Stoke-on-Trent City Council aims to save £220,000 by promoting extra care housing for older adults
Stoke-on-Trent: The council is planning to save money on adult social care. They want to help older people stay independent and out of care homes.
Next year, the council will spend £85.2 million on supporting vulnerable adults. This is an increase from £77.3 million. The growing number of older adults is driving this demand.
To balance the budget, the council aims to cut costs in some areas. They hope to save £230,000 a year on domiciliary care by focusing on community support instead of formal assessments.
Additionally, they want to save £220,000 by encouraging the use of extra care housing. This option allows older people to live more independently while still receiving support.
Peter Tomlin, the director of adult social care, emphasized the goal of keeping people independent. He noted that no one wants to end up in a care home.
Councillor Duncan Walker mentioned a new approach to adult social care. They now ask, “What matters to you?” instead of focusing on problems.
The council currently supports older adults in eight extra care housing schemes. They plan to use available spaces in these schemes to reduce reliance on care homes.
Cllr Walker stated that extra care housing is more cost-effective. It helps people maintain their independence longer than traditional residential care.
Committee member Adrian Knapper raised concerns about the lack of bungalows. He believes they should build more bungalows instead of just apartment complexes.
Cabinet member Sarah Hill noted that bungalows require more land, which is a challenge given the city’s housing needs.
The council is also looking to save an additional £600,000 by reviewing existing care packages. This will help ensure that people receive the right amount of care.
Committee member Chandra Kanneganti warned that reviews might not always lead to savings. Sometimes, people may need more support instead of less.
Mr. Tomlin mentioned plans for 4,000 reviews. While some care packages may increase, they expect an overall reduction of 10 percent.
A public consultation on the budget proposals is open until February 10. Residents can share their thoughts online or by mail.
