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CoSLA warns of Home Care crisis |
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The representative body for local government in Scotland has warned there could be a “care at home crisis” if staff shortages are not addressed.
COSLA’s resources spokesperson, Councillor Gail MacGregor, made the comments giving evidence on the Scottish Budget with MSPs at the Local Government Committee at Holyrood. She said a big discussion involving local government, health services and the Finance Secretary was needed to secure the future of care provided to people in their own homes, which she said faces “massive demand” alongside severe recruitment and retention issues.
Spending on care for older people has grown by 6.3% in real terms since 2010/11 but an ageing population with more complex support needs means demands is rising rapidly. CoSLA estimates a further 2-3% is needed to keep up with demographic changes.
Meanwhile, the shift to providing care in people’s communities and allowing older people to stay in their own homes for longer have meant the number of home care hours provided has grown by 10% over the same period.
COSLA has previously called for local government to be awarded multi-year budgets akin to the NHS, so that councils can plan and deliver early intervention, public health and health and social care services. |
