The figures in the report are based on information obtained by ADASS from its member councils in England. 83 councils (55%) responded. Key details from the report are:
- Six hundred people a day are joining waiting lists to be assessed for care and support in England.
- Almost 300,000 people are now waiting for an assessment of their needs by social workers, an increase of 90,000 (44%) in five months.
- One in four has been waiting longer than six months.
An earlier report from ADASS, the Spring Survey 2022, found that:
- Almost seven in 10 ADASS members surveyed said that care providers in their area had closed or handed back contracts.
- Many more said they could not meet all needs for care and support because of providers’ inability to recruit and retain staff.
Luke Griggs, Deputy Chief Executive of Headway, said: “This latest report from ADASS is concerning but sadly not surprising.
“The sooner someone accesses rehabilitation or support following an acquired brain injury, the sooner Headway groups and branches across the UK can help them to begin the task of rebuilding their lives, relearning lost skills and regaining a degree of independence.
"It is hugely frustrating and damaging for survivors and their families to be left without support due to delays in assessing their needs.
“The challenges are further compounded by funding formulas that do not allow for appropriate levels of pay to enable care providers to recruit and retain staff.
“We recognise that the social care crisis has been worsened by the pandemic and all local authorities are under significant pressure. But despite numerous promises to ‘fix’ social care, the situation is now critical.
“Substantial and immediate changes have to be made in order to ensure the sustained provision of brain injury support in the community.
“Without this, vulnerable individuals and families will face unacceptable hardship.”Back
