Agenda item

[NOTE: Councillors K. Madge, E. Morgan and J. Williams had all earlier declared interests in this item.]

The Committee considered the Older People’s Services Extra Care report, which provided an update on the provision within the County. There were currently four schemes in the County: Cartref Cynnes (Johnstown), Ty Dyffryn (Ammanford), Plas Y Mor (Burry Port) and Cwm Aur (Llanybydder). It was noted that the advantage of Extra Care was that it provided a “home for life” enabling older people to remain living independently and prevent the need to move to alternative forms of care should their assessed needs change in the future. It was highlighted that the Extra Care Schemes gave people another option and was proving to be a popular choice. The schemes provide vibrant communities as there were a mix of people who live within the settings. It was noted that the occupancy rates were high for three of the schemes, however, in Cwm Aur in Llanybydder there had been more difficulty in filling the flats.

The Committee highlighted that the age to access the scheme was 50 plus and queried if this age was too young. Officers explained that the residents that chose this option in that age range tended to have disabilities and they did not want to exclude this group from accessing the schemes.

The Committee commended the scheme and the positive benefits resulting from it. It was noted that there was not a scheme in the Llanelli area which was the largest area in the County. It was noted that there were proposals for a scheme in the area, however, it had taken some time to develop and more details were requested. The Head of Integrated Services explained that it was part of the ARCH programme and early discussions would be taking place with local stakeholders regarding the development of a scheme in Llanelli. It was suggested that the Programme Manager for the ARCH Project presented information, including timescales, to the January meeting of this Committee as part of the ARCH programme update. It was highlighted that the £7mil allocated to the Scheme was still allocated to the project.

The Committee expressed concerns over one of the suggested names, the neuro village, for the scheme in the Llanelli area. They were reassured that the name was no longer an option. Concern was also expressed that Detla Lakes site suggested for this scheme was too isolated. It was noted that more information on the proposed site and how it would be developed would be included in the presentation at the January meeting.

It was highlighted that there had been proposals for a hydrotherapy pool in Llanelli and it was asked what progress had been made regarding this. The Head of Integrated Services explained that it was still an option and there had been early discussions regarding the best location.

The Committee queried what the procedures for waiting lists were and the turnover rates for tenancies for the Cartref Cynnes scheme. It was agreed that this information would be collated and circulated it to the Committee. It was noted that some flats were reserved for the Health Board, which would have an impact on tenancy rates. It was queried if there had been any reports of the roof leaking at this location and officers informed them that they were not aware of any reports and would make some enquiries. It was highlighted that the building was the responsibility of the Housing Association.

It was noted that the Ty Dyffryn scheme in Ammanford had been opened by the Welsh Minister and it had been agreed that the Minister would be invited back to see the progress of the scheme and it was queried if this had been followed up. Officers explained that they were waiting for the Housing Association to arrange this visit and would chase them up and update the Committee. The Committee agreed that they would also like to visit this scheme.

The Committee queried what the procedures were for couples that had been allocated a two bedroom flat and when one of them passed away, for example, would they be able to keep their current flat or be allocated a one bedroom flat. It was explained that it would be up to the landlord and they would have tenancy rights. It was agreed that this question would be directed to the Head of Public Protection and Housing for a complete answer. Members suggested that if adaptations had been made to a flat and there was no longer a requirement for it then consideration could be given to clauses being written into the contracts to address this.

The Committee requested a more detailed report on the Cwm Aur scheme at a future meeting. The Executive Board Member for Social Care and Health explained that there had been discussions with Pobl Group regarding the significant challenges in improving occupancy rates. Other options were being considered and if feasible then requests would need to be made to Welsh Government for any changes as the funding was allocated for a specific purpose. The local Member highlighted that he would like to be more involved in discussions with the provider to find out more about social activities to encourage people to move in and the Committee agreed that it was a missed opportunity not to be involving local Members. The Safeguarding and Commissioning Manager would find out if it was possible for the local Member to meet with the Business Development Manager for Pobl Group.

The Committee asked for clarification on the key intention of “ allow carers to have a break from caring” and it was explained that it was derived from the commissioning specification that moving into Extra Care schemes takes the pressure off the community to meet needs. In addition, in periods of ill health additional needs can be met more readily.

It was noted that the graphs were difficult to read in hardcopy format and officers would take this on board for future reports.

Resolved:

7.1       that the report be received;

7.2       that a report on the ARCH project, including an update on the Extra Care scheme in Llanelli, be brought to the meeting of this Committee being held on 25th January 2017.