To receive Report No. 212/2017 from the Director for People.

Report No. 212/2017 from the Director for People was received.

The Deputy Director for People, Mr Andrews, introduced the report, the purpose of which was to seek comment on whether the draft strategy recognised, valued and supported Carers in Rutland and Leicestershire.

Mr Andrews reminded Members that they were being requested to consider endorsing a draft strategy between the three local authorities and the relevant clinical commissioning groups (CCGs).  The strong priorities were stated within the document and there would be engagement with carers/providers.  Members were informed that at least one partner felt that the Strategy was too ambitious and would be unable to fund.

Rutland County Council (RCC) supported a joint strategy, however if this was not as ambitious as RCC would like then it could be a strategy between RCC and the CCG only.

A number of questions had been received prior to the meeting from Miss Waller.  A written response was to be circulated to Members.

During discussion the following points were noted:

a)    Concern was expressed about the number of carers caring for family members who were possibly unknown to the Authority.

b)    Members voiced concerns regarding the mental and emotional wellbeing of carers, and the support available.

c)    A survey of long term carers undertaken by Healthwatch found that GPs were pro-active in promoting assessments.  However, people had concerns with regard to the possible level of intervention.

d)    A large number of carers in Rutland did not meet the eligibility criteria for the Carers Allowance and therefore did not come forward.

e)    RCC had recently appointed a Vulnerable Adult Risk Management (VARM) worker and specialist manager because of concerns such as safeguarding.  These specialists have some powers under law to remove an individual to a place of safety in specific circumstances. 

f)     Young carers and their health were identified as being more vulnerable.  Members commented that the Strategy should state a policy of zero tolerance where there were inappropriate caring practices.  Officers stated that if not included in the Strategy, this should be incorporated into the bespoke plans for Children’s Services.

g)    The value of the voluntary sector; seen as an independent body offering advice on the help available to carers.

h)   That the segregation of Rutland data would allow Rutland issues and priorities to be more easily identified and reflected in the Strategy.

i)     The possibility of a delivery document relating to Rutland underneath an overarching strategy, linking back to the Strategy.

j)      That Occupational Therapy (OT) services were not particularly well signposted on the RCC website; also little information on funding for respite care.

k)    Members were informed that through funding from the Health and Prevention Grant RCC had contracted Spire Homes to undertake minor adaptions to properties; not means tested.  For larger equipment where financial constrictions were prohibitive the Authority had the ability to waive any charge.

l)     Members were reminded that Adult Social Care dealt with people with great need.  RCC had just less than 700 service users registered with 364 carers.  Provision of respite or cover could be provided for carers indirectly through the service user.  Carers were often looked after via service users.

m)  There was a service user/carer hotline number for professional support from adult social care workers, nurses, physiotherapists, care managers and specialist workers.

n)   RCC was looking to more creative use of funding, for example, respite activities that stimulate and engage with a service user rather than just providing a service user watching brief.

o)    Members thanked the team for exploring other possibilities and ways of doing things, and for tailoring services to the needs of Rutland residents.

Following discussion, the Panel felt that it could not endorse the draft Joint Carers Strategy but noted the content and that the Strategy could be amended.  The Panel requested that the Joint Carers Strategy 2018-2021 draft together with a delivery document for Rutland be brought to the Panel at a future date

AGREED

That the Panel NOTED the Joint Carers Strategy 2018-2021 draft as a Rutland County Council, East Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Group and Leicestershire County joint strategy; and the Strategy may be amended as appropriate following a consultation with the public in January 2018

That the Panel REQUESTED that the Joint Carers Strategy 2018-2021 draft  together with a delivery document for Rutland be brought to this Panel at a future date.