delivering change – health, social inclusion, choice and control, awareness raising and training, and access to training and employment.
Closing date: 15 September 2009
Click here for details
The Department of Health is consulting on a future strategy to support adults with autistic spectrum conditions to live full and inclusive lives with accesst to the right care and support. The consultation considers five key themes for delivering change – health, social inclusion, choice and control, awareness raising and training, and access to training and employment.
Closing date: 15 September 2009
Click here for details
Skills for Care
Originally posted June 2009
Skills for Care produce their own Enews bulletin every fortnight containing information you may find useful from across the social care sector.
Click on the link
Skills for Care produce their own Enews bulletin every fortnight containing information you may find useful from across the social care sector.
Click on the link
Expectations and aspirations: public attitudes towards social care
Originally posted June 2009
Findings from research on public awareness and understanding of social care provision have been published by the Institute for Public Policy Research.
The results, released on 28 May 2009, reveal low awareness of social care, confusion about how services are funded, and a widespread lack of preparation or planning for future care needs.
A major concern arising from the research is that the public has insufficient understanding of social care to enable an informed debate about its future..
Click here for details
Findings from research on public awareness and understanding of social care provision have been published by the Institute for Public Policy Research.
The results, released on 28 May 2009, reveal low awareness of social care, confusion about how services are funded, and a widespread lack of preparation or planning for future care needs.
A major concern arising from the research is that the public has insufficient understanding of social care to enable an informed debate about its future..
Click here for details
Safe Walking Project – tracking for dementia sufferers
Originally posted June 2009
A cutting edge approach to caring for dementia sufferers prone to wandering off on their own is to go on trial later this year by Herefordshire Council.
Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking will be used to monitor the movements of people with dementia, in an effort to keep them safe and allow them greater freedom.
A small and discrete device that can be tracked by GPS will be attached to individuals. An alarm is triggered if the person strays away from home, alerting monitors who will contact carers or family members to inform them of the wearer’s location.
Gill Vickers, Interim Head of Transformation, Hereford Council, says: “It is a controversial idea as it could be viewed as an infringement of privacy and human rights.
“We believe it has the potential to liberate dementia sufferers who may be restricted by being locked in their homes in an effort to keep them safe.
“The pilot will be an opportunity to test its abilities and views surrounding use of GPS tracking.”
Figures for dementia sufferers in the county are estimated at 50 people aged 30 to 64.
The pilot will last for six months, followed by evaluation before deciding whether or not to roll it out.
A cutting edge approach to caring for dementia sufferers prone to wandering off on their own is to go on trial later this year by Herefordshire Council.
Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking will be used to monitor the movements of people with dementia, in an effort to keep them safe and allow them greater freedom.
A small and discrete device that can be tracked by GPS will be attached to individuals. An alarm is triggered if the person strays away from home, alerting monitors who will contact carers or family members to inform them of the wearer’s location.
Gill Vickers, Interim Head of Transformation, Hereford Council, says: “It is a controversial idea as it could be viewed as an infringement of privacy and human rights.
“We believe it has the potential to liberate dementia sufferers who may be restricted by being locked in their homes in an effort to keep them safe.
“The pilot will be an opportunity to test its abilities and views surrounding use of GPS tracking.”
Figures for dementia sufferers in the county are estimated at 50 people aged 30 to 64.
The pilot will last for six months, followed by evaluation before deciding whether or not to roll it out.
Awards galore for Stoke-on-Trent
Originally posted June 2009
Four top honors were scooped by Stoke-on Trent City Council in this year’s coveted Community Care Excellence Network Awards held on 13 May 2009.
The council has been recognised for excellence and innovation in social care by winning the following prizes:
• St Michael’s Centre of Excellence, winner of the early intervention category. The centre’s healthy living team has helped 200 vulnerable older people in their homes since it opened last July.
• Riverside Employment Training Service, winner in the training and development category. The £1million centre has supported more than 40 people with learning disabilities into paid or voluntary work since set up in January this year.
Two council employees were named in the awards’ top 10 ‘champions’ – a category which recognises outstanding individuals, unsung heroes and frontline professionals. They are:
• Cheryl Ashman, the assistant manager of the Shelton Day Service. Cheryl spent hours of her own time helping establish Expressions café in the Potteries Shopping Centre’s, which employs adults with learning disabilities and sells Fairtrade goods.
• Residential services manager Linda Cumberbatch, who is responsible for the healthy living teams at the council’s centres of excellence. The award recognises her work with older people and tailoring services to support them.
