Age UK has published a report on social care ‘Fixing the Foundations: Why it’s time to rethink how we support older people with health problems to stay well at home’.
The report argues that the decline in the levels of support available for older people has increased pressure on families and carers, and subsequently contributing to the overburdening of the NHS. It was highlighted that as people age, it is likely they will develop long-term conditions which require daily management. Key concerns listed in the report include, unmet needs, lack of continuity of care, rigidness of the care system which does not consider personal circumstances, and not being listened to.
“I could see oceans of problems in the health and social care system, but it was like walking around outside the castle shouting at the guards on the battlements, trying to attract their attention but not getting anywhere”
Head of health and social care influencing at Age UK, Ruthe Isden, said the number of vacancies within the social care system contribute heavily to delays in delivering care and assessments. According to NHS figures from September, 49% of all people arriving to A&E by ambulance are over 65.
