New funding rules for residential short break services for adults with disabilities
Vital residential short break services helping unpaid carers and the people they care for are to get new funding rules.
Lancashire County Council provides residential short breaks for informal carers and adults with a range of physical and learning disabilities, to allow them and their carers to have a valuable break from their everyday lives and responsibilities in a range of settings.
Now a temporary cap on charges for these services is to be removed by the county council's cabinet this week, following a recent Ombudsman ruling and in line with national legislation.
There are currently around 700 people receiving short breaks. The moves will mean those with over £23,250 in savings will meet the full cost of residential short breaks, along with anyone who chooses not to have a financial assessment,
However, a means tested service is already available to all eligible people, while anyone who receives funding from the government for their care (direct payments) will also undergo a means test if they want a residential short break.
Feedback will be rigorously monitored, with a review planned for six months’ time.
County Councillor Graham Gooch, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: “Short breaks can provide essential respite for both the adult who is being cared for and for the carer, to prioritise their own wellbeing and needs.
“They can provide a crucial change for the person receiving care to enjoy new experiences, a change of scene and routine, learn new skills and mix with other people.
“Our decision to remove the cap on residential short break charges brings our policy in line with national, statutory legislation, and more importantly, enables us to continue to provide high quality short breaks in a lovely environment.
“It will mean we can really cater for eligible people with physical and learning disabilities, to enable them to enjoy leisure and social activities, and spend quality time enjoying a break from their everyday lives.”
If you are interested in finding out more about careers in adult social care and the opportunities available across Lancashire, go to www.lancashire.gov.uk/jobs.