Click here for Stoke-on-Trent Council
Four top honors were scooped by Stoke-on Trent City Council in this year’s coveted Community Care Excellence Network Awards held on 13 May 2009.
The council has been recognised for excellence and innovation in social care by winning the following prizes:
• St Michael’s Centre of Excellence, winner of the early intervention category. The centre’s healthy living team has helped 200 vulnerable older people in their homes since it opened last July.
• Riverside Employment Training Service, winner in the training and development category. The £1million centre has supported more than 40 people with learning disabilities into paid or voluntary work since set up in January this year.
Two council employees were named in the awards’ top 10 ‘champions’ – a category which recognises outstanding individuals, unsung heroes and frontline professionals. They are:
• Cheryl Ashman, the assistant manager of the Shelton Day Service. Cheryl spent hours of her own time helping establish Expressions café in the Potteries Shopping Centre’s, which employs adults with learning disabilities and sells Fairtrade goods.
• Residential services manager Linda Cumberbatch, who is responsible for the healthy living teams at the council’s centres of excellence. The award recognises her work with older people and tailoring services to support them.
Click here for Stoke-on-Trent Council
Automatic pill dispenser project – right pill, right time
Originally posted June 2009
West Midlands JIP plans to carry out the first large scale pilot of an automated pill dispenser.
Nine local authorities and Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) have signed up to the trial which will be launched in September.
The device automatically reminds users to take pills when the built in alarm rings. Programmed to release tablets at specific times, the battery operated container is preloaded with tablets and securely locked by a pharmacist.
The pilot builds on research carried out by Birmingham University which recommended the dispensers should be considered further by local authorities and PCTs.
Researchers found it is already benefiting the elderly, individuals with early dementia and Parkinson’s disease, and could potentially help others including people with learning difficulties and mental health problems.
Recognising its potential for promoting independence and personalisation of care, the JIP will pilot the device to find out who it would be most appropriate for, its effectiveness and safety, and the cost implications for making it available on a wider scale.
The pilot will run for six months after which a final report will be published. It is a joint project between the JIP, Boots UK, independent pharmacies, and PivoTell (link) the makers of the device; and supported by funding from the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG).
West Midlands JIP plans to carry out the first large scale pilot of an automated pill dispenser.
Nine local authorities and Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) have signed up to the trial which will be launched in September.
The device automatically reminds users to take pills when the built in alarm rings. Programmed to release tablets at specific times, the battery operated container is preloaded with tablets and securely locked by a pharmacist.
The pilot builds on research carried out by Birmingham University which recommended the dispensers should be considered further by local authorities and PCTs.
Researchers found it is already benefiting the elderly, individuals with early dementia and Parkinson’s disease, and could potentially help others including people with learning difficulties and mental health problems.
Recognising its potential for promoting independence and personalisation of care, the JIP will pilot the device to find out who it would be most appropriate for, its effectiveness and safety, and the cost implications for making it available on a wider scale.
The pilot will run for six months after which a final report will be published. It is a joint project between the JIP, Boots UK, independent pharmacies, and PivoTell (link) the makers of the device; and supported by funding from the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG).
Care Funding Calculator Update
Originally posted June 2009
An updated independent living version of the Care Funding Calculator will be available this month.
Minor changes have been made in response to comments from local authorities and care providers, who felt it needed tweaking to fit the range of scenarios in the supported living sector.
The calculator is designed to help local authorities and Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) manage the cost of providing care for adults who need support. There are two versions - one for residential care and the other for supported living.
Based on a sophisticated spread sheet, it allows purchasers to assess the level of support required for an individual by showing the precise details of their needs. An indicative price is then produced for the cost of care which can then be used to negotiate a sustainable care package at a fair price with providers.
Training on how to use the tool has helped increase social workers’ understanding of the relationship between care needs and costs.
West Midlands Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (RIEP) is currently working with RIEPs in the South East of England and the East Midlands to put the calculator on the web, it is currently available on CD only. The first phase of the process is planned for April 2010.
Case studies on the use of the calculator will be published later this year.
For more information contact suzanne.gale@southeastiep.gov.uk
An updated independent living version of the Care Funding Calculator will be available this month.
Minor changes have been made in response to comments from local authorities and care providers, who felt it needed tweaking to fit the range of scenarios in the supported living sector.
The calculator is designed to help local authorities and Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) manage the cost of providing care for adults who need support. There are two versions - one for residential care and the other for supported living.
Based on a sophisticated spread sheet, it allows purchasers to assess the level of support required for an individual by showing the precise details of their needs. An indicative price is then produced for the cost of care which can then be used to negotiate a sustainable care package at a fair price with providers.
