GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Council will review a proposal to invest more in home‑based reablement at a meeting on Wednesday, April 22.

Home-based reablement is short‑term support that helps people regain confidence and independence, often after a stay in hospital.

As part of the proposal, the cabinet will consider closing Great Western Court, a short‑term reablement unit in Gloucester. The council said funding which is currently used to run the service, could be redirected into community‑based services.

Cllr Dr Kate Usmar, cabinet member for adults’ support and independence at Gloucestershire County Council said: “Our priority is supporting people to recover in the way that works best for them. For most people, that means getting the right help at home, in familiar surroundings, with support that focuses on what really matters in their day‑to‑day lives.

“These proposals are about using our resources where they can make the biggest difference to meet the needs of residents and Great Western Court no longer represents good value for money. We know change can be difficult, particularly for staff who have shown real dedication and care, and we are committed to supporting them to move into other roles across Adult Social Care wherever possible.”

The council said the service at Great Western Court no longer offers value for money, as demand for bed‑based reablement at the unit has been low and the service does not provide the level of complex, specialist nursing support the NHS now requires for people being discharged from hospital.

The council added it is working closely with NHS partners to make sure short‑term care and rehabilitation remains available for those who need it, including buying the right type of community beds for people who are ready to leave hospital, but need more support before returning home.