The Care Act The Key Changes, Challenges and Opportunities Bev Jocelyn – Commissioning Manager

Introduction to the Care Act  Became Law in May  Part I effective from 1 April  Part II effective 1 April  Modernise law into one piece of legislation.  Access assessment and funding.  Health services and care standards.

The Care Act Key Changes

 Duty to promote a person’s Wellbeing.  Comprehensive information and advice.  Enforceable rights for Carers.  Duty to support self funders and prisoners.  Duty to promote integration. General Responsibilities and Universal Services

 Independent advocacy services.  Assessments - appropriate, proportionate and integrated.  Single national threshold for eligibility for care and support.  Personal budgets and direct payments.  Safeguarding Board. Assessment, Eligibility and Support Planning

 Regulations and guidance consultation Autumn  Care Cap £72K.  Capital disregard limits.  Care account.  Deferred payment scheme. Charging and financial Assessments

Current vs. New Charging Arrangements

New Charging Arrangements The Care Cap  Individuals will contribute towards the first £72,000 of care costs.  Costs split: direct care costs and general living costs.  Only direct care costs will count towards the cap.  General living costs will be capped around £12,000 per annum. Example A residential placement costs £400 per week. The cost is split as follows: It would take 424 weeks (that’s 8 years) before the £72,000 will be reached. The average length of stay in residential care is currently 127 weeks or (2.4 years) In most cases the new charging arrangements will not impact upon the current client base.

New Charging Arrangements – The Care Account  The Care Account will commence 1 April  Record and keep up to date accrued direct care costs.  Provide a statement of accrued costs.  Inform the individual once the care cap is reached.

Commissioning and Market Shaping  Develop sustainable markets.  Encourage variety.  Sufficiency, capacity and capability.

Managing the Market  CQC retain market oversight responsibility.  Local Authority must ensure continuity of care.  Meet needs irrespective of eligibility criteria.  Duty to cooperate.

Delegation of Powers  Local Authorities may delegate some functions.  Local Authorities retain ultimate responsibility.  Delegation must ensure compliance to Local Authority legal obligations.

Challenges for Local Authorities  Demographic pressure.  Constrained and reducing resources.  Potential increase in demand.  Additional cost pressures.  Integration of funding.  Operational challenges.  Stability of the care market.

Opportunities  Table top discussion to identify the opportunities that may present following implementation of the Care Act.

Any Questions?