Report highlights challenges ahead due to ageing population

A report from a social work chief has outlined the challenges facing Perth and Kinross due to a projected increase in its elderly population.

Jacquie Pepper, Perth and Kinross Council’s chief social worker, says the local authority can expect an increase of around 70% in the number of older residents living in the area in the next 20 years.

And she acknowledges that the social work department faces significant challenges as a result.

“The number of people over the age of 75 living in Perth and Kinross will increase by 70% in the next 20 years from 15,512 to 26,694,” she says in her report.

“The challenges ahead for social care and social work are unparalleled. Rising demand, the need to redesign and change while maintaining business – all at a time of diminishing resources – creates significant pressures on the workforce.”

Her document also details how more young people are choosing to remain in care placements as they grow up.

“Noteable performance highlights in social care and social work services include increasing numbers of careexperienced young people aged between 16 and 21, who are remaining in their care placements,” her report adds.

“Young people are confidently opting for continuing care and staying on within nurturing caring placements into adulthood. A high percentage of young people remain in touch after leaving care benefiting from support and guidance.”

Ms Pepper claims this announcement is “very positive” but stressed it was achieved against a background of high demand on social work staff by looking after elderly residents.