Care plans in Leicestershire help to save £600,000

A scheme which helps people choose their own care in Leicestershire is helping to save £600,000, county councillors say.

The "reablement" scheme offers tailored care plans for people coming home after an operation or a stroke.

A Leicestershire County Council spokesman said when people had control over their care budgets, care could be individual and money saved in the end.

The Conservative-run county council needs to make cuts to save £94m.

County councillor David Sprason, cabinet member for adults and communities, said: "This is a great example of how, by working closely with people to discuss their care needs, we can provide a better service and save money."

He said not everyone needed home care to continue over the long term and that the council's reablement team helped people to do more for themselves and choose more targeted care.

In October costs for adult care for Leicestershire residents with savings of more than £23,000 rose by 50% from £8.60 per hour to £13 per hour.