More than a quarter of a billion pounds has been invested into three funding programmes which have boosted community care across Wales. This has in turn prevented ambulance call outs and hospital admissions.
£146.2 million has been invested through the Regional Integration Fund (RIF) to help Regional Partnership Boards provide early intervention and community services. 600,000 people were supported in the last year.
£70 million has been invested into developing community hubs across Wales, and a further £60.5 million has also been provided to support people who need care, support and rehabilitation to live independently at home.
Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden, said: "We want people to live their best, healthy and independent lives as well as possible and for as long as possible, in their own homes and communities.
"Community care is widely acknowledged to drastically improve outcomes for older people and those with complex needs, and research tells us that people recover better in the comfort of their own homes rather than a hospital.
"Our significant investment into community-based services focuses on tackling challenges in the early stages to keep people healthier in the long term, helping to prevent avoidable hospital admissions."
One of the services supported is Care and Repairs, which provide home adaptations and repairs. The team makes fast-track home improvements tailored to an individual's needs to improve home safety. This helps prevent injures that could lead to hospitalisations.
Their Hospital to a Healthier Home service has helped save the Welsh NHS around £10 million last year by saving 31,000 bed days in Wales through tackling delayed discharges.
Kelly Williams, senior caseworker from Bridgend County Care and Repair, said: "Care and Repair’s Hospital to Home service improves patient flow and reduces the likelihood of people being readmitted to hospital. The service identifies patients who have a housing concern that may delay their return home. The team then works closely with health professionals, patients and their families to carry out the home improvements needed to enable quick and safe discharge.
"It goes without saying that having a safe and warm home is fundamental to good health and wellbeing. A safe and warm home is vital for anyone being discharged so that they can continue to recover. Unsafe or poor housing can significantly impact mental and physical health and therefore it is imperative that housing is considered as part of a patient’s discharge journey."
