Changes to Lancashire home adaptations service 'will cut hospital discharge delays'

A service which it is obliged to offer under care legislation.

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Lancashire County Council's home adaptations scheme provides minor modifications - costing under £1,000-to properties in order to ensure more people can retain their independence for longer, reducing the demand for local care services.

The authority has now struck an agreement with nine of the area's local district councils, which will see them deliver the service directly, using funding transferred from County Hall.

A cabinet meeting at which the change was approved heard that it would create a more flexible and efficient service, which could also reduce delays in getting people back home after a stay in hospital or a care setting.

The move comes with an increase in the overall budget available for the supportive measuressuch as installing hand rails and hoists - which are intended to aid daily living or assist with nursing care being provided in the home.