Cost cutting waiting list for a home help 2/9/10
Frail pensioners and disabled people in the Western Isles who need a home help will be put on a waiting list for the first time in a cost cutting move.
The restrictions which come into force on Monday do not apply to people who have critical care needs.
But below that level, even those who have a substantial requirement for home care face having to wait.
The cut comes as the isles’ authority shifts away from its system of using home helps on a causal basis. It is establishing a contracted home care workforce with carers guaranteed at least 21 hours weekly.
Western Isles Council accepts the new waiting list policy which aims to curb the large number of hours worked by home helps risks putting extra strain on family and local volunteers.
The islands’ home care service has already spent nearly quarter of a million pounds over its budget in the first three months of this financial year.
Cllr Keith Dodson warned it gave the “impression of putting cost before care.”
He said the council could be seen to “operate a two-
Mr Dodson said a strict cap on hours did not take unpredicted pressures into account as “you cannot budget for unseen and unexpected” events.
The current practice helps people retain their independence and live in their own homes.
He said it is “not best value of care to those who need our help. It is important we meet the needs of the vulnerable in our society.”
But council leader Angus Campbell pointed out that the changes would be more efficient and actually deliver more hours by cutting down on higher overtime payments and saving the budget.
Point councillor Norman Macdonald said the islands had a “Rolls Royce” service for old folk which could not continue in its present form. He pointed out that staff had terms and conditions than in the private sector used by other councils.