Fife Home Care Services `Under Pressure`

The number of Fife Care patients waiting for vital services is growing - and they're waiting longer than ever.

That's the claim from Fife Council Lib Dems following a report that which highlights the pressures on the Home Care Service.

The group has warned that pressures on the Home Care service have led to more people waiting longer for these services plus an increased number having to be admitted to carehomes rather than remaining in their own houses.

Liberal Democrat Group Leader Councillor Tim Brett highlighted the pressures on the Home Care Service, following a paper considered by the Council’s Executive Committee earlier this month, which revealed that 76 people are currently awaiting a service with a further 800 waiting for a social work assessment.

Speaking after the Executive meeting, Mr Brett said, ‘Whilst the number may seem relatively small, some of those on the waiting list will be in hospital or unable to get home after respite care, which can exacerbate delayed discharges.’

Councillor Brett added that the same report showed that the present Home Care contracts lead to much wasted time. ‘Whilst I am pleased that this problem is being addressed, it is very disappointing that it has persisted for so many years. It was acknowledged at the Executive meeting that improved staff contracts, such as we discussed with the Trade Unions when I was the Chair of the Social Work Committee, could offer a service to an extra 200 people. That number could be even higher.’