Laura Sharman 29 November 2021

Social care services are 'rapidly deteriorating' directors warn

Social care services are rapidly deteriorating directors warn image

Social care services are failing to help hundreds of thousands of older and disabled people, a new survey has warned today.

The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) found almost 400,000 people are waiting for an assessment or a service.

A lack of staff also meant 1.5 million hours of commissioned home care could not be provided between August and October, the survey also found.

One in two councils also reported they had to respond to a care home closure or bankruptcy over the past six months.

Stephen Chandler, ADASS president, said: 'This survey confirms our worst fears. Red lights are flashing right across our dashboard.

'Despite magnificent efforts by the committed, courageous and compassionate people working in social care who are delivering extraordinary amounts of care and support, services are failing to meet everyone’s needs and older and disabled people are suffering.'

ADASS is calling on the Government to take immediate steps to to stabilise the care system and fund a £1,000 winter retention bonus for all staff.

Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: 'The Government’s imminent white paper on adult social care should set out precisely how money raised from the new Health and Care Levy will fund all of its recently-announced reforms, while also diverting more money to the frontline to urgently meet immediate pressures, including on care worker pay and staffing.'

A government spokesperson said: 'We are committed to delivering world-leading social care, that’s why we are investing an additional £5.4bn over three years, which will allow us to build our comprehensive adult social care reform programme.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of People

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. County hall
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Director of Strategy and Transformation

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. Preston, Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Care and Support Assistant -Longlands

West Northamptonshire Council
13.52ph
About the role We are looking for a dedicated Care and Support Worker to join our team at Longlands Care Home in Daventry. In this rewarding role, you will provide compassionate, person-centred care to older people and those living with dementia, includin Daventry
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Highway Design and Construction Manager

Bolton Council
Grade N, scp50 £62,443 to scp53 £65,663 per annum, plus essential car user allowance
We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Council

Social Worker - Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£38,220 - £40,777
Looking to appoint as a Level 2 or Level 3 Social Worker. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner