Plans to invest more in home based support to help people recover and stay independent
At its meeting on Wednesday 22 April, the council’s Cabinet will be asked to review a proposal to invest more in home‑based reablement – short‑term support that helps people regain confidence and independence, often after a stay in hospital.
As part of this proposal, Cabinet will consider closing Great Western Court, a short‑term reablement unit in Gloucester. The funding currently used to run the service, can be redirected into community‑based services.
Reablement is short‑term support that helps people regain confidence and independence. It supports people to rebuild everyday skills, such as moving around safely, preparing meals and managing daily routines. National and local evidence shows that people recover better when this support happens in their own homes, where goals are shaped around everyday life, familiar routines and what matters most to the individual.
The service at Great Western Court no longer offers value for money. Demand for bed‑based reablement at the unit has been low, as the service does not provide the level of complex, specialist nursing support the NHS now requires for people being discharged from hospital. As a result, admissions were paused in February and there are currently no residents being cared for at Great Western Court.
The council is working closely with NHS partners to make sure short‑term care and rehabilitation remains available for those who need it. This includes buying the right type of community beds for people who are ready to leave hospital but need a little more support before returning home.
If approved, these proposals would allow the council to invest more in prevention and support in people’s own homes, helping residents stay well, active and independent for longer.
The council is committed to supporting staff affected by the proposal. Work is already underway to help staff move into other roles within adult social care wherever possible, with support available throughout the process.
Cllr Dr Kate Usmar cabinet member for adults’ support and independence at Gloucestershire County Council said: “Our priority is supporting people to recover in the way that works best for them. For most people, that means getting the right help at home, in familiar surroundings, with support that focuses on what really matters in their day‑to‑day lives.
“These proposals are about using our resources where they can make the biggest difference to meet the needs of residents and Great Western Court no longer represents good value for money. We know change can be difficult, particularly for staff who have shown real dedication and care, and we are committed to supporting them to move into other roles across Adult Social Care wherever possible.”
Cabinet papers are available on the council’s website. A decision will be made at the Cabinet meeting on 22 April.