Carers concern over council shake-up
CARERS are today expected to voice concerns about an overhaul of day care services for people with learning disabilities.
3:00pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in
Bosses at Worcestershire County Council hope an overhaul of day care services will save £1.3 million a year – 29 per cent of the overall day care budget – but deny there are plans to close Cherry Orchard Day Centre in Worcester, raised as a concern by some carers.
The issue was due to be discussed at Perdiswell Young People’s Club today in a meeting organised by the Worcestershire Association of Carers.
The council expects that fewer people will be using the centres from April 1 this year because they will be receiving day care direct from their registered care home provider.
A report was produced to cabinet in July last year which involved the launch of a 12-month pilot scheme in Wychavon after a consultation begun in February.
Council leaders say the changes would lead to improved support for people with “profound and multiple disabilities”, more support in the community rather than at larger centres and improved access to employment for people with learning disabilities.
The council said that people in 24-hour residential care should get day support from those who provide them with residential care rather than getting day care from Worcestershire County Council.
One of the most controversial issues is the allocation of personalised budgets which county council leaders say will give greater choice in day care.
However, one carer who declined to be named said his son would only be able to use day centre services once or twice a week instead of four times, putting extra pressure on carers.
He said: “It seems they’re washing their hands of our kids. Some carers won’t be able to manage.”
Peter Webb, aged 66, of Claines, near Worcester, is a carer for his children Anthony, 40, and Anita, 35, who have mytotonic dystrophy.
He said: “They’re talking about direct payments and things like that. I know people who have gone on direct payments and been worse off.
“At the moment people need Cherry Orchard on a daily basis.
“It gives the carers a chance to catch up. There’s lots of things you can’t do if you have handicapped people to look after. This puts more load on you as a parent or carer.”
