The Isle of Anglesey County Council is to carry out a wide-ranging reform of the way it cares for older people.
Commissioners brought in by the Welsh Assembly Government have endorsed plans to remodel the provision of Older People’s Social Care Services, which will help the Authority to respond to the continuing significant growth in the Island’s older population.
Population projections suggest that the number of people on Anglesey aged over 65 will grow, with the biggest increase in the over 85 age group. This will lead to a greater need for both home and accommodation-based care in the future. Responding to the knowledge that most older people wish to remain in their own homes, for as long as possible, the proposed new structure will put a strong emphasis on early intervention, better intermediate care and community facilities, and closer integration between health and social care.
Anglesey’s Corporate Director of Housing and Social Services, T Gwyn Jones, explained, “Faced with an ageing population, we have some very difficult decisions to make regarding priorities for older people’s social care. Only a wholescale review of current services can help us face this challenge.”
“Significant changes are needed to comply with national requirements and provide the services which will meet the needs of older people, now and in the future, within the limited resources.”
He added, “With this in mind, we’ve identified the need to remodel the existing services to provide a framework of provision that sets in place a comprehensive and connected range of services.”
Following the Commissioners’ endorsement, the proposals will now form part of an important consultation with stakeholders.
Key changes would include developing the Canolfan Byron resource centre, at Mona, to offer independent living advice and equipment; remodelling day services to develop more community-based services; reviewing the delivery and procurement of domiciliary care and community meals and supporting community-based preventative services such as the AgeWell and Fall Prevention initiatives.
In terms of accommodation, there will also be emphasis on ensuring that sheltered housing acts as a community hub with appropriate support services and creating new units of Extra Care housing for sale and rent. Residential care services will be reviewed to ensure that the people of Ynys Môn receive the most cost effective quality provision.
The proposed changes would be met within the current Older People’s Social Care Services budget of £9.7million, which accounts for 39% of the departmental budget.
