Agenda item

The Committee considered a report providing an update on changes to the Meals on Wheels service in the county.

Officers were advised by the RVS that it intended to withdrawn from the provision of a Meals on Wheels service in Carmarthenshire and that the service would end no later than October 2018.

In view of the fact that the Communities Department needed to review 214 individuals and the service was to finish by October 2018, two officers were allocated to review the service users so that the review process could begin promptly.  Service users would be moved onto alternative services as soon as it was considered appropriate.  This was a pragmatic decision based on the total number of individuals requiring review and for some this has meant that they are already accessing alternatives.

The purpose of the review is to assess the needs of each individual and offer various choices to the person.  It is also an opportunity, in line with the new approach adopted by RVS, to promote greater independence and social interaction for the individuals while developing, where possible, community based initiatives to support the individuals and their local communities.

The review process began in May in the Teifi Towy Taf locality and resulted in 72 individuals being offered alternative arrangements. Based on the review outcomes, most individuals who were in receipt of a meals on wheels service have either said that they would manage themselves or have accessed local businesses to assist with delivering a hot meal.  Very few have required further RVS support.

The intention is to commence reviews in the Llanelli are and subsequently the Aman Gwendraeth area.  Prior to doing so, a briefing note will be sent to the relevant local Councillors advising them that officers would be pleased to hear from them should they know of any community group or have any ideas as to how best to support the individual.

As part of the project plan, regular meetings are being held with the RVS and weekly discussions are held between the Authority and the Regional Manager to advise of all review outcomes.  RVS state that their support will be tailored to offer a range of practical support, companionship, volunteering opportunities and activities.

Some examples of the possible choices with regard to future provision include:-

- frozen meals delivered by Wiltshire Farm Foods and an RVS volunteer (a befriender) popping in to help heat the meal at a suitable time and having the additional time to socialise.  Wiltshire Farm Foods operates across the whole county;

- RVS volunteer/befriender picks up the individual and takes them to a local pub/café for a meal;

- RVS volunteer/befriender picks up the individual to attend a lunch club;

- RVS to establish new activity and lunch clubs;

- local business delivering meals.

The following questions/observations were raised on the report:-

·       Concern was expressed that one system is being disbanded and another system introduced where we may not have the capacity to do it.  The Head of Strategic Joint Commissioning explained that one system is not being replaced by another as all individuals will be able to choose the provision that suits them best;

·       Concern was expressed with regard to the elderly heating food in the microwave and burning themselves.  The Committee was advised that the assessment not only covers their nutritional needs but all of their needs including their personal circumstances.  The Head of Strategic Joint Commission agreed to speak to the provider regarding the heat resistance of the containers used for microwave meals;

·       Concern was also expressed that the elderly may stock pile the meals in the freezer and not actually eat them.  The Committee was advised that if such an issue is brought to the attention of officers and that there is evidence that an elderly person is not eating then their situation would be reassessed.

RESOLVED that the information be noted.