By Charlotte Webster-
A new report from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) has shed light on significant challenges in the availability and delivery of community-based care and support, prompting concerns among social care leaders.
The findings, part of the ADASS Autumn Survey 2023, underscore the need for improvements in care at home, extra care, and dementia-focused housing to prevent vulnerable individuals from requiring hospital or residential care.
Community-Based Care and Support Gaps: Almost two-thirds of social care leaders reported that community-based care and support are not widely available in their local areas.
This highlights a significant gap in early support for vulnerable individuals who may require assistance to remain at home independently.
Just under half of adult social care directors indicated limited availability of preventative services aimed at reducing avoidable admissions to hospital and residential care. The absence of early intervention services contributes to the strain on healthcare facilities.
Lack of Timely Information and Advice: The survey highlighted that 39% of social care directors reported limited availability of timely information, advice, and support in their local areas.
This lack of accessible information hampers individuals’ ability to make informed choices about the care they or their family members need.
Overstretched Social Care Staff: Pressures on the National Health Service (NHS) have resulted in adult social care staff taking on tasks that were previously provided by the health service.
Seven in 10 social care directors reported that their staff are increasingly undertaking tasks that the NHS used to deliver, adding to financial pressures on councils.
ADASS President, Beverley Tarka, emphasized the need for investment in early, preventative social care support, better housing, and improved access to information and advice.
Tarka noted that such investments would not only improve the lives of those needing care and support but also alleviate the annual winter pressures on hospitals.
Social care leaders identified sheltered and extra care housing as crucial solutions to provide regular support and prevent issues from escalating, supporting people at home and reducing hospital admissions.
The importance of specialist accommodation for people with dementia was also emphasized, with almost all directors agreeing that it would make a significant difference.
The report comes at a crucial time, with the UK government two years into its 10-year plan to overhaul adult social care. However, delays in implementing key measures, such as capping lifetime care costs and comprehensive system reform, raise concerns about the system’s ability to meet the increasing needs of the population.
The ADASS report serves as a call to action for improved investment, clearer communication, and strategic planning in the realm of adult social care.