Training on how to use the tool has helped increase social workers’ understanding of the relationship between care needs and costs.
West Midlands Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (RIEP) is currently working with RIEPs in the South East of England and the East Midlands to put the calculator on the web, it is currently available on CD only. The first phase of the process is planned for April 2010.
Case studies on the use of the calculator will be published later this year.
For more information contact suzanne.gale@southeastiep.gov.uk
Expressions of interest sought for brokerage pilot
Originally posted June 2009
Herefordshire council is one step closer to piloting its external brokerage scheme in September this year.
The trial will test the use of independent brokers to help people with individual budgets develop their own support plans, and negotiate the best deals when purchasing support.
It will focus on how brokers can contribute to the Putting People First agenda – Government’s drive to transform social care by finding new ways of delivering services.
The council has already reached its target of 250 service users receiving their own personalised budgets.
The budgets give people flexibility in deciding the type of care they need and how it will be delivered; for example, an individual could use their budget to pay a neighbour to help look after them.
Gill Vickers, Interim Head of Transformation, Herefordshire council, says:
“The pilot will look at the effectiveness of external brokerage, including costs, and compare it to the way we usually go about commissioning and providing care for individuals.
“We plan to road test a hub and spoke model. A broker will be based in one or each of our five market town centres (the hub) where people can make an appointment to discuss their needs. The brokers will travel out (spoke) to visit people who can’t come into town.
“Their role is to help people develop and implement their own support plans within their budgets, and to negotiate on their behalf the best deal when buying support.”
Different models are on trial in other authorities, including one where some of the social workforce are being trained as planners, and others as negotiators buying support packages.
Click here for information.
Herefordshire council is one step closer to piloting its external brokerage scheme in September this year.
The trial will test the use of independent brokers to help people with individual budgets develop their own support plans, and negotiate the best deals when purchasing support.
It will focus on how brokers can contribute to the Putting People First agenda – Government’s drive to transform social care by finding new ways of delivering services.
The council has already reached its target of 250 service users receiving their own personalised budgets.
The budgets give people flexibility in deciding the type of care they need and how it will be delivered; for example, an individual could use their budget to pay a neighbour to help look after them.
Gill Vickers, Interim Head of Transformation, Herefordshire council, says:
“The pilot will look at the effectiveness of external brokerage, including costs, and compare it to the way we usually go about commissioning and providing care for individuals.
“We plan to road test a hub and spoke model. A broker will be based in one or each of our five market town centres (the hub) where people can make an appointment to discuss their needs. The brokers will travel out (spoke) to visit people who can’t come into town.
“Their role is to help people develop and implement their own support plans within their budgets, and to negotiate on their behalf the best deal when buying support.”
Different models are on trial in other authorities, including one where some of the social workforce are being trained as planners, and others as negotiators buying support packages.
Click here for information.
Workforce mapping begins
Originally posted June 2009
A contract to develop an accurate picture of the current social care workforce in the West Midlands has gone out to tender this week (1 June 2009).
The successful bidder will be expected to gather information profiling the workforce, including the number of people in the industry, where they are located and their positions, skill levels and qualifications. It will also cover recruitment and retention issues.
Mapping the workforce is seen as essential to implementing the government’s transformation and personalisation plans.
Information gleaned will help senior managers assess which services are doing well, how those that are not can be improved, and the resources needed to ensure effective change.
JIP member and Director of Adult Services and Health at Sandwell MBC, Andrea Pope-Smith says: “Mapping the workforce will help us identify our key strengths and highlight the areas for improvement we need to tackle so we can target our resources.”
The project is funded by the West Midlands Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (IEPWM) and the West Midlands Strategic Health Authority. It will be overseen by the Association of the Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), West Midlands Strategic Health Authority, and Skills for Care.
Click here for details
A contract to develop an accurate picture of the current social care workforce in the West Midlands has gone out to tender this week (1 June 2009).
The successful bidder will be expected to gather information profiling the workforce, including the number of people in the industry, where they are located and their positions, skill levels and qualifications. It will also cover recruitment and retention issues.
Mapping the workforce is seen as essential to implementing the government’s transformation and personalisation plans.
Information gleaned will help senior managers assess which services are doing well, how those that are not can be improved, and the resources needed to ensure effective change.
JIP member and Director of Adult Services and Health at Sandwell MBC, Andrea Pope-Smith says: “Mapping the workforce will help us identify our key strengths and highlight the areas for improvement we need to tackle so we can target our resources.”
