Meeting Summary
- A costings document was shared, detailing hours worked, and contributions based on full-time equivalents. An opening balance is expected in March, with monthly deductions noted.
- Challenges in engaging care home residents with dementia were acknowledged. Broader insight into general issues and experiences is also planned, with questions to be finalised.
- A proposal for this work will be submitted once more details are available. Communication may continue via email if meeting attendance is limited. There was also an offer to promote engagement through a website for specific projects.
- Two attendees were invited to join the upcoming Care Homes Fees Uplift Group in March due to the value of their input.
- A quarterly report was discussed, with a request for recent insights from people with dementia. Key points were highlighted, and actions were agreed upon to submit the report and provide feedback on how insights will be used.
- Concerns were raised about the accessibility and usability of the Care Direct system. Issues include:
- Difficulty navigating touch-tone options and decision trees.
- Long phone queues and removal of voicemail options.
- Lack of communication about system changes.
- The system not meeting the needs of older users or professionals trying to assist them.
- The removal of the PinPoint resource was criticised. It was noted that:
- Access to care information is a statutory obligation.
- Professionals, including hospital discharge staff, are struggling without it.
- Users may now rely on internet searches, which is not ideal.
- An action was taken to investigate what happened to PinPoint and whether an alternative will be provided.
- The next meeting is scheduled for 25th April 2024, 1:30–2:00pm and will be booked one week before the JEF meeting.