Preliminary Market Engagement for Domiciliary Care Services, Reablement Services and the Short-Term Assistance Service

Descriptions

THIS IS NOT A CALL FOR COMPETITION THIS IS MARKET ENGAGEMENT.

This preliminary market engagement questionnaire is to seek potential providers views for three key areas of service provision:

• Domiciliary Care

Provision of domiciliary care services is currently delivered by independent sector providers who are registered with the Care Quality Commission to provide personal care services. The current model is one of 10 demand zones based on geographical boundaries with between 2 and 4 providers operating in each zone. The specification covers all ages of people.

• Reablement Service

Reablement is the care and support an individual needs after leaving hospital due to an illness or injury. This level of care and support is no longer than 6 weeks.

Reablement services are currently delivered in County Durham by a number of providers with some operating in a demand zone and one provider covering a larger area of the County. Rates vary, with rates per hour and rates by episode currently in use.

• Short Term Assistance Service

Short Term Assistance Service (STAS) is a countywide service provided by one provider. This service is intended to provide support for a limited period in a crisis situation only and to provide assistance in three main areas, to assist in hospital avoidance / hospital discharge, bridging service (when a domiciliary / reablement package cannot start on the date required, deliver replacement care in an unpaid carer emergency (please note that this is not available for parent carers for children under the age of 18)

The current arrangements for the commissioning of these services comes to an end on 31st March 2026. The Council is committed to the delivery of high quality Services and wishes to work in partnership with Independent Sector Providers, who can demonstrate and deliver Services which achieve and maintain 'value for money' and positive outcomes for service users enabling them to live independently and safely in their community.