Waiting for Care
In 2018 Age Scotland asked Local Authorities in Scotland how long older people were waiting to be assessed for social care and how long it took for people with critical or substantial care needs to receive it.
Our aim was to get a full picture of the situation facing vulnerable older people and their families in Scotland, identify the challenges facing councils and look for solutions.
This new research outlines that too many older people in Scotland are waiting too long to access the social care that they need.
In 2018, 43% of older people assessed as having criticial or substantial needs did not receive the services they required withing the six week period outlined in the National Eligibility Criteria.
With a rapidly ageing population and one which is increasing at a faster rate than the rest of the United Kingdom, it is vital that Scotland is able to deliver on its' social care commitment.
The projected 50% increase in the number of people living with dementia over the next 20 years, to over 120,000, and the welcome introduction of "Frank's Law" in April 2019 will mean that the number of people seeking access to social care in the future is likely to increase.
We know through calls to our free information and advice helpline that waiting times to receive the required social care are still a considerable issue. Our helpline, which receives around 1,000 calls a month, offers information, friendship and advice to Scotland's older people and their families through its freephone service on 0800 12 44 222.