Issue - meetings

To consider the report.

1.    To accept the report, noting the observations made during the discussion.

2.    Express concern that the provision is not consistent across the Council, and emphasise the importance of providing respite to unpaid carers.

3.    Request a further report on the review of Transport Policy and the review of Day Care to enable Members to provide timely input.

A report was presented by the Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Well-being, Head of Adults, Health and Well-being Department, Assistant Head – Supporting Communities, Health and Well-being and Assistant Head – Adults Services.

During the discussion, the following observations were noted:

It was reported that all employees within this field complied with the statutory requirements of the Social Services and Well-being Act.

A reminder was given that there was an expectation for employees to identify individuals' outcomes as well as the best method of providing them with care and support. It was noted that individuals' personal resources, family support, level of independence, local support networks and financial considerations were taken into account.

The most common day care provision was explained, clarifying that there were three provisions within Gwynedd. These were located at Llys Cadfan (Tywyn), Plas Hedd (Bangor) and Plas-y-don (Pwllheli). It was elaborated that Plas Hedd provided day care for the highest number of individuals living with dementia and with day needs, with five individuals attending for a specialist service for two days a week. It was confirmed that 10 individuals were receiving a service at Plas Hedd with two members of staff looking after them. It was reported that four individuals were receiving a day care service at Plas-y-don and three individuals at Llys Cadfan. It was acknowledged that fewer individuals were using the service in these areas, but it was felt that this was not due to transport reasons. It was pointed out that services were being provided in other residential homes that belonged to the Council but it was stated that these were carried out on an occasional basis.

It was confirmed that it was the families who transported these individuals to the day care provision because conditions were too profound to allow independent use of taxis, but it was noted that there were some cases where taxis were used.

It was emphasised that staff had not received complaints about a lack of transport and there were no noticeable changes in attendance numbers due to transport issues.

It was noted that the Department collaborated with the Health services on a very regular basis. It was elaborated that the Health service ran specialist day care services mainly on the Llŷn Peninsula and in south Meirionnydd on some occasions. It was elaborated that 10-15 individuals attended day care provision (up to 33 individuals per week for a service that took place on two days a week) and each individual was encouraged to make their own transport arrangements. It was explained that they were doing this because the most suitable site for provision within the areas was Bryn Beryl and hospital transport was considered to be unreliable. It was emphasised that the Health service encouraged families to provide transport or rely on social transport such as O Ddrws i Ddrws or Cymrod. It was reported that Hafod Hedd (Bryn Beryl) staff were seeing an increase in the numbers of individuals attending and were not aware of anyone  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6