Light Touch Framework for Care Home Provision for Older People and Mental Health Older Persons in Cardiff

Cardiff Council Adult Services are re commissioning their Care Home provision for Older People and Mental Health Older Persons in Cardiff. The intention is to commission these services via a new Light Touch Services Framework, underpinned by a number of key principles. 1. It is proposed that the framework is underpinned by a set of principles as set out below:

• A “Framework First” approach will be taken, whereby all placements are expected to be made through the approved framework, with off-framework placements only permitted in clearly defined exceptional circumstances. This will ensure a consistent approach to decision-making, while also supporting better control of costs, as rates will have been set through the framework arrangement.
• Provider Commitment – providers will be required to give the council first refusal on their vacant care home placements.
• Quality as Standard - Quality will be a key focus of the framework. Only providers meeting established quality standards will be admitted to the framework, with ongoing performance monitored through existing governance processes.
• A Fixed and Transparent Pricing Structure - the proposed framework will operate on the basis of set fee levels, with all providers required to accept the Council’s pricing structure as a condition of entry. The rationale for this approach is to address the current variation and unpredictability in placement costs, where prices are often driven by individual bidding behaviour and urgent need. By establishing clear, standardised rates for each care category the new model will introduce transparency and consistency, ensuring that pricing better reflects actual care requirements rather than market pressure or negotiation dynamics.
• Maximising Choice and Continuity -a key principle of the framework is to maximise choice for service users, allowing them to choose from all the placements available within the framework that would meet their needs. Support will be provided to service users to assist them and their families in making this choice. The framework will also allow for continuity, allowing individuals to remain with existing providers when a placement becomes permanent or where needs change, as long as those needs can still be met by the existing provider.
• A City Wide Model - it is proposed that the framework adopts a city-wide model, rather than a locality model as the number of care homes is limited. Operating a city-wide model will maximise service user choice and help to ensure placement availability, reducing risks associated with limited local capacity.
• Supporting Providers and Market Sustainability -a further key principle is that the framework arrangement will support providers, by introducing a more personalised approach to placements and working in partnership with providers to encouraging growth and development in the areas where demand is likely to continue to increase.

2. It is also proposed that the framework is structured around four lots based on care categories. These will be General Residential, Dementia Residential, General Nursing and Dementia Nursing within each care category there will be 4 sub categories. i) Permanent ii) Temporary iii) Emergency iv) Respite (planned and unplanned).