A MAJOR reform of adult social care is set to affect thousands of people who provide or receive care across Bournemouth and Poole.

The Care Act, the biggest reform of adult social care in more than 60 years, will come into force on April 1.

Deferred payment agreements will be made available to people requiring care, which means those eligible will not have to sell their home during their lifetime to fund their care costs.

Carers are set to receive more support and a new national eligibility threshold will be introduced, which aims to ensure those entitled to care will receive the same service wherever they live in the UK.

The Department of Health says the changes will make the system fairer by putting the needs and wishes of people and their carers at the centre of care decisions.

Between March 23 and March 27 Bournemouth Borough Council and Borough of Poole are hosting a series of events offering advice and information to those affected by the changes.

Cllr Blair Crawford, cabinet member for Adult Social Care at Bournemouth Borough Council, said: “This is a hugely significant change that is about to radically alter the way social care is delivered across Bournemouth and Poole.

“I would urge as many people as possible who will be affected by these changes to come to the information events so that they can get a better understanding what they will mean for them both as a carer and those they care for.”

Cllr Karen Rampton, cabinet portfolio holder for health and social care at Borough of Poole, added: “We hope that as many people as possible will come along and find out more about the Care Act and ask any questions they might have.”

To find out more about the Care Act go to poole.gov.uk/careact or bournemouth.gov.uk/careact

Get your questions answered

Social care staff will be available to answer questions at the following locations and times:

  • Monday, March 23, 1-5pm, Broadstone Library
  • Monday, March 23, 1-5pm, Castlepoint Library
  • Wednesday, March 25, 1-5pm, Oakdale Library
  • Wednesday, March 25, 1-5pm, Kinson Library
  • Friday, March 27, 1-5pm, Hamworthy Library
  • Friday, March 27, 1-5pm, Westbourne Library