Deadline approaches for views on County Council care proposals (August 7th)

Derbyshire County Council officials have issued a reminder to residents of Erewash and from across Derbyshire that there is still time for them to have their say on proposals to redesign authority-run residential care and day centres for older people.

The proposed changes include creating specialist dementia residential care centres alongside day and night respite opportunities to give carers a break.

The 12-week public consultation into the proposals runs until Wednesday 7th August, and the county council is urging everyone to give their views before it closes.  Proposed changes affect care homes and venues in Borrowash, Cotmanhay and Long Eaton.

Cabinet approved the consultation after hearing there was a decline in demand for traditional residential care as more people choose to stay at home for as long as they can. Those going into care are often frailer and have more complex needs, requiring more specialist care. And with a growing number of people in Derbyshire living with dementia, the council needs to focus its resources on meeting demand while ensuring sustainability to help support those who need help most.

As part of the consultation, face-to-face meetings have been held with care home residents and people who use the county council’s day centres, along with their families and carers. A series of public drop-in sessions were held at Derbyshire libraries and online public meetings also took place.

Residents can still have their say by filling in an online questionnaire on the county council’s website derbyshire.gov.uk/consultations

Paper copies are available on request and support can be provided to anyone who needs help to complete it. All responses to the consultation, including paper copies of the questionnaire, must be received by the county council by 7th August 2024.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for adult care Councillor Natalie Hoy said: “People tell us they want to remain independent, choosing to stay in their own homes for as long as possible as they get older, which has led to a decline in demand for traditional residential care.

“With a growing number of people in Derbyshire living with dementia, we need to focus our resources on having the right options to support them and their carers, which would give us the resources needed to meet demand while ensuring we are sustainable so we can continue to support people who need us most.”
 
Councillor Hoy added: “The consultation is still open for anyone who has yet to have their say and I’d urge everyone who wants to take part to give their views. I’d like to reassure everyone that no decisions will be made about these proposals until we hear everyone’s views and I’d urge people to have their say by 7th August.”

To request a paper copy of the questionnaire or for help to fill in the survey contact the county council’s Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation Team on 01629 531307 to leave a message and one of the team will call back, or email tell.adultcare @ derbyshire.gov.uk.