Research by ADASS shows that the crisis in adult social care is worsening. Local government overspends are projected to reach almost £0.5 billion (£441million), and further residential home closures are forecast, whilst pressure continues to grow from the NHS.
The figures have been revealed in a snapshot survey of 129 of the 152 directors of adult social services in England.
The survey found that councils are considering using their reserves to plug funding gaps. It also found that 62 per cent of councils have had residential and nursing home closures, and 57 per cent have had care providers hand back contracts in the last six months.
The closure of services and handing back of contracts has affected an estimated 10,820 people using council-funded care with some of them having to move to a new home.
Nearly four in five councils (79 per cent) have quality concerns with one or more home care and/or residential and nursing care providers (84 per cent).
The situation is made worse by pressures from the NHS. Some projected overspends, particularly the larger amounts, reflect a reduction in funding from the NHS to social care. Other results include:
- 68 per cent of Directors having discussions about reductions to NHS-funded continuing healthcare;
- 56 per cent reporting increased demand for healthcare activity to be undertaken by social care staff; and;
- 51 per cent reporting increased demand from people with very high needs not being admitted to hospital.
ADASS Immediate Past President Ray James said “This survey paints a picture of adult social care verging ever nearer to a point of crisis. The funding gaps are a huge concern for the sector because the impact this is having on the lives of thousands of older and disabled people, their families and carers, is both significant and extremely worrying.
Urgent and significant government investment is needed now to address funding for the sector, or thousands of people who rely, or hope to rely, on receiving care, will suffer as a result.”
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