This blog is No 2 in the series dedicated to Leader of Barnet Council, Mike Freer's Answers to my questions at the last cabinet meeting. You decide if he's given a satifactory answer. No comment from me.
RT Q2: How many visits per day do existing wardens make
and how many will wardens make under the new
scheme?
Q3: 3. What is the average duration of a warden visit
currently and what is the expected duration under
the new scheme?
MF A2 & 3: At present visits are carried out by wardens to variable levels across the existing
sheltered housing stock, depending on current job requirements. The new service
will provide individual support based on needs rather than standard visits. The
service will be provided by support staff, rather than wardens, and it is anticipated
that support duration will be short term, up to 6 months.
For those people with ongoing care needs, residents will continue to have these
needs met through Adult Social Services. We will ensure that the new support
workers agree with the tenant on when to call and when to visit.
The proposals reflect Barnet’s strategy to commission services that are responsive
to individual need and that work flexibly by providing support when and where it is
needed. Our proposal has been informed by the excellent work of Barnet’s
existing visiting support services that at present work with older people who are
not living in sheltered housing. The satisfaction levels reported by the people who
use the services are high.
I already work in sheltered housing in another county and floating support is being introduced in stages. At present the residents come under three levels, 1, 2 and 3 - (3 being the most vulnerable). Since the introduction of this system we have more Levels 1 who are only visited once per month. This has created isolation, loss of security as we have to rotate monthly thereby no getting to know the residents. Due to this diabolical system we are seeing more and more mental health problems and residents are not being consulted or kept informed of any changes that are introduced almost weekly. Barnet beware the demise of the warden service is the final nail in the coffin of sheltered housing!
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