Work has begun to modernise the way West Sussex County Council delivers some adult social care services.
The council runs a number of learning disability and specialist residential and day services which are used by more than 900 people.
New proposals will allow greater opportunities for the council to support the people who use the services to gain the skills and confidence to be able to lead as active and as independent a life as possible.
The approach is designed to give more control to people receiving support so they can live their lives as they wish. This support reduces the likelihood of their becoming isolated, improves health and wellbeing and allows people to be more actively engaged with their own communities.
The council wants feedback from residents, carers, and those using social care services on plans to modernise the following areas over the next five years:-
- Specialist day services
- Learning disability day services
- Residential and respite services for Learning Disability and Older People.
- Shared Lives services – where carers look after adults, who are unable to live independently, in their own home
The plans will see exactly the same levels of service but delivered in fewer buildings. Currently the council has 21 buildings; in the proposals it is recommended this is reduced to 13.
Under the proposals, put together after engagement with staff, people who use the services, families and carers, the council will continue to offer services and activities in some residential homes and centres but there will be a move to offer more opportunities for support in the local community.
Amanda Jupp, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: “We know that changes to adult care services can be unsettling for the people that use them but I am confident these proposals will mean we can meet the needs of our most vulnerable residents in the way they would like.
“As demand for adult social care is increasing, people’s needs are changing and in many cases becoming more complex. In response to differing demands and the inevitable pressures this brings we are changing how we deliver these important services to those who need them.
“These changes require a different approach which is less reliant on the provision of traditional building based activities. While these proposals are wide-ranging, it is important to stress that there will be no reduction in levels of support given to the people who use them.”
Before any decision is made, the county council is keen to hear from people about the proposed changes.
A survey to gather views will run until 31 May 2018, with a final decision is due to be taken by the Cabinet Member in the summer 2018.
To share your views and take part in the survey visit:-www.westsussex.gov.uk/choicesforthefuture.