William Eichler 20 May 2024

Nearly 30,000 elderly people die waiting for social care

Nearly 30,000 elderly people die waiting for social care image
Image: Chinnapong / Shutterstock.com.

Almost 30,000 elderly people died last year before ever receiving the social care for which they were waiting, a new analysis has revealed.

The charity Age UK warned that the funding and recruitment crisis in the social care system means local authorities are struggling to assess older people speedily.

In an analysis of NHS data, the charity found that 28,655 people aged 65+ died in 2022/23 while they were waiting for social care.

This equates to an average of 79 deaths a day, 550 a week, and 2,388 a month.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said the findings were ‘emblematic’ of the ‘chronic systemic problems within social care’.

She added that ‘hard pressed’ local authorities were trying ‘to meet the needs of a growing older population with resources that in no way match up.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Pre-School/Nursery Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
Pre-School/Nursery AssistantPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Preschool Nursery Assistant - Level 3 Qualified

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
Preschool Nursery Assistant - Level 3 QualifiedPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Trading Standards Project Officer - Tobacco and Vapes

Essex County Council
£26601.0000 - £31295.0000 per annum
Trading Standards Project Officer - Tobacco and VapesFixed Term, Full Time£26,601 to £31,295 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Care Worker - WMF2272e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£34,434 - £35,412
We have an exciting opportunity, for a passionate, enthusiastic person Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Apprenticeships & Intermediate Labour Market Coordinator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Create real opportunities for local people and help shape a fairer future. As an Apprenticeships and Intermediate Labour Market Coordinator, you'll wo England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner