Issue - meetings

To consider the report.

a)    To accept the report and to note the observations.

b)     Support the proposal to hold a full review of the current provision and consider an alternative model.

c)     Ask officers to ensure that the new model provides consistent service across the county including service for those who live in rural areas.

d)     Ask the department to present a further report on the review and the possible models when timely, to give the scrutinisers the opportunity to give further input.

The report was presented explaining that the traditional model of providing Day Care had not been reviewed in Gwynedd for many years and it had not been adapted to meet the needs of the Social Services and Well-being Act (Wales) 2014 that came into force in April 2016. It was explained that it was timely to reconsider the provision especially considering recent work that had been done by the Welsh Government and the way that the pandemic had emphasised the importance of socialising opportunities and being a part of a community towards individuals' well-being. It was noted that the hope was that the review would be an opportunity to consider different, more suitable and flexible ways of providing support and services.

It was explained that the Council used to provide a programme of traditional day care activities in specific locations in the county for adults who needed support. These centres enabled elderly people to socialise and participate in specific activities, giving an opportunity for the ones who take care of them on a daily basis to have a brief respite.

It was explained that the department's intention was to move away from the traditional model of providing services associated with buildings and focus instead on how to address and support the well-being of individuals and carers in many ways. To achieve this, it was noted that the department intended to hold a review and consult with the people of Gwynedd on day care provision arrangements.

During the discussion, the following observations were noted:-

-        The members expressed their thanks for the report and the developments were welcomed. The members' appreciation was expressed on how honest the content was and the way it admitted that the present provision failed to reach everyone.

-        It was noted that the Social Services and Well-being Act (Wales) 2014 had been in force for seven years now therefore it was asked why was it now that the department intended to reconsider the provision?

o   In response, it was explained that the department had started on the work before the pandemic, but the work had to stop because of safety matters. It was noted that it was timely to reconsider the matter now, but acknowledgement was given to the fact that the work should have been done years ago.

o   The Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Well-being added that there had been enormous pressure on the department and that had contributed directly to the time it had taken to revisit the work.

-        Concern was expressed that the provision had not reached the rural areas of the County and there was a need to take steps to ensure better provision for these areas in the future.

o   In response, it was agreed that the provision in rural areas was important, but it would not be possible to have a centre in every village.

o   Despite this, it was noted that community activities had been happening in most communities and that there was a need to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5