Improving Lives Award
Oxfordshire County Council has won an award for a new scheme set up to help local people living in care homes.
The presentation was made at a special event held in London by Improvement and Efficiency South East which recognises councils who have made significant changes in improving access to services for local people. The council was shortlisted for four other awards across a region of 74 local authorities.
Improving Lives Award
The Improving Lives award was made for the development of individual funding in care homes. The Individual Service Funds project was delivered in partnership with Age Concern and the Office for Disability Issues (ODI). It aims to improve individuals' lives by giving them greater choice over their care and support. Costs per person are minimal.
Examples of this in action include improving a lady's social situation by helping her take up water colour painting which she enjoys doing with her fellow residents. Also sailing sessions at a local club for a well-travelled gentleman who now has severe dementia. He's able to rig his boat and sails it with a carer - an activity he enjoyed as a younger man.
"The aim is that people receive services that are based around them as a person and the result is that people feel more engaged and independent with an increased feeling of well-being and dignity. They lead the life they want to live with increased choice and control over the support they need," said Councillor Jim Couchman, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Services.
So far, 36 residents of six care homes have received support from Age Concern and the ODI who have acted as brokers to research and arrange prospective services and activities related to the individual. Staff in several homes have also been trained to help individual residents plan their care.
See also the full press release on Oxfordshire County Council's website.
