A report was presented to a special meeting of the Argyll and Bute Integration Joint Board (IJB) on Wednesday 30 September setting out the findings of an extended review of local day services and proposing a number of options to be considered by the IJB.
The review highlighted that day services are highly valued by older adults, unpaid carers, staff, partners and our local communities. The services play an important role in reducing social isolation, supporting wellbeing, providing respite for carers and helping people remain independent and live at home for longer.
It was outlined in the review that the current model is not sufficiently sustainable or consistent across Argyll and Bute. The use of the service also varies between sites, access can be challenging, and day services are not always fully integrated within the wider health and social care pathways.
The IJB was asked to consider the following three options and agree the preferred option for implementation:
Option 1: Close all adult day services.
Option 2 (amended): Make day services more financially sustainable: a structured redesign programme that provides outcomes for older adults and their carers that are currently delivered through day services but as a more sustainable model as part of the wider social care system. This should consider utilisation, access, measurable outcomes and integration with wider health and social care pathways, including commissioned, community and partnership provision where this better meets local need.
Option 3: Close the day services that cannot be made sustainable.
Following a discussion the IJB agreed that the preferred option moving forward would be Option 2. This would involve a structured redesign programme aimed at strengthening the day services locally through creating a more sustainable model within the wider social care system.
This approach would focus on improving access, increasing the use of the service, develop clearer measures of success, and strengthening links with broader health and social care services. It would also consider opportunities to work alongside commissioned providers, community organisations and local partners to better meet the needs of different communities.
HSCP officers will now be developing an implementation plan which will include engagement with local communities, the people who use our services and our staff to discuss the future delivery of the service within our local communities.