The project is funded by the West Midlands Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (IEPWM) and the West Midlands Strategic Health Authority. It will be overseen by the Association of the Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), West Midlands Strategic Health Authority, and Skills for Care.
Click here for details
JIP business plan
Originally posted June 2009
The business plan was formally adopted by the Joint Improvement Partnership on the 8 May 2009.
Its focus is on helping local authorities with their transformation programmes and delivering current social care policy priorities. These include:
• Putting people first – finding new ways of delivering care that maximises choice and control for care users
• Personalisation – a people centred approach where individuals are offered resources upfront which they use to meet care needs
• Early intervention - to avert crises, to restore people's choice and control over their situation, and to support them with the least interventionist response
• Performance improvement – by implementation of key enabling measures namely commissioning, workforce development, and improving efficiency.
Priorities in the government’s carers, dementia, user led organisations and safeguarding strategies will be incorporated in business plan in due course.
Click here to see plan.
The business plan was formally adopted by the Joint Improvement Partnership on the 8 May 2009.
Its focus is on helping local authorities with their transformation programmes and delivering current social care policy priorities. These include:
• Putting people first – finding new ways of delivering care that maximises choice and control for care users
• Personalisation – a people centred approach where individuals are offered resources upfront which they use to meet care needs
• Early intervention - to avert crises, to restore people's choice and control over their situation, and to support them with the least interventionist response
• Performance improvement – by implementation of key enabling measures namely commissioning, workforce development, and improving efficiency.
Priorities in the government’s carers, dementia, user led organisations and safeguarding strategies will be incorporated in business plan in due course.
Click here to see plan.
Joint Improvement Partnership (JIP) Blog Editorial Guidance
Originally posted June 2009
Please keep your contributions polite, tasteful and relevant. Bear in the mind the following:
•Do not post comments that are defamatory. Defamation is caused by comments that damage the reputation of a person or organisation. This can lead to being sued for liable resulting in considerable damages and costs.
•Avoid contempt of court by not posting anything that risks prejudicing on-going or forthcoming court proceedings.
•Do not incite people to commit crime
•Avoid breaking a court injunction
•Do not post content that you have copied from someone else and don’t own the copyright
•Please limit the number of contributions you make to allow space for others
•No profanities or words that might cause offence
•No personal information. Keep personal details confidential including address, place of employment, name of educational establishment, phone numbers, email addresses for your safety and everyone else’s
•No advertising, promotion of products or services or posting of web links
•Post in English only
•No impersonating other people
•You own the copyright of your posting, but by submitting your comment to the Joint Improvement Partnership (JIP) Blog you also agree to grant the JIP a perpetual, royalty-free, non exclusive right and license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, exercise all copyright and publicity rights or to incorporate it in other works. If you do not wish to grant such rights to JIP, it is suggested you do not submit your contribution to this site.
Please keep your contributions polite, tasteful and relevant. Bear in the mind the following:
•Do not post comments that are defamatory. Defamation is caused by comments that damage the reputation of a person or organisation. This can lead to being sued for liable resulting in considerable damages and costs.
•Avoid contempt of court by not posting anything that risks prejudicing on-going or forthcoming court proceedings.
•Do not incite people to commit crime
•Avoid breaking a court injunction
•Do not post content that you have copied from someone else and don’t own the copyright
•Please limit the number of contributions you make to allow space for others
•No profanities or words that might cause offence
•No personal information. Keep personal details confidential including address, place of employment, name of educational establishment, phone numbers, email addresses for your safety and everyone else’s
•No advertising, promotion of products or services or posting of web links
•Post in English only
•No impersonating other people
•You own the copyright of your posting, but by submitting your comment to the Joint Improvement Partnership (JIP) Blog you also agree to grant the JIP a perpetual, royalty-free, non exclusive right and license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, exercise all copyright and publicity rights or to incorporate it in other works. If you do not wish to grant such rights to JIP, it is suggested you do not submit your contribution to this site.
Introducing the blog
Originally posted June 2009
The JIP blog is your space to comment on what you read, engage with colleagues and partners in the region, share your views on adult social care and find out more about the items in the bulletin.
Comments may be moderated. We will not print anything that is abusive or inappropriate on the grounds of taste or decency, or which appears to be part of a concerted lobbying attempt. See our editorial guidance below for more information.
The JIP blog is your space to comment on what you read, engage with colleagues and partners in the region, share your views on adult social care and find out more about the items in the bulletin.
Comments may be moderated. We will not print anything that is abusive or inappropriate on the grounds of taste or decency, or which appears to be part of a concerted lobbying attempt. See our editorial guidance below for more information.
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