A recent analysis by Age UK has revealed that 28,655 older adults aged 65 and over died in 2022/23 before receiving the social care they were waiting for. This figure equates to an average of 79 deaths daily, 550 weekly, and 2,388 monthly. The charity emphasizes that many of these individuals would have experienced more comfortable final days and their families would have felt better supported had they received the necessary care.
These distressing figures are consistent with those from the previous year, indicating a systemic issue within the social care system where long waits are now the norm. Age UK attributes these delays to insufficient public funding, which hampers local authorities' ability to promptly assess older individuals, and a shortage of care workers to meet the demands of a growing elderly population.
Age UK’s latest survey on social care highlights the difficulties in accessing necessary care and support. Respondents reported long waits for benefits and care assessments, care packages, discharge support, and home adaptations, significantly impacting them and their families.
The upcoming report from Age UK will further elaborate on these findings, including:
- 29% (7.5 million) of people worried about accessing local authority services.
- 19% (4.9 million) concerned about accessing home care workers or carers.
- 19% (4.9 million) worried about accessing dementia services like Memory Clinics.
In a related survey, over 17,000 people aged 50 and above shared their experiences, with nearly two-fifths indicating they were paying more to manage their own or a loved one's health. Increased costs for care services, incontinence products, and other health-related expenses have adversely affected their quality of life.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, stressed the critical role of timely social care, especially during the last weeks and months of life. Delays in receiving care leave families struggling with the burden of care tasks and navigating bureaucratic hurdles during an already challenging time.
The high number of deaths among those waiting for care underscores the chronic issues within the social care system. Age UK calls for increased funding and staffing to meet the needs of the elderly population. Recent polling shows a strong public sentiment that the government should do more to support the NHS and social care services.
In its blueprint for the General Election, Age UK is urging the next government to stabilize the social care sector, consult on sustainable funding, implement a comprehensive social care reform plan, increase care workers' pay, introduce paid Carer’s Leave, and enhance respite services and support for carers.
### References:
1. NHS Digital, Adult social care activity and finance report, England, 2022-23.
2. Age UK Polling: Kantar Research Express survey, September 2023.
3. Age UK SurveyMonkey survey, September 2023.
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