Martin Ford 01 March 2022

Warnings over unmet care needs

Warnings over unmet care needs image
Image: triocean / Shutterstock.com

Social care services could be put under further pressure due to unmet needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new research.

The King’s Fund think-tank found there were 32,000 fewer new requests for support from older people during 2020-21 as they avoided contact with care services.

The number of people receiving care designed to help them regain their independence also dropped by 12,000.

Senior fellow at The King’s Fund, Simon Bottery, said: ‘It is understandable that fewer older people came forward for services, given the huge impact of COVID-19, but it is worrying that many people may have been struggling to cope and that this unmet need may create additional pressure on services now and in the future.’

The think-tank warned in a report that this could combine with ‘worrying trends’ including rises in the number of staff vacancies – reaching nearly one in 10 in January – continuing low pay, and ‘short term and time limited’ Government funding.

Mr Bottery said: ‘Overall, the report paints a picture of a social care sector still struggling to tackle not just the pandemic but the years of neglect that preceded it.

‘The Government’s recent White Paper is a step in the right direction, but it does little to deal with some of the most immediate problems like unmet need, underfunding and workforce.

'These remain in urgent need of attention.’

Chairman of the Local Government Association’s community wellbeing board, David Fothergill, said it was ‘increasingly hard to fund even statutory services’.

He added: ‘While the Government’s plans for reform are good there is currently a financial and staffing crisis in social care that has not been considered.

‘Councils could find themselves unable to balance their budgets this year, which is why we need to see urgent investment in adult social care that will ensure the best possible care for those that need it.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Corporate Director Children and Young People’s Service

North Yorkshire Council
£136,853 to £159,178 plus relocation support
North Yorkshire is England's largest county and a beautiful, vibrant place to live and work. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Customer Service Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £12541.00 per annum
Customer Service AssistantPermanent, Part Time£12,541 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Executive Director of Communications and Engagement

City of London
Competitive Salary
This role requires strategic vision, operational excellence, and political acumen London (City of), London (Greater)
Recuriter: City of London

Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
You will be supporting adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs, ageing needs and dementia. This is a frontline role where you will be providing high quality and meaningful activities, medication support, personal care, food and drink prepar Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Community Support Worker

Essex County Council
£25395.0000 - £32131.0000 per annum
The Role As a Community Support Worker, your role will include undertaking Assessments and Reviews in line with our Statutory duties under the Care England, Essex, Clacton-On-Sea
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner