A spreadsheet-based tool has been developed to help social workers cost residential care packages for working age adults with learning disabilities or mental health disorders.
Local Authority Adult Social Care departments in the South West are now using a Fair Pricing Tool in negotiations with providers when purchasing adult residential placements.
How Does The Fair Pricing Tool Work?
The Fair Pricing Tool analyses two components of a residential care placement: accommodation costs and care costs. Accommodation costs include hotel costs, overheads, maintenance costs etc, and are generally fixed costs. Care costs however vary according to the individual’s requirements. The tool allocates an hourly cost according to the level of staff support that a service user needs during the day and at night, and any additional costs that are specific to their condition. Once the exact care needs of the individual are entered, the tool produces a guide price for the placement which is then used in negotiations with providers.
The tool has been refined through piloting and costs have been benchmarked against figures from various research units, as well as against local South West prices. The tool was also discussed with to a Provider Reference Group.
Helpdesk Contact Details
Due to limited funding we cannot provide a telephone helpdesk that is always manned during office hours, however we will endeavour to answer your queries as quickly as possible. Therefore, we very much appreciate your patience when waiting for a response to your queries.
Various guides and FAQs have been developed to assist you with some of the common queries that you may have; these are available as downloads from this page. If you are still having problems after consulting these documents please contact the email Helpdesk or the Information Officer.
Email Helpdesk:
helpdesk@swaldaccommodation.org
Information Officer:
Anna Slade
C/o Gloucestershire County Council
Shire Hall
Westgate Street
Gloucester
GL1 2TG
01452 427073 or 07876 132370
anna.slade@gloucestershire.gov.uk
