Joe Godden speaks to the Liverpool Echo on why social workers and councils fear that new government rules will put elderly at risk
Joe Godden, BASW England Professional Officer, speaks about his concerns in regard to the new government rules coming into place.
He said: “The Care Act 2014 is the biggest piece of legislation affecting adult social services since 1948 and offers a unique opportunity to improve the lives of so many people in need of care and support. While we support the principles of the Care Act, it demands far more of local authorities and will place more demands on social workers who have to implement it from April 2015.
“We are very concerned that resources will not be increased to match the increased roles and responsibilities facing local authorities. There is a real danger that demand for assessment and provision of services will not be met.”
Under the act local authorities will take on new responsibilities to ensure adults in need of care have enough support.
Mr Godden went on to say: “People at significant risk will receive a service, but that could be at the cost of people whose need is high, but not so urgent not getting care and support in a timely way.
“That could put more pressure on elderly people and their families, which is clearly not a good thing, but it could also mean that people deteriorate while they are waiting. That could then lead to more pressure on services as situations become more acute”.
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