Jeremy Miles MS, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, and Dawn Bowden MS, Minister for Children and Social Care, recently visited Rachel, a local resident who has been previously supported by the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council reablement team, at her home. This visit celebrated additional funding announced to support the 50-day challenge, specifically aimed at enhancing reablement services.
During the visit, the Cabinet Secretary and Minister met with Rachel, as well as Heledd Howell, the reablement physiotherapist who oversaw Rachel’s reablement programme. The visit was filmed, providing an authentic glimpse into the delivery of reablement services in a typical home setting. Rachel and the worker also shared their experiences in separate interviews with ITV and BBC.
Rachel, who suffered a stroke in 2023, has made remarkable progress with the support of the reablement team. Initially told she would never walk again, Rachel has regained her ability to walk, stand, and even perform daily tasks independently. Her inspiring journey has been previously featured in a video by WeCare Wales, showcasing the significant impact of reablement services on Rachel’s recovery.
Councillor Gareth Caple, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “Rachel's story exemplifies the transformative power of reablement services, not only for the individuals receiving care but also for their families.
“Her journey from being unable to walk to gaining the confidence to cook, wash, and even consider returning to work is a testament to the dedication and effectiveness of the reablement team.
“The good work of the service further highlights how important it is to support individuals to stay in their own homes with initiatives like the 50-day challenge from Welsh Government.”
Rachel's story is just one of the many cases where the reablement team have made a positive impact on the lives of individuals who need support in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The 50-day challenge, launched by the Welsh Government on November 11, 2024, is an initiative that aims to help more people safely return home from hospital and to ease winter pressures on our health and care system.
The key objectives of the 50-day challenge include:
- Reducing hospital stays by streamlining discharge processes and reducing the time that patients need to spend in hospitals to free up beds for those in need.
- Enhancing reablement services through additional funding, enabling them to provide more comprehensive care and support to individuals returning home from hospital.
- Strengthening community care services to ensure individuals receive the support to live independently at home.
- The challenge also encourages a collaborative approach from both Health and Social Care providers, creating a seamless transition from hospital to home.
For more information on the 50-day challenge, please visit: Update on the 50-Day Integrated Care Winter Challenge (20 January 2025) | GOV.WALES
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles MS said: “The initial results are positive, but there is a lot more to do to reduce delayed discharges in hospital and help people stay well at home.
“Health boards and social care partners now need to keep working together to implement the 10 key policies and actions that we know make the biggest difference, in the longer term.
“It was good to meet Rachel and to talk about the support she had from the reablement team after a major stroke. Her story is a testament to the huge effect reablement teams can have on people’s lives.”
Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden MS said: “Reablement can help keep people well in their local community and prevent the need for admission to hospital. It is an important aspect of a more efficient and sustainable health and social care system.
“It is clear the work of the reablement team at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has had a major impact on Rachel’s life and I thank them, and all who work in similar teams across Wales, for all they continue to do.”
For more information on Rachel's story as well as other stories, please visit: Stories | WeCare Wales
To find out more about Reablement and Home Care in RCT, please visit: Help at home | Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Posted on 26/02/2025