Home Cleaning Service

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Building CleaningTransport, Cleaning and
Catering ServiceLocal Environmental Services
OPSSOlder Peoples Support ServiceHSSHome
Support Service
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How Service Developed

• Supporting People funding introduced in 2002
  bringing together a number of funding sources.
• Housing services surveyed residents of sheltered
  accommodation, determined that older people felt
  that a cleaning service would help maintain their
  independence.
• We provided a service specification for a
  cleaning service, and it was agreed that this
  service would receive SP funding.

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Between 2002 and 2008

• Evolution of cleaning service.
• Developments within other council services.
• Change in funding criteria.
• Audit commission supporting people inspection (of
  SP team).
• Home cleaning service review.
• Excellent customer feedback.

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Next Steps

• SP Team very keen to see development of a
  floating Support Service for Older People.
• Worked collaboratively to develop a new service
  to meet recognised needs in Gateshead.
• Matched SP funding criteria.

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6 Main Support Areas

• Quality of life
• Health
• Social networks/skills and hobbies
• Home environment
• Dealing with home-based administration and
  finances
• Cultural and religious needs

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What We Offer

• Visiting service/reducing isolation / befriending
• Helping access social interaction
• Signposting to welfare benefits check
• Information conduit
• Household clerical tasks
• Independent living skills/kitchen skills training
• Accompanied shopping/arranging delivery
• Security advice fit security equipment
• Home safety check (RoSPA)

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OPSS Eligibility

• Over 50 years old
• Gateshead resident
• In need of the support the service can offer.
• In receipt of Housing Benefit / Council Tax
  Benefit
• Eligible for fairer charging assessment.

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New Home Support Service

• Decision taken to offer a paid-for housework
  service across the board.
• No eligibility criteria.
• Service Users set the specification within the
  time they choose to have.
• Frequency of visits set by Service Users.

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Service in SouthNeighbourhood

• Requesting repairs to mobility equipment
• Requesting repairs to property
• Accompanied excursions
• Social and emotional support
• Meeting individual goals

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Model of Additional Support
OPSS Centrally funded Supporting individuals to
manage and maintain their independence
HSS Customer funded Carrying out housework tasks
for customers
Older People now exercising increased
independence, choice and control over their
lives.
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Older Peoples Support Service Home Support
Service Priscilla Elmer Tel[phone]
5514 priscillaelmer_at_gateshead.gov.uk