Agenda item

A presentation from Gwyneth Lennox and Donna Bogdanovic.

(a)        Major adaptations overview. (Copy attached.)

3.1     There had been circulated copies of a report from the Head of Adult Social Care Gwyneth Lennox which outlined the origins and processes around the Scheme of Assistance (SoA), introduced by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 to provide support with repairing, improving or adapting a home. The Act separated disabled people’s applications for assistance from those with repairs and included a general duty to provide assistance in making a house suitable for a disabled person. The SoA provided information and advice to help private homeowners and private tenants to keep their homes in good condition and suitable to meet their needs.    The Scheme was operated by SBC in conjunction with Community Care and the Health and Social Care Joint Integration Board, to which major adaptations had been delegated.  Mr Knox  gave a presentation to inform Members of the processes associated with major adaptations of clients’ homes.  A single shared assessment process was followed to ensure a coordinated approach and to maximise services available to clients.  An assessment of need was conducted and recommendations made for adaptations, additional equipment or support and indicated the urgency of the recommendations.  A grant was available to fund adaptations for which homeowners, tenants and part owners were eligible.  A grant was be awarded if an adaptation was essential to a disabled person and covered 80-100% of the approved expense.  SBC had commissioned a Care & Repair Service through Eildon Housing Association with the aim to assist older and disabled residents in the private sector in the repair, improvement or adaptation of their homes in accordance with Scottish National Care and Repair standards. A table of performance data 2017-2023 was shared with Members that detailed the number of major adaptations (social and private) and handyperson jobs carried out.  The spend for the same period totalled £2.334m for major adaptations by RSLs (social), and £1.257m under the Scheme of Assistance (private).  A summary of next steps and future reviews was provided and included the streamlining of pathways for provision of equipment and adaptations; effective adoption of new models of health and social care; effective interface with relevant partners and an ongoing review and monitoring of the LHS. 

3.2     In response to a question about the role of the Health & Social Care IJB, it was confirmed that while the IJB carried out the assessment of need, SBC maintained oversight of the work and delivered the wider assessments by Occupational Therapy and subsequent adaptive work under the Scheme of Assistance.  In response to a question about the funding of RSLs, it was confirmed that their funding came directly from Scottish Government.  Funding sources for adaptations to households was dependant on who owned the property.  The issue of adaptations to shared access to communal areas was raised; permission from other occupants was necessary with legislation to prevent them from refusing permission unreasonably.  In relation to the handyperson provision delivered through the Care & Repair service, it was confirmed that any profits were to be directed back into the service with the estimate that any income generated from its provision was not sufficient to meet the cost of doing so.  Mr Knox agreed to obtain these figures for Members and distribute via email.   The importance of Occupational Therapists (OT) communicating effectively with clients was highlighted to avoid incorrect or non-use of equipment.  Also highlighted was the impact on other household members/carers in coping with their situation and the role of OTs in recognising and supporting where necessary.  The holistic approach of OTs was discussed along with the framework for identifying additional training needs. The importance of open communication between OTs, managers and clients was also highlighted. Ms Lennox reported that the service was keen to promote a self-evaluation process across adult social work and occupational therapy services during 2024.  There was also to be a review of allied health professionals starting in Spring 2024.  Furthermore, a report was to be brought to the Health & Social Care IJB in 2024  following a review of the approach to adaptations in response to the latest Scottish Government guidance.

3.3     The Chair thanked the team for today’s presentation and the wider work of the department in their delivery of services and response to referrals. 

DECISION

NOTED the presentation and AGREED that Mr Knox obtain figures on income and costs associated with the handyperson service for Members and distribute via email.