Age Scotland 'appalled' by rise in social care assessment waiting list

Age Scotland has called for urgent reform after figures published today show the number of people waiting on a social care assessment has risen 32% in a year.

There are now estimated to be 7,913 people on the waiting list for a social care assessment, almost a third higher than a year ago.

The Scottish charity of older people has called the increase both appalling and unacceptable, and urged politicians to act to prevent a dire situation slipping further into crisis.

Katherine Crawford, chief executive of Age Scotland, said:

“Once again the crumbling social care sector in this country is shown to be failing older people. Despite social care workers trying their best to cope with growing demand, older people and their families are facing unprecedented challenges in accessing vital social care packages that could significantly improve their quality of life.

“It feels as though politicians from local and national government are simply ignoring the collapse of social care in Scotland. But if they think things are bad now, are they aware that demographics show demand for social care from an ageing population is only going to increase? By turning a blind eye to the plight of older people in need today, they are creating greater problems for the future.

“This issue needs to be placed high on the political agenda before next year’s Scottish parliamentary and local elections. Voters needs to know which politicians have a clear, deliverable plan to properly fund social care with clarity around accountability and responsibility. There also needs to be a major cash injection from government into social care and it must see a significant investment in the next budget.

"Social care is crying out for reform. It’s unacceptable to continue to let such a vital service collapse in front of our eyes.”