Theme 4: Increasing complexities

Increasing complexities of individual care needs was a cause for concern across the whole adult social care market. Some providers supporting adults of working age felt that it was becoming increasingly difficult to deliver care for complex individuals (for example, people with multiple conditions and/or with behavioural needs) in terms of both staffing ratios and training.

In older people’s care, residents are entering services later with more complex needs which has led to shorter average lengths of stay, affecting staff morale. Increased resources are devoted to transitional work in and out of care homes. More nurses are also required, and care plans require more consistent review.