New scheme to help adults live independently launches in South Tyneside - creating jobs in the process

Older people and others who need support are increasingly saying they wish to stay well and live at home, rather than having to go into residential care, according to feedback gathered by council chiefs.

In response, South Tyneside Council has launched a ‘Help to Live at Home’ model, which officers say puts people in control of their care, providing a better experience and improving consistency and continuity of support.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, deputy leader with responsibility for Independence and Wellbeing, said the new approach is a key part of the Council’s Adult Social Care Strategy – adding that it will also lead to the creation of new care worker jobs.

“We recognise that people are happier and healthier when they live independently in their own homes, are connected to their communities and feel in control of their lives. This service has been established to help them achieve just that,” she said.

“The number of people over the age of 65 in South Tyneside will increase by 3,000 over the next five years so it’s important to make these changes now so that we can continue to meet people’s needs going forward.”

She added: “I’d like to reassure people that there will be no change in the level of support they receive as a result of changing provider. In fact, the vast majority of people will receive a far better service.”

Cllr Dixon said the new service provides both short and longer term support, including a rapid response service to reduce the need for a hospital admission.

It also provides a night visiting service, where needed, to enable people to live in their own home for longer.

The council has recently appointed care provider partners to deliver the service and has written to those residents who may be affected.

However, care workers have the right to transfer to their new company, meaning in most cases people will continue to be cared for by their usual carers.

The new service is currently being rolled out. Anyone with questions or concerns can get in touch with the Help to Live at Home team on 0191 424 6060 or email [email protected]