Devon 'independence' care funding gets £12m boost

Devon is to receive nearly £12m to provide additional support for people who need care to have more independent lives, the county council has said.

The council, NHS Devon and local doctors are considering how to divide the money but four main areas are expected to benefit.

They included preventative services, to help people avoid needing to go to hospital, the council said.

"Reablement" services for those leaving hospital would also benefit, it said.

'Independent as possible'

Money was also to be spent on new technologies and equipment to help people with basic tasks in their homes, the council said.

Almost £5m was to be spent on people's health and social care needs, the Conservative-controlled authority added.

The funding is part of nearly £800m for local councils for this financial year announced by the Department of Health.

The £12m is to be spent over three years and would not affect the NHS budget in Devon, the council said.

Councillor Stuart Barker, cabinet member with responsibility for social care, said: "People want to be as independent as possible rather than become reliant on long-term care in residential homes.

"Therefore we want this additional funding to focus on services that can help people to live with dignity in older age, with more independence and choice."