The proposed changes include creating specialist dementia residential care centres alongside day and night respite opportunities to give carers a break.
The 12-week public consultation into the proposals runs until Wednesday 7 August, and we are urging everyone to give their views before it closes.
Our Cabinet approved the consultation after hearing there was a decline in demand for traditional residential care as more people choose to stay at home for as long as they can.
Those going into care are often frailer and have more complex needs, requiring more specialist care. And with a growing number of people in Derbyshire living with dementia, we need to focus our resources on meeting demand while ensuring sustainability to help support those who need help most.
As part of the consultation, face-to-face meetings have been held with care home residents and people who use the day centres, along with their families and carers.
A series of public drop-in sessions were held at Derbyshire libraries and online public meetings also took place.
Residents can still have their say by filling in a questionnaire on residential care and day opportunities for older people.
Paper copies are available on request and support can be provided to anyone who needs help to complete it. We must receive all responses to the consultation, including paper copies of the questionnaire, by 7 August 2024.
Cabinet Member for Adult Care Councillor Natalie Hoy said:
“People tell us they want to remain independent, choosing to stay in their own homes for as long as possible as they get older, which has led to a decline in demand for traditional residential care.
“With a growing number of people in Derbyshire living with dementia, we need to focus our resources on having the right options to support them and their carers, which would give us the resources needed to meet demand while ensuring we are sustainable so we can continue to support people who need us most.
“The consultation is still open for anyone who has yet to have their say and I’d urge everyone who wants to take part to give their views.
“I’d like to reassure everyone that no decisions will be made about these proposals until we hear everyone’s views and I’d urge people to have their say by 7 August.”
To request a paper copy of the questionnaire or for help to fill in the survey email tell.adultcare@derbyshire.gov.uk or tel: 01629 531307 to leave a message and one of the team will call you back.