Views sought on changes to residential and nursing care fees

Residential and nursing care providers are being encouraged to have their say as the county council continues to look at changing the way it pays care fees.

A six-week consultation has launched, which seeks views on proposed changes to older age and working age adult care fees and changes to contractual arrangements.

The second stage of the consultation will include the proposed fee levels, which will be backdated from 8 April 2019, and plans for the transfer of current residents to the new system.

The proposals include:

• Revising the current band system;
• Introducing automated annual fee reviews;
• Changing contractual arrangements with care providers so that they are in line with current legislation, best practice and Care Quality Commission requirements; and
• Assessing and introducing the new fees from 8th April 2019.

In stage one of the consultation process the council sought providers’ views about the proposed changes to the structure and processes involved in making and reviewing residential and nursing care placements.

The authority has listened to feedback it received from the first round of the consultation last year and does not intend to proceed with the proposal to introduce standard hotel costs for working age adult homes or the proposal to pay Leicestershire rates for out of county payments.

I’m delighted with the responses we got from providers during the first stage of the consultation and the changes we’ve made shows that we value all feedback received.

“We’re continuing to face significant financial challenges, but we’re fully committed to continuing to support those who need residential or nursing care.

“We want to set fees that are sustainable for care homes across Leicestershire, so they can continue to offer a quality service.

Person:Jon Wilson, director of adults and communities