Agenda item

The Committee considered a report providing an update on the plan developed by the Communities Department in connection with the changes to the Meals on Wheel Service.

Following the decision by the RVS to withdraw from the provision of a Meals on Wheels Service in Carmarthenshire in October 2018, the department needed to review the 214 service users in order to assess the needs of each individual and offer various alternatives.  It was also an opportunity 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 and has now been completed.

The review has been a person centred process that has identified with the service user and their family the most appropriate options for the person.  The department is satisfied that for each of the service users reviewed, alternative arrangements have been made and individuals have been set up with safe and suitable alternative arrangements.  Notwithstanding some initial difficulties when reviewing individuals in the north west of the county, there have been very few concerns raised and the outcomes from the review have provided new and positive arrangements for service users.  Examples include people using local cafes which offer a better choice of meals at a similar cost and people choosing Wiltshire Farm Foods, a service that delivers frozen meals countywide.

Based on the review outcomes, most individuals that were in receipt of a meals on wheels service have either opted to manage themselves, have accessed local businesses to assist with delivering a hot meal or chosen Wiltshire Farm Foods. 

Very few have required further RVS support and the department is in discussion with both the RVS and third sector organisations to consider how best to meet the 17 remaining individuals’ continuing needs including those who require assistance to heat up their meal and enjoy companionship.

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

·       Concern was expressed that the new initiatives will not meet the requirements of the lonely and vulnerable in the same way as the service provided by the RVS did.  The Head of Integrated Services advised the Committee that across Wales the meals on wheels service was seen as not meeting people’s needs and they wanted something different.  The general feeling was that there were other ways of meeting people’s needs.  He added that officers are exploring a whole stream of initiatives to reach out to people;

·       Reassurance was sought that the new system is comprehensive and that that monitoring will be undertaken.  The Head of Integrated Services suggested that, in order to allay members’ concerns, a seminar be held for the Committee on the Prevention Strategy;

·       Reference was made to the latest report by Age UK that almost 1:10 people over 65 are at risk of malnutrition and 50% of people admitted to hospital from care homes are suffering from malnutrition and concern was expressed that there is clearly a problem with malnutrition in the elderly.  The Head of Integrated Services suggested that the Authority’s Nutrition Strategy be included in the proposed seminar;

·       Reference was made to the fact that not all local providers are listed on the Council’s website.  The Committee was informed that the Authority tries to facilitate access to all local providers, however, following feedback from service users that they are unable to access the information they need, it was acknowledged that the website needs updating.  A workshop is being held in October for service users and carers to discuss improvements to the website;

·       Officers were asked for further details regarding the 17 service users whose requirements have not yet been met.  The Head of Integrated Services agreed to circulate this information to the Committee;

·       Officers were asked if it was possible to contact the 214 service users to ask them whether they are satisfied with the new arrangements.  The Committee was advised that a final evaluation could be undertaken which would capture that information.

RESOLVED

8.1     that the report be received;

8.2     that a seminar on the Prevention Strategy be arranged for           members of the Committee;

8.3     that a final evaluation report on customer satisfaction in relation           to the new arrangements be submitted to a future meeting for           consideration.