Social care in Gwynedd has to change if older people are to receive the care and support that they need and if Gwynedd Council is to continue to deliver effective care services for older people in the years to come. These were the key messages heard at a recent conference held by Gwynedd Council’s Care Services.
The Social Care is Changing conference, held in Bangor recently, was an opportunity for Gwynedd Councillors and representatives from a number of organisations which provide services for older people to learn about the positive changes which have already been made, as well as the challenges which lie ahead.
Councillor Dai Rees Jones, Gwynedd Council’s Social Services Portfolio Leader, said:
“Carrying on doing things as we always have done is not an option. We have asked the people of Gwynedd about the services they would like to receive as they become older and maybe become more vulnerable. They have told us that they want to retain their independence and live at home for as long as possible.
“In addition to this clear message, we cannot ignore the fact that the demand for services for older people in Gwynedd is set to increase dramatically over the next few years as our population ages during a period in which the Council will face unprecedented pressure to cut costs and increase efficiency as a result of the spending cuts imposed by the UK government.
“These facts mean that the traditional care provisions and a one-size-fits-all approach is unsustainable and, more importantly, does not answer the needs of people today.
“Gwynedd Council, and other public services, are investing in equipment, resources and techniques which mean we can provide tailored care which allows independence and dignity for older people as well as the best value for money. Independence means choice, control, freedom and privacy.”
At present, out of all the 22 Welsh local councils, Gwynedd Council’s Care Services spends the highest proportion on residential and nursing care for older people. During the conference delegates heard how this trend is changing in response to modern demands. In recent years the Council has cut the number of people going into residential care and there has been an increase in the number of over-65 year-olds receiving help to live at home.
The Council is also investing in new technology and techniques to answer these demands:
- Telecare – electronic equipment is set up in the home which gives peace of mind to both the user and their family and friends. If a person is ill or has an accident he or she can alert help.
- Enablement – a scheme where people who have been ill or injured, or are returning home from hospital or a care home, are helped so that they are able to do things for themselves once again, or learn to do things differently, to allow them to live independently.
- Residential accommodation and services for older people – Extra care housing are small, self-contained bungalows or flats within a block or complex where individuals, couples, siblings or friends can stay together. The accommodation can provide as much or as little care service and support as the person needs. Social events also take place.
- More specialist care beds, for example for dementia patients.
Gwynedd Council has produced a new leaflet entitled Social Care for Adults is Changing which is aimed at anyone who receives care or who is interested in social care services in Gwynedd. To receive a copy contact Gwynedd Social Services Customer Care Unit on 01286 679 549 or visit www.gwynedd.gov.uk/socialservices and click on Information Leaflets.
