To receive the above presentation.

The Head of Commissioning informed Members that the population of the Royal Borough included a significant proportion of people aged over 65, which was predicted to increase. Because of this, the Council had a duty to review the level of provision for older residents to support their wellbeing. This was done in partnership with the voluntary sector.

The Head of Commissioning stated that feedback from day centre users was positive, and that the centres were valued as they provided older residents with social interaction and stimulation – which was beneficial for their mental health – and allowed their carers to be given some respite. Members were informed that two day centres were fully funded by the Council and provided by Optalis, five were grant funded, and there were a number of other lunch clubs and special interest groups for older residents. The two Council-funded day centres were primarily for people with a high level of frailty, meaning their needs included help with personal care. Other day centres were for people with mild or moderate frailty, who would often need help with transport to particular activities. Financial support was available to assist with this.

Members were informed about attendance rates at the day centres and the costs involved. The Head of Commissioning explained that the disparity in costs from centre to centre was due to additional activities and/or lunch being included in the price.

Helen Woodland, Assistant Director of Provider Services at Optalis, informed Members that centres for residents with greater support needs had helped customers with the use of cognitive stimulation therapy and reminiscence sessions. Optalis had worked with Social Care, GPs and district nurses to help provide the correct services to customers, particularly those with complex care needs, mobility issues or personal care needs. Feedback indicated that this had helped engender a sense of belonging amongst customers. Helen Woodland stated that as a result, the care team at Boyne Grove had been nominated for an award at the Great British Care Awards, which were scheduled to take place on November 3^rd. Members were informed that day centre services operated Monday-Friday, although activities would occasionally take place at weekends.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health said he had visited a number of the day centres and had always been impressed with the services provided and the work done by the staff. He said it was important to ensure day centre provision was maintained and improved. The Chairman asked for the Panel’s thanks to be passed on to day centre staff.

Cllr Lenton stated he had seen a number of day centres during his year as Mayor, and although he had been impressed at what he had seen he had concerns that he had only seen what was worth showing. He stated that there may be variations in quality between the day centres. Helen Woodland stated that staff worked extremely hard to ensure residents’ needs were met and the right staffing levels were maintained, and that this led to residents continuing to use the day centres.

Cllr Lenton stated his belief that the level of service provision for those who needed care but were either bedbound or housebound at their own property was not as good as that given to care home residents. He cited the example of his cleaner’s mother; although the level of home care given to her in the first four weeks had been excellent, standards had fallen. For example a carer would not turn up on time; a back door had been left unlocked; and a carer had walked in on a family member in their bedroom while they were half dressed. Cllr Lenton accepted that providing care in residents’ homes was a difficult job. He agreed that he would take it up with the relevant officer outside the meeting, but stated that he wanted the Panel to be aware of his experiences. The Deputy Director – Strategy and Commissioning suggested that domiciliary care provision could be looked at in broader detail at the next meeting, in order for Members to get a better understanding of how it was monitored. This was agreed by Members.

Cllr Yong asked if care workers were deemed to be key workers, in the same way as teachers and nurses. She stated that there was a great need for care workers in the Royal Borough due to its elderly population, but due to high housing costs and low wages it would be harder to attract them. The Deputy Director – Strategy and Commissioning said she did not know the answer to Cllr Yong’s question but would find out.