Plymouth prepares for new Care Act

News Desk
Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wednesday, February 4, 2015 - 11:42

Residents in Plymouth who need care and support will be affected by changes in Government legislation.

The Care Act 2014, which comes into effect in April 2015, brings new duties for local authorities, along with new rights for both service users and carers.

Under the Care Act, people will be entitled to an assessment for their care and support needs, as will their carers. In addition, safeguarding adults with care and support needs is enshrined in law for the first time.

There will also be the opportunity for people to enter into Deferred Payment Agreements for local residents who go to live in residential or nursing care, own a property and have assets below a certain amount.

Councillor Ian Tuffin, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care for Plymouth City Council, said: “It is really important that local people that need care and support and their carers are aware of the new Care Act and how it affects them. The new Care Act aims to make care and support clearer, fairer and more person centred, and the Council is working hard to ensure it is implemented locally as smoothly as possible.

“The Council will be talking to those affected in the coming months and will arrange assessments with people to find out their care and support needs, as well as arranging Deferred Payment Agreements with people. We are also planning some local events to speak to people about the Care Act.

“We already have a few deferred payment arrangements with individuals on an ad-hoc basis but this will make them available for everyone that wants them.”

What is care and support?

The Government defines care and support needs as being any of the following:

the help some adults need to live as well as possible with any illness or disability they may have. It can include help with things like getting out of bed, washing, dressing, cooking meals, eating, seeing friends, caring for families and being part of the community.

It might also include emotional support at a time of difficulty and stress, helping people who are caring for an adult family member or friend.

Care and support includes the help given by family and friends, as well as any provided by the council or other organisations.

What is a deferred payment agreement?

A deferred payment agreement is an arrangement with the council that will enable people to use the value of their homes to help pay care home costs. If you are eligible, we will help to pay your care home bills on your behalf. You can delay repaying us until you choose to sell your home, or until after your death.

The Government has said the implementation of the Care Act and the deferred payment scheme should be cost neutral for local councils and that they are allowed to set administration fees and interest rates for repayments.

Plymouth City Council will charge 2.65% interest, with an adjustment every six months in line with government rates. There will be an initial administrative fee of £500 in line with other local authorities. People can either pay this fee upfront, or add the fees to their overall deferred payment scheme if they can not afford to pay up front, though it needs to be made clear that interest will be charged. An annual charge of up to £100 may also apply but this will be assessed on an individual basis.

For more information about the Care Act, visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/careandsupport

Further detail on adult social care services in Plymouth are at www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com

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