9681 The funding of home care

14

1240/5(9681)

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2016

Question

For the years 2015, 2016 and 2017, what funding was allocated for the delivery of the following services?

1. District nursing
2. Sustained home visiting
3. Enablement
4. Rapid response
5. Children's services (Including palliative care)
6. Home care provision

How many applications to the Long-Term Care Scheme (LTC) for home care have been processed since LTC was introduced, through Family Nursing and Home Care (FNHC) or other agencies; and how many applications for home care support are expected on an annual basis under the new Income Support Personal Care Component 4 (IS PCC 4) through FNHC or other agencies?

What differences exist in the assessment methods for applications for home care under LTC, IS PCCs 1 to 3, and the new flexible IS PCC 4?

In light of the above, what assurance can the Minister give to those in receipt of, or applying for home care, that they will receive the appropriate level of support from 1st January 2017?

Answer

"For the years 2015, 2016 and 2017, what funding was allocated for the delivery of the following services?

1. District nursing
2. Sustained home visiting
3. Enablement
4. Rapid response
5. Children's services (Including palliative care)
6. Home care provision"

In the contract meeting on 29th July 2016, it was agreed that the 2017 service specifications would be finalised by 31st October 2016, with the funding to be agreed no later than 30th November 2016. The 2017 contract would include:

• Full funding of District Nursing service (formula to be agreed)
• Full funding of Children's Services (formula to be agreed)
• No further funding for Homecare services (i.e. no continuation of the subsidy)
• Rapid response and reablement to be funded at 2016 (full year effect) rate of £855,000, adjusted for impact of any additional posts as agreed by Community & Social Services, plus additional posts for mental health services (total budget for service £1,460,000).

"How many applications to the Long-Term Care Scheme (LTC) for home care have been processed since LTC was introduced, through Family Nursing and Home Care (FNHC) or other agencies; and how many applications for home care support are expected on an annual basis under the new Income Support Personal Care Component 4 (IS PCC 4) through FNHC or other agencies?"

275 individuals are currently registered under the long-term care benefit scheme in respect of domiciliary care – care delivered outside a registered care home and typically in the person's own home. Data analysis carried out earlier this year identified just under 50 FNHC clients in receipt of LTC benefits at that point in time. It is not possible to specify the total number of applications originally made in respect of care provided by Family Nursing and Home Care, as approved care packages can change and may also be delivered by more than one provider.

The number of new applications for the proposed flexible personal care component will depend on the number of new clients who choose to make an application for income support following the introduction of the new component. Many FNHC clients already receive income support.

"What differences exist in the assessment methods for applications for home care under LTC, IS PCCs 1 to 3, and the new flexible IS PCC 4?"

The assessment process for the new Income Support flexible Personal Care Component will be based on the same assessment process that is required for packages approved under the Long-Term Care benefit. It will not resemble the existing assessment process for Income Support Personal Care. This new component will only be available in respect of an approved care package, which is agreed by an Approved Registered Person – a senior member of staff in Health & Social Services. This will simplify the process for customers, and make sure that those people who require financial assistance with a care package do not need a further assessment of their care needs.

"In light of the above, what assurance can the Minister give to those in receipt of, or applying for home care, that they will receive the appropriate level of support from 1st January 2017?"

Any individual who requires financial assistance to support their assessed level of need will receive the support required. The outcome of the care assessment will allow support through either Income Support or the Long-Term Care benefit to ensure that individuals access the right care package with the appropriate funding.

I am discussing implementation of the new arrangements with FNHC, which potentially includes considering a later start date to facilitate a safe and smooth transition for existing clients.