Bracknell Forest Council is introducing a new approach to home care

As part of the council’s transformation programme, community based care for older people and people with long term conditions is being changed.

Provided by one of five specialist agencies, care will be focused on helping individuals achieve their goals, with the aim of remaining independent and staying in their own homes.

Cllr Dale Birch, executive member for adult services, health and housing, said: “This new approach to delivering care will mean, instead of our providers doing tasks for residents, they will work together on a care plan so that, in time and where possible, people are helped to be able to do things for themselves.

“It’s a new way of providing care which looks at all the support available locally, including voluntary organisations, to help residents achieve what matters to them.

“We recognise that every individual is different and therefore each care plan will vary but they will each help residents do more for themselves. This will allow people to regain their confidence and skills, helping them to be as independent as possible and remain connected to and part of the community.”

In line with the Care Act 2014, each agency will work with individuals to design, shape and review their care plan to help them achieve what matters to them, allowing them to maximise their independence and do more for themselves.

The new way of working will replace the traditional ‘time and task’ model which the council currently runs via an approved list of 18 providers. Under this model, providers send carers to carry out specific tasks for social care recipients, such as doing their weekly food shop or personal care.

Over the past five years, the council has seen an increased demand for social care services with a doubling of costs to support the same number of people.

The successful providers are: Care 1st Ltd, Loving Angels Care Ltd, Oxford House Community Care, Q Care Ltd, Watershed Care Services Ltd.