HELP TO LIVE AT HOME SERVICE FOR ZONE 1

South Tyneside is a vibrant coastal borough in the North East of England, with a strong commitment to supporting residents to live healthy, independent and fulfilling lives. The Council works in close partnership with health, voluntary and community sector organisations to deliver person-centred care that reflects the diverse needs of local people, particularly older residents and those with complex needs.

There is a well-established focus on strengths-based practice, early intervention and reducing inequalities, underpinned by integrated working with NHS partners and a shared ambition to improve outcomes across the system. Service Providers play a key role in shaping future provision, contributing to a sustainable local care market that supports people to remain in their own homes and communities wherever possible.

The Council currently operates three HTLAH Zones in the borough, at contract inception there were four Providers, offering marketplace flexibility, whilst ensuring the needs of residents could be met. The aim of the HTLAH service is to supports adults aged 18 and over to maximise their independence, wellbeing, and quality of life by providing flexible, outcome-focused support that enables them to remain living safely in their own homes and communities, while preventing, reducing, or delaying the need for more intensive health and social care services.

Often these are older people with for example dementia or frailty needs but may include people of all ages with physical disabilities and mental health needs. In the initial contracts, this approach included Extra Care provision, it has now been agreed that this activity will be funded separately.

Therefore, this leaves two types of support to be provided via future HTLAH provision within the borough, these include: Home Independence Support Service (HISS) This is the long-term home care element of the contract for people who need ongoing support to remain living independently at home. Typical services include Personal care (washing, dressing, toileting, Medication support, assistance with meals and nutrition), Support with mobility and transfer and social inclusion and community access.

Support is also available for people with dementia, physical disabilities, and long-term conditions. Night-time support is provided where required.

Home Independence and Crisis Support Service (HICSS) This is the short-term, reablement and hospital discharge element of the contract. Services include, Hospital-to-home support, Admission avoidance, Intermediate care, Short-term reablement, Active recovery following illness or injury, Crisis response, Community alarm response, and support to regain daily living skills and reduce long-term care needs. Please note the Council has determined that suppliers currently delivering the Help to Live at Home contracts for Help to Live at Home Zones 2 and 3 are not eligible to participate in this procurement.