The Strategic Director, Health and Wellbeing will present a report (Document “P”) which provides a progress update relating to the provision of home care support.  This includes the proposed projects and work completed to date of the Home First Project Team specifically relating to the provision of home care services across the District.

Recommended –

(1)       That the report be noted.

(2)       Members are invited to comment on the direction of travel detailed in the report to resolve the many different elements of home care.

(Paul Hunt – 01274 431748)

The Contract and Quality Assurance Manager presented a report (Document “P”) that provided an update of the progress made relating to the provision of home care support.  He informed Members that a significant amount of work had been undertaken and great strides forward had been made in relation to Home Care Services in a short period of time.  Work had been carried out on a fair cost of Home Services, which had taken the living wage into account.  Progress had been made with regard to digital technology and the Bradford Urgent Homecare Support Service (BUHSS).  It was noted that extra care had generally been successful and support was being looked at for night care and carers of people with dementia.  Regional and comparative Local Authorities had been consulted and the Council had been awarded £50,000, which would hopefully be match funded for the purpose of digital technology.

Members then raised the following points:

·         Using digital technology was a great idea.  Could tablets be linked to televisions to show messages?

·         There may be issues regarding messages on televisions and more work would be required on the operation of technology.  Not all people wanted their relatives to see their care package.

·         Would the system be backed up?

·         Would support be provided for using the technology?

·         What about the consultation process? Was the work completed yet?

·         Was Wi-Fi required to access the system?

·         Would a subscription be required?

In response Members noted that:

·         A link could be made to televisions from other technology.

·         Work would be progressed on technology with the Strategic Disability Partnership.  Service user feedback was required with regard to using the technology available and focus needed to be placed on reducing anxiety and providing information.  It was acknowledged that the emphasis needed to be placed on the individual and everyone was different.  Consent from the service user had to be obtained that they would like to use the device and a 12 month pilot was underway with feedback expected in July 2018.  The Council had submitted a bid for the project to NHS Digital and information was awaited.  Bradford was at the cutting edge of technology and this was a good news story.

·         Yes, the system was backed up on the Council’s server and could not be lost.  The information could also be printed.

·         Yes, support would be provided for service users.

·         The consultation should be completed by Summer 2018 and a draft should be available shortly.  The aim was for people to be happy and healthy and at home.  Progress had been made but there was still a long way to go.  Other models had been looked at and the commissioning, along with its outcomes, needed to be considered.

·         The technology was connected to 4G masts and security measures had been taken into account.  The project was being led by the Council’s IT Department and EE was the service provider.

·         Subscriptions were being investigated.  

Resolved –

That the progress made be commended.

ACTION: Contract and Quality Assurance Manager