The Government had promised to protect Health Care Services but of course there was no direct mention of Social Care, which includes Home Care for the elderly and other people with social needs. There is always talk of protecting front line services but the definition of front line services is never made clear.
There are announcements being made already about cuts to service, this is a worrying trend which directly affects the vulnerable people in our society.
Bolton Council has announced that the eligibility criteria would be changing for people in the future. This means that it will not affect people currently receiving services for the time being.
The Bolton Council are very sad that they are having to take away services for people with moderate needs. This trend has been happening for several years with many councils now only supplying services for those with severe needs.
Gareth Evans, chief officer for Age Concern in Bolton said he was “very concerned” about the level of the cutbacks. “These cutbacks follow reductions made in recent years. They are not cutbacks in isolation”. He added “Clearly a very serious attempt is being made to protect the most vulnerable which is obviously heartening”.
Bolton Council are cutting the budgets for Adult and Children’s services by a total of £9.5million.
A second announcement has been made by West Sussex Council who are cutting £2.5million from its £28million budget for home care by reviewing contracts with more than 100 organisations.
The service which operates 24 hours a day every day of the year, provides care for the elderly and disabled as well as those recovering from operations or suffering from dementia.
Councillor Graham Tyler said “I would like to reassure residents that the quality and level of service will not be affected by these changes”.
As these services are people driven, savings in costs usually mean a reduction in the number of people or a reduction in the wages being paid, either way, it is difficult to see how the service will not be affected in some way.
It can be expected that there will be more announcements of cuts for the year commencing April 2011. If this drives people out of the Home Care market, where there is already a struggle to find enough carers, then this will not be good for the stated aim to treat more people in their own homes.
Everycare (Central Hants) offer Care in your own Home and want to support people in living longer and healthier lives.
By Mike Frizzell Everycare (Central Hants) Ltd www.everycarehants.co.uk