Social Care

25% more vulnerable people helped to live in their own homes
o Older people deserve dignity and respect in their later years.  We know that they enjoy a better quality of life when helped to live in their own homes, rather than being forced into care homes. 
o Supporting older people to stay in their own homes isn’t just good for older people – it’s good for the taxpayer – often being considerably cheaper than care home fees.
o We have already increased the number of people helped to stay in their own homes by 3,200 – an increase of 31%.
o We will increase this level by at least another 25% by 2013.

30% of care need people to receive personal budgets and be more self reliant
o We believe that people who the council helps, such as people with disabilities and older people, know best about what support best suits them.
o We will delegate council budgets to at least 30% of the people we help in this way, giving them the help and support they need to choose the help that they need.

Refurbish and rebuild care homes across Gloucestershire
o We believe that those older people who can’t stay in their own homes deserve a good quality environment in which to live. 
o Conservatives have agreed a £50m plan to refurbish and rebuild care homes across Gloucestershire.  This will see state of the art facilities for Gloucestershire’s more vulnerable older people.  We are also increasing the amount of specialist dementia facilities in the county.

Support our carers
o Carers will be given support to expand and develop their services to meet the growing needs of old and vulnerable people in the County.

Blue badge renewals provided within 28 days of application
o Blue badge renewals can take too long at present.  We will commit to cut the time for getting or renewing a blue badge to 28 days.