Savings Option: 8.14–Review Direct Payment Costs for Older People
Comments
  1. Assurances that service users/carers/families are fully equipped and informed as to what basic support from the council and health care providers (CCG) they are entitled to, which will enable them to make good choices about existing or future support and care received – and who they receive it from and when. Local Advocacy support should be more accessible and widely available to local people to help in decision making around care for older people.
Equally service users/carers/families should be aware and informed ( awareness that health providers could also provide additional and enhanced support for individuals) Again access to good independent and local advocacy support would be of benefit.
The assumption is that local people can navigate and have an understanding of the health social care system – many can’t and just accept and be grateful of any help – we need to support local people to have a greater understanding of how and what support is available, what good support and care looks like, therefore helping local people/carers and families to equip and empower themselves to navigate the system.
More uptake for older people to be aware of direct payments, availability of impartial information, advocacy which would outline the pros and cons for individuals, then potentially the use of smaller and local domilicary care providers at times that suit the individual. Currently we feel DP’s PB’s are not understood enough by local people/families who potentially have the most to benefit from it, therefore costs to the council will reduce in the longer term.
We are concerned that AT services will used as a cheap replacement for face to face contact and basic support.
Ref. / Service Delivery
Option / Summary of Actions to be taken / Comments
8.14 / Review Direct
Payment Costs
for Older People / Knowsley is currently above the national average cost for direct payments. Approximately 800 clients in receipt of a direct payment will be reviewed to ensure the direct payment they are receiving accurately
reflects assessed need. / The fact that Knowsley is above the national average should be cause for celebration and not an excuse to cut budgets. We wold hope that the reviews are person centred and not cash driven.