Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Communities whether any recent assessment has carried out of the adequacy of access to sports facilities for people living in rural communities.
Minister for Communities: In the event of any care agency withdrawing from a home care support package, HSC Trusts undertake a number of measures to do all they can to continue to support individuals in their own home. Whilst not an exhaustive list, steps include;
Ensuring open communication at all times with individuals affected and their family/carer as appropriate.
Confirming all efforts have been made to resolve the reason for the handback.
Requesting the existing care provider to maintain the support until an alternative provider can be sourced.
Ensuring the home care support package is immediately re-issued via the brokerage system to secure a new care provider.
Exploration of any capacity or additional hours within Statutory home care services will be undertaken.
In the event alternative care provision cannot be sourced immediately, the need will be added to the waiting list for home care provision and discussions with the individual and family will ensue to put contingency plans in place such as the offer of Direct Payments and family support where possible.
Each contingency plan will be bespoke to individuals.
In extreme circumstances, whereby home care has been withdrawn with immediate effect, resulting in an urgent need;
Consideration to mobilise appropriately trained staff within HSC Teams, such as support workers, nurses and allied health professionals may be taken over 24-48 hours until a safe contingency plan can be put in place.
ENDS
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