Health and Social Care Committee

Consultation on terms of reference for inquiry into residential care for older people

RC9 ToR – Seren group

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing with reference to the Health and Social Care Committee: consultation on inquiry terms of reference on behalf of the Seren group.

We would like to propose the following suggested additions to the terms of reference:

Suggested terms of reference

To examine the provision of residential care in Wales and the ways in which it can meet the current and future needs of older people, including:

- the process by which older people enter residential care and the availability and accessibility of alternative services

- the capacity of the residential care sector to meet the demand for services from older people in terms of staffing resources and the number of places and facilities.

- the quality of residential care services and the experiences of service users and their families; the effectiveness of services at meeting the diversity of need amongst older people; and the management of care home closures.

- the effectiveness of the regulation and inspection arrangements for residential care, including the scope for increased scrutiny of service providers’ financial viability.

- new and emerging models of care provision

- the balance of public and independent sector provision, and alternative funding and ownership models, such as those offered by the cooperative and mutual sector

We agree with the proposed terms of reference but would like to add the following:

+ Assess the financial strength of existing residential care providers & their longer term viability in the context of public service cuts – identifying any key risk factors for the future (e.g. small independent care homes).

+ the degree to which residential service models match the aspirations and expectations of people nearing (rather than of) older age (e.g. 50+) in terms of their long term future

+ how well existing residential services are meeting national outcomes standards.

+ the degree to which older people in residential care feel able to influence the services provided to them

Judith North

Corporate Director reach