Choice for homecare users

New agreement boosts choice for homecare users

Leeds health and social care organisations will be working more closely with independent providers to ensure the support people receive at home is more flexible, person-centred and locality-based.

In partnership with NHS Leeds Continuing Care, Adult Social Care will be able to further develop and improve community homecare by buying services through what is known as a ‘framework agreement’. This type of agreement sets out strict terms, conditions and principles under which services are purchased and delivered throughout the term of the contract.

To be part of the agreement, homecare providers must agree to design services around the needs and outcomes of each individual – and providers will be expected to work closely with people to achieve these outcomes in the best possible way.

Under the new agreement, people will receive support from providers who operate within their own area of Leeds – so staff can help people link in with their communities and access other local activities or support.

The agreement will aim to ensure that a broader range of providers is on offer, with the skills to support adults of all ages and from all communities within Leeds.

The framework agreement will run from 1 November 2010 to 31 October 2013.

What will this mean for staff and people who use services?

Only new customers will have services provided under the framework agreement. Existing service users will not be expected to change provider unless they want to.

For Continuing Care clients this will mean that care managers will have a list of contracted providers to work from; further information will be available soon.

To be part of the framework, independent contractors will have to agree to meet high standards and focus on working with people to meet outcomes – so all customers should receive an equally good quality of service.