Targets that promote independence and choice for Devon residents have been exceeded, according to a special report published by Devon County Council. The latest performance results show that all seven target areas, set out in the Council s Strategic Pla

Targets that promote independence and choice for Devon residents have been exceeded, according to a special report published by Devon County Council.

The latest performance results show that all seven target areas, set out in the Council's Strategic Plan covering 2006-2011, have been achieved.

Particular achievements have been seen in the Council's support for carers; services that provide real alternatives to long term residential care; and services that are helping people over 60 to claim additional benefits.

Councillor Hugo Barton, the Council's Executive Member for Adult and Community Services, said:

"Support for people to remain living at home is one of our top priorities, because that is what people tell us about how they best like to be supported.

"More work is being done now by the County Council and the Primary Care Trust to provide preventative services, and where intervention is required, we provide tailor made packages of care at home as much as possible, to help people avoid the need for them to move into permanent residential care.

"Our overall support for carers has been commended by the Government's Commission for Social Care Inspection and the National Carers Network, and our latest figures show a significant rise in the percentage of carers receiving support from the County Council.

"Through the Council-funded Carer's Link, carers are receiving a range of services and opportunities to take breaks from their caring role. The number of carers breaks in 2007/8 increased, and was higher than most other councils. In particular there has been a higher demand for breaks for carers of older people.

"We have also exceeded our target of achieving a 10% rise in the number of people aged over 60 who have been helped to claim additional benefits.

"The County Council's Care Direct service, which offers advice to all older and disabled people over 50, has led to approximately �7million of additional benefit since 2006.

"New carers are also offered financial assessments and money advice checks as part of their support from Carers Link."

Other targets exceeded include: A 5% increase in the proportion of adults and older people helped to live at home; a doubling in the number of adults and older people receiving direct payments; more people volunteering, particular people with additional needs; and higher satisfaction levels among older people who receive health and social care support.

Cllr Barton said:

"The aging population and the growing demand for health and social care is one of our key challenges, and we will be further developing our non-residential options.

"Extra care housing remains a priority and we will be ensuring that schemes are delivering appropriate high quality support.

"We also want to increase opportunities for independent living for people with more complex needs and provide independent living skills for people with learning disabilities and mental health problems.