The eye of the storm as services for elderly stretched to the limit
The elderly population is expected to more than double in Wales by 2035. Here, Mark Smith looks at how this could affect our health and social care services
SOCIAL care in Wales is “on its knees” and will only suffer more if the number of elderly people in society continues to rise, it is claimed.
A new Welsh Government report into the needs of different sections of the population has found that the number of people aged 85 and over in Wales will soar by 119% by 2035.
It is predicted that many people in this age group will have chronic illhealth, such as dementia, or disabilities which will place a huge demand on the Welsh NHS and social care.
But the Welsh Government says its Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act, which gives councils and health boards a legal obligation to support the needs of people in their area, will help to address these pressures and shape service delivery.
Mario Kreft MBE, chairman of Care Forum Wales, says investment is needed in the social care sector to prevent it from collapse.
He said: “Social care in Wales is already on its knees and the inexorable rise in the number of older people is going to make things even more challenging.
“Chronic underfunding and systemic dysfunction means that care home closures are an all too regular occurrence, with those who provide nursing care under particular pressure while a number of domiciliary care companies are handing back contracts because they are not economically viable.
“We are in the eye of the perfect storm with soaring demand and diminishing resources at a time when it’s becoming more difficult to retain staff because the way services are commissioned and funded means you can earn more stacking shelves in a supermarket.”
The National Population Assessment Report found that Wales has a higher proportion of people over the age of 85 than anywhere else in the UK.
And currently a quarter of all patients in a general hospital bed have dementia, with many experiencing delays in being discharged – also known as “bed blocking”.
“The term bed blocking is an ugly one but it paints a picture,” added Mr Kreft.
“Not only is it immoral, it is also hugely expensive with hospital beds costing £400 a day on average.
“There is also a cost in terms of the health of the people who should not be in hospital and we need to simplify the bureaucracy to ensure they can be discharged so that they can receive more appropriate care back in the community.”
According to the report, loneliness and isolation also have a major impact on physical and mental health for the elderly, increasing the risk of death, suicide, depression and emergency hospital admissions.
Similarly, trips and falls have been estimated to directly cost the Welsh NHS £67m per year.
The report states: “Every year in Wales half of those over 80 will have a fall in their home.
“Resulting injuries such as hip fractures have a hugely detrimental effect on individual wellbeing and require costly health interventions.”
In addition, the report noted that one in three people over the age of 80 have sight or hearing loss.
But Older People’s Commissioner for Wales Sarah Rochira said the fact older people are living longer, healthier lives should be celebrated.
She said: “Older people are a national asset and make a huge contribution to Wales and our economy, worth over £1bn a year after health and social care costs have been accounted for.
“Today’s report, however, makes clear the vital need for our public services to undertake detailed planning and take effective action to ensure that services and support will be able to meet older people’s needs as demographics continue to change in the years ahead.
“This must include a greater focus on ensuring a more joined-up approach to prevent ill-health and support people to remain independent, alongside work across Wales to address key issues that can affect people as they get older, such as loneliness, falls and dementia.”
The report also analysed the needs of other sections of society, including children, people with disabilities and those in prison.
It found that one in 10 children in Wales have a diagnosable mental health problem, with nearly half of adults in Wales experiencing an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE). These include verbal, mental and physical abuse, exposure to alcoholism, drug use and domestic violence at home.
Commenting, Minister for Children and Social Care Huw IrrancaDavies said: “The implementation of the Social Services and Well-being Act is revolutionising the way care is delivered throughout Wales.
“Together with the more detailed regional population assessments, this national report will help the NHS, social services and other partners to shape policy and service delivery to provide people with the care and support they need.”