Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Adult Services which was presented to provide an overview on the ‘Living Independently in Blaenau Gwent in the 21st Century’ Strategy.

The Head of Adult Services spoke to the report and gave a detailed progress update on the 8 priorities of the Strategy over the previous 12 months.

Priority 1 Long term care:

A Member commented on the 24 vacant beds in the Authority’s commissioned Care Homes and enquired regarding the new care home operating in Tredegar.  The Head of Adult Services informed Members that this was not a registered Nursing Home but was a supported living setting.

A Member raised concerns regarding Care Home closures due to the number of vacant beds.  The Head of Adult Services assured Members that even though there were a number of vacant beds there were no imminent Care Home closures, however, this situation would be monitored.  In relation to closure of private Care Homes, the Authority had a contract with a six month notification period of any closure and in the event of an incident such as bankruptcy, residents would still be supported. The Officer clarified that the Authority had a contract with the Health Board and not the Care Home for citizens with more complex needs.

Priority 2 Reablement/Enabling Services:

Members raised no comments on Priority 2.

Priority 3 Day Opportunities/Community Options:

With regard to the Community Options Green Shoots project at Bryn Bach Parc, Members reported that some members of the public had been unable to purchase items e.g. flower baskets etc. as no staff member was on site.  A Member suggested promoting the project via Town Centre Street Markets.  The Head of Adult Services said that staff worked 9.00am to 5.00pm and not at weekends.  With regard to selling products the Officer felt that perhaps a social enterprise project could be established.

A Member commented on the partnership with Growing Space, the third sector Mental Health Group, and enquired if school visits could be arranged to develop an outdoor classroom project.  The Head of Adult Services commented that Growing Space was keen to work with schools and would provide a contact link for the Member to liaise with the Head of Growing Space.

Priority 4 Assistive Technology: 

A Member enquired regarding the cost of Assistive Technology for residents.  The Head of Adult Services said that there was a flat rate cost of approximately £5.20 for pendants.

With regard to dementia therapy and the use of dolls, cats and dogs there was no charge as they were loaned out to residents, however, a report on charging regimes may be prepared next year.  Some everyday technologies such as the amazon echo and google home hubs operated from telephone landlines so it was not always necessary to have an expensive internet connection.  A Member commented that internet connection had been requested at Ty Parc for residents use and felt that this could be considered and incorporated into rents etc.

The Director  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6