Consultation on proposed changes to older people's community support

The Royal Borough is proposing to consult senior residents and their families on changes to the way in which day and housing support services are provided. Cabinet is expected to approve the consultation proposal when it meets on Thursday 24 November.

The council wants to discuss how to expand voluntary sector day and support services to older people and explore how more people who need low-level support can access it from voluntary sector and other services.

Specifically, day service users at Gardner House in Harrow Lane, Maidenhead - which has limited and outdated facilities - will be asked for their feedback on the options, which could involve relocating services to the modern, fit-for-purpose Lady Elizabeth House sheltered housing scheme in Boyn Hill Avenue. Some service users could also use Boyn Grove Community Resource Centre.

The Royal Borough funds day centres, voluntary sector and sheltered housing support to older people to help them maintain their independence. Expanding day services would result in three benefits:
• improved day services for older people
• the opportunity for some residents to continue living in their own home for longer while receiving support
• a more cost-effective use of funds. The savings from these changes will all be reinvested back into adult social care services to meet higher demand and specifically up to £180,000 to expand day services and support for older people.

Cllr Simon Dudley, cabinet member for adult and community services, said: "Providing the right care for our older residents is of paramount importance and these measures will enable us to continue offering quality services to our ever-growing elderly population while making considerably better use of funds.

"The proposal to develop services at Lady Elizabeth House will enable older people in Maidenhead - where at present there is a big gap in voluntary day support - to enjoy a similar range and choice of voluntary day support as those in Windsor."

Lady Elizabeth House offers excellent facilities, such as a fully equipped kitchen, health suite and social facilities. Providing day care services there and at Boyn Grove would result in a reduced need to fund warden-based support in sheltered housing.

If agreed by cabinet, consultation will start in early December with meetings at Lady Elizabeth and Gardner House in December and January. Meetings with tenants in the various sheltered housing schemes across the borough will be in January and February. Partners in the housing, health, and voluntary organisations will also be asked for their views.

A report on the consultation outcome and final recommendations will be made to cabinet in April 2012.

Any approved changes will be completed later in 2012 (most likely from September), giving plenty of time for new arrangements to be set up before any changes are made.

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