ADASS, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, is warning that the year ahead will be the most challenging adult social care and the people needing and working in it have ever faced.
In its 2022 spring survey social services Directors report increases in care needs, with 87% saying more people are seeking support because of mental health issues.
73% of directors report rising numbers of cases of breakdown of unpaid carer arrangements. There are also increasing requests for support because of pressures elsewhere in health and care:
- More than eight out of ten (82%) report increased referrals of people discharged from hospital;
- 74% are recording more referrals and requests for support from the community;
- 51% are recording more referrals and requests because of the lack of other services in the community.
Almost seven in ten directors say that care providers in their area have closed, ceased trading or handed back contracts to local councils. Many more cannot deliver the increased care and support needed due to staffing shortfalls.
ADASS warns that
“Existing challenges of rising requests for support, increasing complexity of care required, fragile care markets, and underpaid, undervalued and overstretched workforce, risks being compounded by the current cost of living crisis.
“People who need care and support, unpaid carers and those who work in adult social care are amongst the most exposed.”
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