Homecare

Homecare is delivered within people’s own homes, either as short or long-term personal care / low-level healthcare. Cumberland Care provides a Cumberland-wide reablement service (for up to six weeks) whereas the independent sector is commissioned via an open framework agreement. The council commissions low-level healthcare on behalf of NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board via the framework. Cumberland Care also provides a long-term nighttime homecare service.

Demand for homecare services has grown year on year, aligning with our ambition to support more people in their own home, with international recruitment being a major factor in meeting recent demand.

Currently, the independent provider market is strong, particularly in Carlisle (where demand is greatest) and other urban areas. Most homecare providers in Cumberland are small organisations, many of which are local and well established. However, in recent years, we’ve seen an increase in new providers who also deliver in other areas. National providers make up a relatively small part of the market.

Much of Cumberland is rural, so this is reflected in our fixed framework hourly rates (urban, rural and extra rural). However, there are gaps in rural provision and people living in these areas often have to wait slightly longer for their care to start. Increased travel time and costs contribute towards this.

Most packages of care that we advertise to framework providers receive at least two offers. In recent months, this has been closer to four offers.

On average, it takes 12 days for homecare to start from the time we approach the market (October 2024).

Around 24% of commissioned calls are ‘double ups’, meaning that two carers are needed at each visit.

Approximately 17% of people that our framework providers support self fund their care.

Percentage of weekly commissioned hours by rurality

(Independent framework providers) (uses SProc.net data)

85% Urban
15% Rural and extra rural

Market strengths

Buoyant provider market, particularly in urban areas and responsive to demand.

Mixed market of large, medium and small providers.

Workforce strengthened through overseas recruitment.

Market challenges

Local recruitment and retention.

Sustainability of smaller providers and those most reliant on overseas recruitment.

Gap in provision in rural and extra rural areas.

Reliance on cars for transport due to geography and gaps in public transport provision.