Commenting on the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) Autumn Survey 2024, Head of Practice and Workforce at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Suhailah Mohamed, said:
‘The lack of funding for social care is a huge concern – especially as the situation seems to have got worse since the spring. Social care services, which include occupational therapists, provide support for people at home so that they can continue to lead meaningful lives. With the right support at home, there will be fewer people reaching crisis point and needing to be admitted to hospital. So there would be less pressure on NHS services, particularly important as we come into the winter.
‘Funding and resources need to be reallocated so we can do more with what little there is. That means moving more occupational therapists into community settings, so they can help people recover after a hospital stay, prevent them going back in again and, ideally, prevent them being admitted in the first place.
‘Investment in the social care workforce is critical – more investment and more focus on recruitment and retention is vital. This would allow us to help those accessing social care services manage their symptoms and do the activities they want, need and love to do in life. And support them to live in homes that are safe and suited to their abilities.’