Hi all
Mum has up to now been having care on a private basis via a local agency with whom we have built up an excellent working relationship.
Now that mum's capital has fallen below threshold, we have had a social services assessment, and as I wanted to carry on using the same agency, I asked for direct payments. I got a costing from the agency and submitted it, and what I was dreading, has now happened.......
The local authority has a contract rate with the agency, which is much less than the private rate, so SS are wanting us to accept what they call 'internal services', ie care through the same agency, for, at present £129 per week less than the private rate.
Social Services call this a 'saving', but of course it's only a saving to them.... For the agency, it means that they will be asked to provide the same care at a vastly reduced rate. I have no guarantee that they will accept this. Furthermore, IF we go with this, Social Services will be at liberty to source mum's care in future from anyone who is cheaper We lose any say over things, and even if we keep the current agency, they may well give us less convenient times etc.
There is also the issue of care workers being paid a living wage. I really don't want to be involved with such exploitation of care staff, in the interests of the local authority keeping costs down...
So my dilemma is, do I go ahead with direct payments, meeting a shortfall of £129 a week from mum's / our savings ?? It would place a considerable burden on us, but we'd do it if we decide it's worthwhile. And fairer all round.
So, what do you think? Is it worth topping up direct payments in order to stay in control of mum's care, and being able to hold our heads up morally??
Lindy xx
Mum has up to now been having care on a private basis via a local agency with whom we have built up an excellent working relationship.
Now that mum's capital has fallen below threshold, we have had a social services assessment, and as I wanted to carry on using the same agency, I asked for direct payments. I got a costing from the agency and submitted it, and what I was dreading, has now happened.......
The local authority has a contract rate with the agency, which is much less than the private rate, so SS are wanting us to accept what they call 'internal services', ie care through the same agency, for, at present £129 per week less than the private rate.
Social Services call this a 'saving', but of course it's only a saving to them.... For the agency, it means that they will be asked to provide the same care at a vastly reduced rate. I have no guarantee that they will accept this. Furthermore, IF we go with this, Social Services will be at liberty to source mum's care in future from anyone who is cheaper We lose any say over things, and even if we keep the current agency, they may well give us less convenient times etc.
There is also the issue of care workers being paid a living wage. I really don't want to be involved with such exploitation of care staff, in the interests of the local authority keeping costs down...
So my dilemma is, do I go ahead with direct payments, meeting a shortfall of £129 a week from mum's / our savings ?? It would place a considerable burden on us, but we'd do it if we decide it's worthwhile. And fairer all round.
So, what do you think? Is it worth topping up direct payments in order to stay in control of mum's care, and being able to hold our heads up morally??
Lindy xx
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