BATHING services for people in Darlington could end as part of a shake up of elderly care across the town.

However, it is hoped the service may continue in a different form as part of care packages for elderly people in the town.

A report which is being submitted to Darlington Borough Councils Health and Well Being Scrutiny Committee lays out recommendations for the future of provision of day care and bathing services across the town.

The main provider of day care in Darlington is Age UK Darlington.

The council has decided to review the current services for day care and home bathing as they are due to end on March 31, 2011.

In addition, Darlington Primary Care Trust will no longer fund its £28,013 contribution to the home bathing service from April 1, 2011.

When the new Fairer Contributions Policy is implemented, the bathing service will no longer be subsidised.

In his report to the council, Cliff Brown, the director of community services, said: "This will mean that all service users currently receiving the Home Bathing Service will be financially assessed and may have to contribute in excess of this flat rate.

"For some service users, the introduction of the Fairer Contributions Policy may mean a reduction in the current flat rate due to their care needs and financial position, however for others they may have to contribute the full cost of the actual service."

The review into the day care service provision found that user of Age UK enjoyed the service and found it very worthwhile.

However, some users felt there was a need to develop the activities on offer and there was a need for a strategic direction for day service for older people in Darlington.

Users of the bathing service also praised the way that Age UK carried out other tasks including nail clipping and making beds.

In the report, Mr Brown added that the bathing service may be decommissioned because of the withdrawal of funding, but it could be provided as part of a care package.

He added: "Undoubtedly, there are challenges ahead for Darlington's day services, and the process of transformation may be difficult for all stakeholders, including service users and carers, who may experience changes within services they have accessed and relied on for many years.

"Success will be found through partnership working with all stakeholders."

The scrutiny committee will discuss the report's findings at its meeting on Tuesday (dec7) in the town hall at 9.30am.