Care concerns

It has been interesting to note recent reports that, according to analysis of NHS data, some parts of the UK have seen the number of people diagnosed with dementia more than double in the last five years.

Increased diagnosis rates and an ageing population are naturally suspected to be behind the rise. Scottish health officials estimate there are 90,000 people living with dementia north of the Border.

These figures highlight the increasing challenge we as a society face in terms of addressing the needs of an ageing population. However, we have a care sector suffering from major staff shortfalls.

This problem is set to be exacerbated by Brexit which could lead to lower levels of immigration to Scotland. EU nationals account for 5.6 per cent of staff in the care sector currently, with 42 per cent of care services recruitment overseas coming from the EU.

The ‘perfect storm’ of major staff shortages and the potential impact of Brexit will simply worsen the care crisis we are already in.

We desperately need to attract more people to work in the sector and to make it more attractive as a genuine career choice, especially for those who don’t come from a traditional care background.

The sector needs to raise its game, offering a decent wage and helping individuals working in it gain qualifications, demonstrating that there is a career pathway to be had.

LYNN BELL CEO, Love@care, Bothwell

Business Park, Hamilton