Home Group Welcomes New ‘Homes Not Hospitals’ National Plan
Plans to transform services for people with learning disabilities and or autism with behaviour that challenges have been welcomed by one of the UK’s leading affordable housing and care and support organisations, Home Group.
Under a £45m service transformation scheme launched last Friday (30 October) by NHS England, the LGA and ADASS, people with a learning disability are expected to benefit from improved community-based care instead of remaining in hospital.
The three year plan could see half of the estimated 2,000 people with a learning disability and or autism with behaviour that challenges settled in their own accommodation and in receipt of tailor made care and support.
Welcoming the announcement, Rachael Byrne, executive director of care and support for Home Group, said:
“This is good news and will see more and more people able to live in their local communities in the accommodation of their choice, where they can build a better life with the help of their family, friends and local support networks.
“The plan reflects the important role housing plays in delivering improved care and support and enabling people with challenging behaviour to pursue more independent lives.
“The forging of strong relationships between local community partners, care and support providers and families and individuals will be key to delivering longer lasting success. However, the NHS and local government cannot do it on their own.
“Housing with care providers such as Home Group, with their deep-rooted care and support experience and expertise, are well placed to play a role in this, ensuring that some of the most vulnerable people get the support they need early on, preventing them from developing complex issues themselves and improving their health.”
A national NHS England fund of £45m will be available to Transforming Care Partnerships over the next three years to aid the transition, focussing on ensuring that the right support is available in local areas to enable the successful discharges and resettlement in homes and communities that people choose.
£15m will be available for capital projects, and £30M is available on a match-funding basis for local commissioners to ‘double-run’ services, meaning a total transformation fund of £75m.
