THE way care is provided in the home by Dudley Council is changing, with two carers being replaced with one where possible.

Council chiefs say the new model provides patients with 'greater dignity'.

Dudley Council began to launch the new model, called single handed care, last year in a drive to tackle the growing pressures facing the borough's health and social care services.

Staff have worked with 200 people around the borough, including carers and family members, to gradually change the way care is provided, which was been funded by the government's Improved Better Care Fund.

As part of the roll out, the council has invested in specialist equipment such as hoists to boost people's independence and mobility by strengthening muscles.

According to the council, this means that one carer in the home, rather than two, is needed.

Councillor Cathy Bayton, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: "Our new model of care is changing services as we know them and has already attracted interest from many other authorities and care agencies who are keen to adopt a similar approach within their organisations.

"The residents we’ve worked with so far have welcomed this new way of working and have told us they feel it’s given them more control over their care and greater dignity on a day-to-day basis. This is great news as we continue to roll out the service to other people who need care in the home.”

The Improved Better Care Fund has also seen the introduction of an emergency response team to help those in accident and emergency who need urgent social care in a bid to prevent unnecessary admissions to hospital.