Minutes for Adult Services Sub-Committee meeting, Nov 16 2009, 2.00PM official page

The Convener welcomed members to the first meeting of the Adult Services Sub-Committee.

The Sub-Committee had before it for consideration, a statement of Committee Business prepared by the Head of Democratic Services. 

The Sub-Committee resolved:-

(i)         that a report in relation to item 3 (Issues Surrounding the Elmwood Project) be submitted to the next meeting of the Sub-Committee;  and

(ii)        to otherwise note the Sub-Committee Business Statement.

The Sub-Committee had before it dates for its meetings in 2010, these being 25^th March, 24^th June and 4^th November, each meeting to be held at 2pm.

The Sub-Committee resolved:-

to approve the dates and times.

STRATEGIC

(A)

The Sub-Committee received a presentation from Sally Wilkins, Strategist for Adult Protection and Quality Assurance and Kirstin Parkes, Adult Protection Unit Co-ordinator in relation to adult protection.

Sally Wilkins outlined the definition of adults at risk, provided details in relation to the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, and made reference to the Grampian Interagency Policy and Council officers role.

Kirstin Parks provided information in relation to the Adult Protection Unit, specifically in terms of the staffing structure, the number of adult support and protection referrals received during the period June to October, 2009 and the key messages which indicated that the Act introduces new protections for adults at risk of harm, that the Council was working co-operatively with parties across Grampian and adult protection was everybody’s business.

The Sub-Committee resolved:-

to note the information provided and to thank Sally Wilkins and Kirstin Parkes for their presentation.

(B)

The Sub-Committee heard Sandy Reid provide feedback in relation to a customer satisfaction survey which was undertaken in April, 2009 for people who use the community care services provided by the City Council.  

Sandy Reid (a) advised that the survey was designed primarily to gauge current levels of satisfaction with various aspects of the service but also asked users about their social activities, whether they have a role as a carer and for suggestions on how the service could be improved in the future;  (b) explained that the final survey was issued to a sample of 522 customers, of which 239 responses were received;  (c) indicated that the survey was designed to provide Aberdeen City Council with some general information about the customers experience of residents receiving these services;  and (d) circulated details of the survey which had attached the draft Aberdeen Community Care Outcomes Framework Performance Report 2008/09.

The Sub-Committee resolved:-

to note the information provided.

(C)

The Sub-Committee received a presentation from Nelson Kennedy, Team Leader, Aberdeen City Community Health Partnership, NHS Grampian which provided statistical information relating to changing the balance of care.

Nelson Kennedy demonstrated the software model, City Commitment Report 2008/09 which provided a strategic forecast of demographic changes and net commitment costs for the over 75’s up to 2031 in terms of daycare, homecare, care homes and supported accommodation.

The Sub-Committee resolved:-

(i)         to note that regular reports and proposals on the change in balance of care from care homes to the community would feature prominently on future agendas;  and

(ii)        to otherwise note the information provided and to thank Nelson Kennedy for his presentation.

FIELDWORK

(A)      

The Sub-Committee received a presentation from Janice Gorman, Team Manager Joint Future in relation to adults and older people. 

Janice Gorman (a) advised that the service aim was to work with others to enable people to remain safe and well in their own homes for as long as possible;  (b) provided details in relation to the single shared assessment, care management standards and eligibility criteria;  (c) outlined the staffing structure for adults and older people and equipment costs;  (d) indicated that in 2002/03 there were 5,716 Occupational Therapist service referrals and in 2008/09 there were 7,500 (estimated);  (e) listed the achievements for the service, which included integrated working, joint protocols with health and Telecare;  and (f) outlined the priorities for the service which included a joint equipment service, the implementation of Carefirst 6, embedding adult protection work, electronic monitoring and administrative support for frontline staff.

The Sub-Committee resolved:-

to note the information provided and to thank Janice Gorman for her presentation.

(B)

The Sub-Committee heard Janet Miller, Service Manager, Learning Disability provide an overview of the Learning Disability Service.

Janet Miller (a) advised that learning disability was a lifelong and enduring disability;  (b) indicated that officers in Adult Services were working closely with children with disabilities with the Children with Disabilities Team;  (c) explained that young people transfer to Adult Services when they leave school with the Transition Team becoming involved at this stage;  (d) provided information in relation to staffing, responsibilities and planning of the Transition Team;  (e) outlined the costs for the service which varied from £300 to £2,000 depending on the care package;  (f) made reference to the work of the Commissioning Team, Review Team and Accommodation Options Group;  and (g) concluded by explaining that the highly complex nature of many of the service users needs, meant that work in learning disability was specialist and enduring and the services provided would reflect this.

The Sub-Committee resolved:-

to note the information provided.

RESOURCES

(A)

The Sub-Committee received a presentation from Helen McNeil, Team Manager, Adult Services in relation to learning disability resources.

Helen McNeil provided statistical information and highlighted issues relating to residential carehomes, supported accommodation/care at home and day services including the cost of services, staff structures, the condition of buildings, repair and maintenance programmes, modernisation of services, budget savings required and new daycare opportunities to be developed. 

The Sub-Committee resolved:-

to note the information provided and to thank Helen McNeil for her presentation.

(B)

The Sub-Committee received a presentation from Nicola Dinnie, Service Manager, Adult Services in relation to older people’s resources.

Nicola Dinnie (a) described the issues affecting older people’s care homes, including an increase in dependants, an increase in dementia, a lack of available residential beds, the upkeep of buildings and planning for the future;  (b) made reference to Rosewell House, which provides rehabilitation for older people, reduces admissions to hospital and supports early discharge from hospital;  and (c) outlined issues relating to day care.

The Sub-Committee resolved:-

to note the information provided and to thank Nicola Dinnie for her presentation.

(C)

The Sub-Committee received a presentation from Heather Stadames, Joint Future Service Manager (Provision) in relation to integrated care at home.

Heather Stadames (a) provided information in relation to resources, explaining that dedicated teams of personal carers provide care to service users in the community living outwith sheltered housing;  (b) indicated that there were 43 sheltered and 3 very sheltered housing complexes in the city, housing approximately 2,100 tenants;  (c) highlighted the service provided at Horizons Rehabilitation Centre and Smithfield Court;  (d) advised that staff were the most precious resource, without exception and each team member remains highly motivated to do the best they can for vulnerable people;  (e) made reference to staffing structures and explained that in January, 2007, there were 466 personal and domestic carers and at present there was a total of 267 staff;  and (f) outlined grant aided expenditure for children, adults with physical and learning disability and older people’s services.

The Sub-Committee resolved:-

to note the information provided and to thank Heather Stadames for her presentation.

- JAMES KIDDIE, Convener.