David Johnstone, Director of Social Services at Devon County Council, explains how modernising services for older people in Devon will promote greater choice and flexibility of social care, and more independence for people through services tailored to meet their needs.

“If I had to sum up in a sentence the aim of our proposals to modernise Social Services in Devon, it would be to provide the kind of care I think any one of us would want for our own family.

“By that I mean ensuring that the people who need our help have the chance to enjoy more independence, supported by flexible services tailored to their needs.

“I’m pleased, but not surprised, by the results of the Our Devon survey which found that the public believe that our priority should be to enable more elderly and disabled people to live safely at home rather than in residential care.

“Older people have also told us this, that they would rather be supported to continue living in their own homes for as long as possible, than have to go into long term residential or nursing care homes.

“This year the Council invested more money than ever to support older people and we plan to increase spending on care of the elderly over coming years.

“We, the health authority, independent care providers and partners in the voluntary sector, already support 18,000 people in Devon who live at home.

“Health and social care such as that provided at Green Close in Sidmouth, Charlton Lodge in Tiverton, Harewood House in Tavistock and Bodley Community Care Resource Centre in Exeter, to name but a few, are helping people get back on their feet after hospital stays and preventing others from needing hospital care in the first case.

“I was especially pleased to read in the Sidmouth Herald a first hand account of the service from a gentleman whose wife recently received care at Green Close in Sidmouth.

Journalist Kingsley Squire describes in his article his wife’s care at Green Close – a combined service from Devon County Council and East Devon PCT - following a fractured hip that needed replacement.

Mr Squires’s wife, Monica felt her care had been excellent.  She said:

“I was assigned a care manager and my needs were assessed by a physiotherapist according to what I could do for myself.  It was aimed at increasing my independence and confidence in everyday things like washing, dressing and mobility.

“I got to know the other patients during my stay and they, too, all spoke highly of the facilities and care.”

“This is just one of many examples across Devon where services have already been modernised with very satisfying results,” said David Johnstone.