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All we want for Christmas is our community care back
• CAMDEN Council has claimed that the need for community care has declined since November 2006 (Elderly residents ‘fobbed off’ as council racks up £1m saving, December 11).
Yes it has, but only because the council has declined to provide it! Assessments carried out in Camden since November 2006 used criteria which the Commission for Social Care Inspectorate stated have been misused to cut services seen as “low-level”. CSCI have stated “the current system of determining eligibility is so flawed…immediate changes are needed”.
Fair access to services criteria was designed by the government to emphasise meeting people’s self-defining needs, to take a human rights approach, and to take on the holistic needs of elderly and disabled people and their families/ carers. I trust that while Camden’s chief, Moira Gibb, is busy sorting out Haringey’s mess she won’t ignore the human tragedy that is taking place in her own backyard. All we want for Christmas, Moira, is our community care back!
JOY PALMER
Campaign Against Care Charges
• TO suggest Camden is fobbing off elderly residents while racking up a £1million saving is irresponsible, and could put people off applying for the care they need.
The care of elderly residents is a top priority for the council. However, our ageing population means demand for services is constantly growing, while money from central government is shrinking. The council’s adult social care budget is unfortunately limited, so it is important that care is directed towards those who need it most. All people who appear to be in need of community care support are assessed on an individual basis, and there have been no changes to the assessment criteria we use since April 2006. The number of hours per week spent on homecare in September 2008 is on average 11,000, the same as in April 2006.
When replying to enquiries about help and support, we give information about a wide range of services funded by the council.
These include shopping services, practical help in the home, resource centres, luncheon clubs, good neighbour schemes, advocacy and support services, and welfare rights advice.
If a resident needs personal homecare, we conduct a financial assessment of their ability to contribute to their care. This looks at income, outgoings and savings, but also includes a benefits check to help people apply for any benefits they may be missing out on.
These mean more than half of our homecare users still receive a free service.
I want to ensure all older people in Camden receive the care they are entitled to, and do not want them to be discouraged from accessing the many services the council provides.
CLLR MARTIN DAVIES
Executive Member, Adult Social Care and Health
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