Care review planned in bid to save over £200,000 from council budget

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DISABLED people could face being cared for in residential or nursing homes under controversial cost cutting proposals.

It is just one of the options as the county council looks to cap the amount it contributes towards the overall cost of community care packages.

Around £200,000 needs to be slashed from the adult care budget, which looks to support people with disabilities to live at home.

If adopted, the proposal could see residents asked to meet any additional cost of care from their own savings or choose to take funding as a direct payment which would allow them to make their own care arrangements.

A reduction in the amount of care services is also being considered as is an increase in the amount of community support offered to residents.

Existing users would not be affected under the proposals unless their care needs changed.

Coun Philip Gretton said: “We must be clear in no way is this proposal going to lead to people not receiving the care they need.

“All those who access social care services in Worcestershire will have their assessed care needs met, the issue is about ensuring that they are met in the most cost-effective way for all Worcestershire residents who have a call on the resources we have.

“It’s not about forcing people into care homes against their will, but instead looking at what other, cheaper options are available.

“This could be supported living or shared lives schemes, it could be that the service user or family member contributes funds to help pay for the care.

“In the past service users have picked the services they want and we have, by and large, funded this; however in the financial climate we’re in we have to look at more cost-effective ways of meeting needs,” he added.

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