Overview
The Older People Steering Group met to discuss improvements in care services and public information for older adults across Devon. The meeting focused on making care options clearer and more accessible, ensuring that older people and their families are supported in making informed decisions.
The group included representatives from Devon County Council, Age UK Devon, and the Involvement Team. Discussions centred on the development of a revised care home fee model, the creation of public-facing guidance, and collaborative efforts to address concerns raised by older people and their advocates.
Key Discussion Points
Quarterly Report Review
- Financial issues remains the primary concern
- Delays in financial assessments
- Lack of timely and appropriate advice for individuals awaiting assessments.
- Cases where people were unaware of care costs or reassessment requirements.
Public-Facing Guidance Project
- Objective: Provide clear, practical advice for older people and families on care options and costs.
- Planned outputs: Short videos, leaflets, and website updates.
- Collaboration: Age UK and local authority teams to share resources and feedback.
- Next steps:
- Form focus groups (including learning disability and carers groups).
- First video planned for January; ongoing suite of resources to follow.
Escalation and impact
- Issues raised have reached senior leadership and CQC Assurance Board.
- Task and Finish Group established to address financial assessment delays:
- Non-residential assessments now within 1 month.
- Residential assessments still around 8 months.
- Positive trend: Fewer complaints and improved waiting times.
Training Initiatives
- Dementia Awareness Training:
- Delivered by Age UK staff; available as one-day in-person or two half-day online sessions.
- Proposal for commissioners to attend a session and consider commissioning for providers.
- Seated Exercise Training:
- Redeveloped and moving toward external accreditation.
- Currently offered to care homes and activity coordinators.