Part of the Better Care Fund it supports the transfer of resources to prevention under the Better Care Fund, through delivering 11 pilot schemes across Sandwell. Each scheme involves voluntary and community organisations addressing a range of support needs for people in the community, thus reducing demand on formal health and care services
Schemes commenced in October 2014 and are funded until September 2016
• ‘Active befrienders’, who...
• Have time to listen to and understand people
• Have good knowledge of local support and opportunities
• Will ensure people can take up the opportunities that they want to
• Introduces good neighbours
• Ultimately encourage self help
What has been achieved?
• Non-elective admissions are up
• Residential admissions are up overall… but were lower in the Community Offer areas
• Reablement has improved
• Delays in transfers of care have reduced
• Overall satisfaction of people who use services with their care and support is up
Case study 1
• Lady in 80s, with arthritis & mobility problems
• Home visit undertaken, GP visit arranged, linked into meals service, adaptations and community alarms services
• Outcome – improved mobility and independence
Case study 2
• Lady suffering from agoraphobia and claustrophobia
• Weekly befriending visits undertaken
• Outcome – increased confidence able to get to the garden and attend hospital appointments
Case study 3
• Elderly man with no relatives nearby, struggling to maintain home and garden
• ‘Crisis box’ provided and referred into support services
• Outcome- living conditions significantly improved
Testimonials “They’re very good, polite and very helpful. I look forward to their phone calls and visits. I get help with my shopping and sorting out bills as I have no one else”
“Excellent and polite, I look forward to the weekly visits. They also help my husband with sorting out porters for his hospital visits”
“On behalf of my mum. A very good service they do above and beyond what was needed, shopping, befriending visits and telephone calls. I was away for three months and support was given in my absence as she has no-one else”.
Next steps • Evaluation – Costs vs benefits, – Impact on social isolation – Impact on well-being • Explore future funding sources and models