Delays in Assessments

[Mick Binns]

Hi All.  Bradford Trident are seriously examining the feasibility of setting up a new social enterprise, a personal assistant programme to meet the needs of older people, initially in BD5. This would give a further service in addition to the preventative services we already offer to older people locally. We are currently in the business planning phase and part of the reason for my attendance yesterday was to try to establish relevant issues relating to our proposed business. One issue which was raised by other attendees yesterday was Bradford Council’s ability to respond to identified needs, carry out assessments and make it possible for providers to access funds necessary to provide the services. Some of the discussions in one of the groups worried me, regarding a backlog in administration relation to personal budgets. It was stated that the current situation is that clients are assessed then given the Council’s internal care package. Then, because of an administrative backlog, they are referred to an agency for approx 4 months. At the end of that time they are probably settled with their service and will not want to move to another provider.

This seems to negate against us setting up a substantial business involving personalisation.

Have I got this right? I would appreciate any info from people who are already involved with this issue, it may help me to decide whether this is a ‘dealbreaker’ or not.

 

Thanks. Mick.

 

 

[Rob Greenland]

Hi Mick

we've certainly heard that anecdotally.  And yes, I think you'd be right to be concerned about whether many people will move to a new package of support once they've become accustomed to a more traditional package of support.

I'll raise this with Andrew and Helen at the Council to see if they know more.  If anyone else has any further info please add it here by replying to the email or emailing personalisation-...@googlegroups.com

Thanks

Rob

Rob Greenland

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[Rob Greenland]

Hi Mick

just a note to say I passed this on to Helen Johnston at the Council and she is looking into it.  I'll come back to you all when I get a response.

Thanks

Rob

On 12 May 2011, at 11:00, Mick Binns wrote:

[WARD ERYL]

Thanks Rob,

This is certainly what social workers in Bradford are telling me. I hear the same from other authorities so it is not just Bradford!

Eryl

[Mick Binns]

Thanks. I’ll await Helen’s comments with interest. Mick.

 

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