Issue - meetings

To scrutinise the day care service as part of the Council Plan 2023-28 – A Caring Gwynedd

1. To accept and note the report and welcome the availability of a range of services but to express concern

• about the sustainability of a service provided by volunteers
• the lack of rural transport means that many are unable to attend or access a service
• that access to provision across the county is unequal

2.  To ask the cabinet member

• to review how the department monitors customer demand and satisfaction, by collecting quantitative data, and demonstrate the true impact of the service on the well-being of individuals and their carers
• to lobby the Welsh government to fund the service over the long-term rather than providing grants
• To consider how to collaborate across the Council and with partners to improve day care provision for unpaid carers and those with mental health conditions and report back to the care scrutiny committee
• To consider how the quality of service received by volunteers can be monitored and the sustainability of the service ensured
• To provide an evaluation report on a day care respite pilot scheme starting in September at Cefn Rodyn, Dolgellau when it is timely to do so
• To ensure equal access to provision across the county.

The report was presented by the Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Well-being. It was highlighted that the department was proceeding from the traditional model of day centres towards a more flexible and community service in its nature. It was noted that the individual person was central to the provision plan and there were many varied services available to suit various different needs. All were guided through the main matters in the report giving an update of the work that was ongoing. The proposal to modernise care resources under the heading 'A Caring Gwynedd' in the Cyngor Gwynedd Plan 2023-28 was highlighted to enable Gwynedd residents to live their best life within their local communities.  

An overview of the provision available in Gwynedd was given, including Traditional Day Care Units, Specialist (Dementia), Day care in the homes of the county's residents and respite care/short-breaks care.  Details were given of the priority to satisfy a wide range of profound needs and to provide varied and personal support to each individual, based on person-centred assessments. The need to be flexible to satisfy individual needs, to provide a resource that reflects a choice to people and community expectations today was emphasised. It was explained that it was essential to collaborate closely with partners in the health board and the third sector, as well as the community, to ensure that the care model thrives and that the more complex needs of individuals are addressed. It was noted that care and community expertise were crucial to be able to create successful person-centred care. It was reinforced that the partnership between the Council and the Health Board was key to meet with the comprehensive needs, such as Special day care provision (Dementia) at Plas Hedd, Bangor and Dolgellau Hospital.   

The continuous pressure on unpaid carers was acknowledged and the over-reliance on them to sustain intense situations across the county.  It was recognised that there were obvious challenges in the home care provision and that some areas were having difficulty to cope with the capacity. The priority to provide quality short respites to unpaid carers, and to also ensure value for the individual receiving care were also highlighted. The provision available to individuals with less intense needs was detailed, noting that there was a wide range of options and that they promote the use of activities in the community, such as keeping fit and Dementia Actif and to also meet social needs.

The future objectives of the service were outlined. Reference was made to the pilot procedure now in place in Dolgellau to develop a new model of day respite care. It was explained that the intention of the pilot was to offer a community opportunity within Cefn Rodyn Care Home, to provide respite for carers and social activities for individuals. It was noted that this provision would be for 2 days a week, in the home's lounge to support approximately 5 persons at a time. It was noted that Age Cymru will facilitate the activities,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5