Agenda and minutes

To approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 2 November 2015.

The Minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 7 January 2016 were approved as a correct record.

No declarations of interest were made.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The feedback from the session held with carers and former carers at the Meadows Hospital on 7 January 2016 is summarised in the attached document.

The Panel is invited to consider the feedback.

Officer contact: Jonathan Vali, 0161 474 3201, jonathan.vali@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided feedback from the session held with carers and former carers at the Meadows Hospital on 7 January 2016.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         Carers reported feeling isolated, particularly at night.  Members felt that this was one area that they would really like to help with.

·         Members discussed the forthcoming closure of the ‘Shared Care’ service, and whether there was any possibility of keeping the service ticking over.  At the meeting held at The Meadows on 7 January 2016, people were close to tears at the thought of the service closing, demonstrating its value to carers.  Councillors agreed that they should explore ways to continue funding for this service.

·         Carers could have quite differing needs.  Some carers had very little contact with services and wanted to care independently.  Other carers felt that they needed quite intensive support from services. Others wanted support but not in a formalised way.  Carers could benefit greatly from supporting each other and sharing experiences.

·         It was noted that there are also very different needs between those who want clinical support and those who need more practical support.

·         People would manage for so long, but would reach a tipping point and the carer may feel unable to cope any longer.

·         As the number of dementia patients increases, the number of carers requiring help and support was also going to increase. Councillors expressed concerned that as numbers increased, services may not be able to cope.

·         Councillors expressed surprise at the number of people who said that they struggled to get out alone, even for a couple of hours and were surprised by the lack of short-term respite provision and the costs.

·         Councillors questioned whether carers were allocated a social worker on receipt of a diagnosis.  In response it was stated that this depended on whether the patient or carer had significant and eligible needs.

·         It is also important to ensure that the newly diagnosed were getting all the benefits that they were entitled to.

·         Members were advised that the Alzheimer’s Society has a national helpline.  Members queried what happened when calls to the helpline required a follow up.

·         It was felt that the issue of ex-carers was an important one.  When a loved one died, the carer could feel bereft and that they no longer had a role.  Carers also wanted to stress that they were still carers even when their loved ones go into a residential care setting.

·         It was acknowledged that ex-carers had a wealth of knowledge and experience and that often they wanted to help current carers.  It was considered that this could be a useful resource.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

The Panel is invited to consider the next steps in the Review.

A discussion took place regarding the possible next steps for the Review.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to arrange a further meeting and to invite representatives of Stepping Hill Hospital to discuss the work taking place a the Trust to support carers and patients.

(2) That the Democratic Services Manager be requested to  submit the Final Report of the Scrutiny Review Panel to be submitted by 5 April 2016.