Agenda item

The Panel were presented with a report that outlined the Council’s approach to facilitate personalised Day Service support, Short Breaks and Carer Respite throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, Officers gave a verbal overview providing background and context, which included the numbers of people supported, who and how individuals access the service, and the location of day centres.

A brief explanation was given about what happened to the day services provision since lockdown began including communication, and risk assessments on all service users. It was also explained how the buildings were adapted to comply with regulations making them COVID safe for staff and users.

The Panel was briefed on what had happened to the short breaks service since March. Officers described how buildings were used, types of services provided, number of beds utilised, communication methods and the impacts on staff. Members were informed of the testing process for staff and service users and it was noted PPE was adequately provided at all times.

Officers informed Members of the Outbreak Management Plan in place that in turn feeds into the corporate outbreak system.

Contact and support for all individuals - Concern was raised by a Member that perhaps not all clients had been contacted and described  the experience of a constituent with social care needs (although not learning disability or autism) who had difficulty in contacting the social care team due to phone lines not diverting correctly.

Members were assured that all individuals had been contacted but it was recognised there had been an IT problem initially.  As a result, robust measures were put in place as part of the business continuity plan and phone lines tested.

Virtual day activities – It was acknowledged by Members that many virtual day activities were reliant on having the correct hardware/software and good broadband speed, therefore they sought more information on whether clients were supported.  Officers informed the Panel that there had been no request for equipment but they had given advice to those that required it.  Members were reassured that if they had been approached an IT solution would have been provided, and going forward IT solutions would be planned in advance.

Closure of buildings – Members requested clarification on how long the buildings that the service uses were closed for.

Members were informed that all buildings had been closed on the 23^rd March 2020 for 16 weeks.  It was explained that the reopening of some buildings began in July with extensive modifications made making them a COVID-19 safe environment (and ensuring that social distancing guidance could be adhered to within them). It was explained that the reopening of buildings had been a huge challenge as some lend themselves better to social distancing rules.  It was continued that some buildings had to be closed during parts of the week for deep cleaning and sanitisation. Members were informed that unfortunately it was looking unlikely that Bentley Library would reopen but the Redmond Centre and Bhatia Centre will reopen in the near future.

Number of people accessing day/respite services - Members received data on the number of people accessing respite services on a month-by-month basis.  It was clarified that overall 384 people accessed day services on a regular basis.

Risk Rating Assessment – Members looked for detail on what the Risk Rating Assessment covered and whether it was about measuring the individuals risk/vulnerability to Covid, of risk of being at home (behaviour/abuse from being in a confined place).

Members were assured that clients were assessed by the Community Adult Learning Disability Team on a range of factors that included their risk to COVID, health conditions and current needs, home life and the mental health impact of remaining at home. It was outlined that every individual had a support plan, and those in the high-risk category had a very robust plan. Members heard that there was ongoing monitoring and support with the wider adult social care collaborative which allowed the team to recognise and respond to those who needed more support or respite over the emergency period.

Zoom sessions – Members requested figures on the proportion of clients that accessed the Zoom sessions provided.

Members were advised that about 30 people had accessed Zoom sessions.  Members shared concern this meant only a small proportion of clients accessed services in this way and indicated a significant drop off in engagement.  Reassurance was given that Zoom was just one communication method, that all clients had been in contact with the service through various means, and people that hadn’t taken up those sessions had in some cases been spending more time with their families.

The new operating model – A Member requested information on what proportion of usual capacity allowed for under the new arrangements, and whether more sessions were needed on different days than the pre-lockdown schedule?

Members were advised that only 10% of service users accessed the buildings, due to people not wishing to return.  Many relatives felt the risk of using a building based service was too great. A Member questioned whether that meant having to offer more sessions to reach everyone and Officers explained how a variety of ways contact was made and a dashboard was being created showing what people were accessing.  It was added that a quality assurance survey was sent to those that used the service to capture experiences and what users wished to see more of in this situation and this could be shared with Members once completed.

A Member of the panel had concerns there wasn’t going to be many provisions left shortly for people to access, and said there was an opportunity to look at the gaps and work in partnership with the third sector to support people in the community. It was suggested that the Panel might wish to look at how we stand communities up as part of the next phase, helping organisations and communities to make the most of what was on offer and provide support.

The Panel was informed locality working was the next piece of work. Local community asset maps and those active in each area will help in terms of engagement.

Members wished for it to be conveyed to all staff working within the service that there was an appreciation of all their hard work throughout a difficult time.

RESOLVED that the Panel note the report and information provided.