Agenda item

Adults' Performance Report - December 2019

To consider the December 2019 Performance Report for Adult Services.

Minutes:

Documents:

·         Adult Services Performance report as at 31 December 2019

 

Discussion:

·         The service was in a good budget position and was projecting a balanced budget at year end

·         Delayed transfers of care were significantly lower

·         The use of technology enabled care continued to increase

·         Ask Sara, a virtual OT service, was due to be launched imminently

·         Pressures remain:

o   Winter pressures – although the Welsh Government provides some funding, this will end at the end of March but the associated pressures may continue into the new financial year

o   Domiciliary care – the service continues to try to reshape demand

o   Residential Care – there had been a spike in residential care which has continued into January.  Although fewer residents are being admitted, numbers remain high

·         Members raised concerns regarding end of life care and asked that a representative of the Health Authority be invited to a future meeting to discuss the issue

·         The recent flooding had caused concerns for both service users and carers.  There had been significant challenges during the past week and the communities had also been very responsive in assisting where necessary.  The Committee asked that a letter of thanks be sent.

·         Once the initial crisis has been dealt with, Members asked if there was sufficient capacity to support affected residents in the coming weeks

·         Commissioning – there had been an increase in individual costs which were concerning and a risk.  The Committee asked how this was being dealt with.  The Head of Commissioning informed the meeting that a fair cost of care exercise had been completed in conjunction with care homes and an agreement had been reached regarding the cost of care.  As Members were aware, no uplift had been provided for 2019/20 but this agreement will be renegotiated for the forthcoming financial year.  Care homes had had to absorb the costs of increases in inflation and the living wage.

·         Supported employment – the report indicated that the Disability Team was under stress through supporting employment.  Reviews for supporting employment had been prioritized leading to pressures elsewhere.  However, the review had been completed and supported living provision was working in a holistic way in each area.

·         Agency staff – there had been an increase in agency workers although the number remained lower than it had been.  Winter pressures funding had enabled a team to be created in hospital settings.  This will finish at the end of March when the funding ceases.

·         Concern was raised regarding the number of residents being discharged from hospital into residential care.  Whilst this had had a positive impact on the number of delayed transfers of care, it was thought that this may not be the most appropriate model of care.  Discharging to a residential home can be a good step-down model if it is supported in the right way.  If a client needs domiciliary care for the first time, there are challenges regarding availability, but an existing client should have arrangements in place.  Step-down beds should only be used for a maximum of six weeks and can assist with reablement etc.  Glan Irfon has been able to provide more therapies with increased winter pressure funding.

·         The Committee asked if plans were in place to deal with corona virus if necessary.  Plans were in place with the Health Board and the Corporate Director has been appointed to a national body to represent social care.

 

Outcomes:

·         The Chair would send a letter showing the Committee’s appreciation of work undertaken during recent flooding

Supporting documents: