Social care waiting lists ever growing

Almost 300,000 people are currently on waiting lists

The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) has found that around 600 people are joining an ever-growing waiting list each day to be assessed for care and support in England. The ADASS survey also found that 294,449 are currently waiting for their first care and support assessment. This has increased by 90,000 in the last five months. Furthermore, 25% (73,792) have been waiting for more than six months to be assessed. If the waiting list continues to increase at the current rate there will be 400,000 on the waiting list by November this year. This would be double the size of the waiting list compared to November 2021. This would result in more people waiting for six months or longer to receive an assessment putting more vulnerable people at serious risk of not receiving the care they need.

Those assessed are still waiting for social care to begin

Of those that have been assessed for care and support in England, 37,447 of those that have been assessed as needing social care have been waiting for the service to begin or for their first direct payment. In addition, it has been found that 210,106 people that have received a payment or services were overdue for a review in accordance with the Care Act. In total 543,002 people have either been waiting for an assessment, review, start of a service, or direct payment. This has increased by 37% compared to November 2021.

Delays are affecting vulnerable people and adult social care

These findings have shown that adult social care is deteriorating and those that are in desperate need of care are being left uncertain and at risk. Not only is this putting vulnerable people at risk, but adult social care as a whole. These long waiting lists are contributing to low occupancy levels across the sector which is impacting operators, leading to some closing their doors.

How can we help? 

At Hawsons our dedicated team of specialist accountants and tax advisors offer a wealth of experience in the care sector including residential homes, nursing homes and other specialist care services.

Our in-depth knowledge and understanding of the sector is applied and we work closely with our clients, ensuring that changes in the care sector are recognised promptly and appropriate strategies implemented and actions taken. We recognise that no two homes are the same.

We have extensive experience in providing clients with the required support and advice from the initial acquisition and investment structures, reducing future taxation and enhancing tax relief opportunities.

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