Old People's Champion discusses care
EAST Sussex County Council's Old People's Champion has met with Eastbourne residents yesterday to discuss the future of adult social care.
Speaking at the Sovereign Harbour Social Club, Councillor Bill Bentley, told the audience about Putting People First (PPF), the national care plan being rolled-out across the country and the specific challenges faced in East Sussex. He also talked about Telecare – an advanced community alarm service.
The county has the highest population of over-85s in the country, with more than a quarter aged over 65 and these figures are growing rapidly. Cllr Bentley, the Lead Member for Adult Social Care, explained the challenges that faced the council to ensure more people got the care they needed in an affordable and sensitive way to meet this growing demand.
He listened to audience views on social care and on wider concerns about transport and community facilities in Sovereign Harbour. He assured residents that they will be given advice and help from the county council and information on other organisations which could support them.
Cllr Bentley, speaking afterwards, said, "This was a great opportunity to speak to people living in Eastbourne and I enjoyed meeting residents in Sovereign Harbour. I understand people need to hear first-hand from county councillors about what our policies and plans actually mean for them as individuals. By talking to and consulting our residents it helps us planfor the future and ensure we are in touch with what people think in our community."
Putting People First is a national policy that sets out how the Government wants social care to be provided in the future. It will start in East Sussex in April 2010.
The aim is to help people to stay healthy and live as independently as possible, while getting the right level of care. If people need adult social care support from the council they will have choice and control over the support provided and receive high-quality services. Those who are eligible for care will get personal budgets so they can choose how they want money spent to meet their own needs in a system called self-directed' support.
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Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 3 C to 10 C
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