Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Adult Social Care

Forward Plan Ref: 2015/017

Contact: Shaun Bennett, Commercial Services/Market Development Manager Tel: 07917 211068

Report by Director of Adult Social Services (CA12)

The current model of home care in Oxfordshire will not be able to deliver the capacity and capability required to meet future needs, as providers do not have the security of future business to employ sufficient care staff.

The intention is to develop a new model of home care that will enable people to maximise their independece. The model will will involve the following:

•           Contracting with a smaller number of providers that supply the Council’s commissioned services (i.e. in the region of 10 providers across the county, but no more than 15) so that the level of future  business can be assured;

•           Approving a small number of providers to work within each of the five geographical localities, which will mitigate the risk of any provider going into liquidation or being placed on safeguarding alert as we don't purchase from providers where they have been 'red' rated (i.e. up to 5 providers within each locality with some working across more than one locality);

•           Use of sub-contracting, where appropriate, to ensure that the existing capacity within the home care market is effectively utilised and to encourage the participation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs);

•           Adopting flexible cost and volume contracts which guarantee business based on actual delivery, with the option of increasing volume on the same terms;

•           Developing outcomes based support plans to enable service users to acquire independent living skills to become more independent, where possible;

•           Developing a simple incentivisation model (i.e rewarding providers for delivering outcomes which enable people to become more independent);

•           Developing a long list of home care providers as part of the eMarket place, which can be used by those with a Direct Payment and self-funders and which will meet the expectations of the Care Act 2014 to facilitate and shape the wider care market.

It is RECOMMENDED that Cabinet agrees the proposed Oxfordshire model for home care.

Recommendation agreed.

The current model of home care in Oxfordshire will not be able to deliver the capacity and capability required to meet future needs, as providers do not have the security of future business to employ sufficient care staff.

The intention is to develop a new model of home care that will enable people to maximise their independence.  Cabinet considered a report that sought approval to the proposed model for home care.

Councillor Price, Shadow Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, welcomed the new approach, with a smaller number of providers and block purchasing. She highlighted 2 key elements essential to drive standards: firstly it was important to do everything possible to ensure care worker had a recognised professional status; secondly providers needed to recognise the importance of good HR practices.

Councillor Heathcoat, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care introduced the contents of the report.

RESOLVED:           to agree the proposed Oxfordshire model for home care.