Care will still be there for the elderly

Posted by The Journal on Sep 3, 09 12:48 PM in News

Elderly and disabled people in Northumberland have been told they will continue to have access to traditional day care under plans to axe seven centres where they currently meet for companionship with people of their own age.

Social services bosses are proposing the closure of the seven county council-run day centres in Amble, Bedlington, Blyth, Prudhoe, Haltwhistle, Hexham and Ponteland to save ÃÂ£400,000 on their adult care budget.

Instead, the 300 people who use the centres will be offered 'personal budgets' which they can spend as they choose.

But in addition, council chiefs say anyone who wants to continue receiving traditional, building-based day care will still be able to do so under the plans.

They have come up with a package of alternative provision for each of the seven areas. The proposals - which have to be agreed by the full county council later this month - involve:

Amble - alternative day care places provided by Age Concern in Amble, Ellington and Hadston, together with provision at Lynemouth day centre. Possible care home provision for those with 'complex' needs.

Bedlington - alternative day care places at the St John Ambulance day centre in Ashington, Lynemouth day centre and a number of local care homes.

Blyth - day care places available at Age Concern centres in Blyth's Isabella Centre and Seaton Sluice, plus use of 'extensive' range of community activities for older people across Blyth Valley.

Hexham - care workers from a local home to provide day care staffing at Red Cross building in the town, and other day care places provided at local residential homes. Voluntary organisation Adapt has offered to run a weekly programme of outings from Hexham at charge of ÃÂ£25 per outing.

Haltwhistle -- alternative day care service based in the Tynedale Grange sheltered housing scheme, currently being developed by county council, Milecastle Housing, Adapt and Dementia Care Partnership. Plus, weekly programme of outings run by Adapt.

Ponteland - use of existing voluntary sector and community activities for older people, including Age Concern lunch club. Also, Adapt has offered to run weekly programme of outings.

Prudhoe - daytime activities for older people based in The Manors extra care housing complex which is due to open this month. In addition, a number of local care homes have expressed an interest in providing traditional day care for those who want it.

County council executive member for adult care and well being, Simon Reed, said: "Under these proposals we would no longer provide day care services but it is clear that some people still want a day care place. We will ensure that day care provision remains available in their local communities."

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