Case studies for comissioners
Blackpool Care & Repair’s ‘Seashore’ (Seeking to Ensure a Safer Healthier Older Residents Environment) project is a well established scheme which was set up to help reduce the unusually high number of hospital admissions amongst older people in Blackpool, particularly as a result of accidents in the home.
Blackpool Primary Care Trust in particular was highly concerned about the high level of hospital admissions and agreed to provide funding for the project.
Using this funding, Blackpool Care & Repair carries out home safety checks to highlight health and safety problems such as a poor heating system or dangers which could cause falls. The service employs two inspectors, two handypersons and one administrator. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is also on hand to provide fire safety advice and practical solutions to hazards the agency staff identify - for example, fitting a smoke alarm. The caseworkers use a checklist that has been developed using indicators from the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
Referrals to the scheme arrive from health and social services professionals, clients, community matrons and occupational therapists. Householders over 60 are offered free environmental home safety and security inspections of their homes and if a risk is identified, the client can take up the recommended home improvement measures, most of which are free.
As part of the home safety assessment, the home improvement agency can also refer clients for a benefit check or to the community matron and falls service. Regular 'Healthy Homes, Healthier Lives' training is provided to health and social services professionals and the voluntary sector to raise awareness of the impact that poor housing has on health and how to prevent accidents in the home.
The scheme has contributed to its commissioners achieving their outcomes relating to local and national priorities in the local area agreement and local strategic partnership. It is cost-efficient, providing access to inexpensive adaptations and equipment, and saves health spending large amounts as a result of a hospital admission that could be prevented.
By giving people control over the choices they make, with the appropriate support, the scheme is also in keeping with the personalisation agenda.
