Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. We're not exaggerating when we say that the future of the Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter is under threat.
Please consider supporting the Reporter in whatever way you can – by paying just 85p for a copy of the paper, when you're shopping for essential supplies for yourself and others, or by subscribing to our e-edition here.
Thanks – and stay safe.
...............................

 

HUNDREDS of elderly and disabled people across West Dunbartonshire are not receiving their usual home care visits during the coronavirus pandemic, it has been revealed.

New figures – obtained by the BBC – show thousands of Scots have lost much-needed support from carers in the last few months.

West Dunbartonshire has reduced its client numbers by 284 – almost 20 per cent. In January, a total of 1,516 clients were supported, but that dropped to 1,232 in April.

West Dunbartonshire Council said the change was down to temporary arrangements put in place during the pandemic – in which family members are helping to care for their loved ones.

Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton’s MSP, said: “The fact that hundreds of people in our community are no longer receiving homecare, at a time when they are most in need of it, is concerning.

CORONAVIRUS LIVE: Get the latest here

“It is a fact that the elderly and disabled who are most vulnerable will feel increasingly isolated and lonely. The care that is provided by home care workers is a vital part of these peoples’ daily lives and allows them to have a degree of independence and dignity.”

Health and social care partnerships (HCSPs) across the country are reporting major staff shortages due to coronavirus, with many only able to cater for those with the most critical needs.

And now, Age Scotland is calling for more investment in social care staff and resources. The charity says the pandemic has highlighted the extremely fragile state of the health and social care system.

Their own research in 2019 found many HCSPs were already struggling to meet demand, with 43 per cent of people with substantial or critical care needs waiting longer than the recommended six weeks for a care package.

Brian Sloan, chief executive of Age Scotland, said: “Not surprisingly, staff absences due to illness and self-isolation have increased the strain on this service, leaving thousands across Scotland struggling to cope.

READ MORE: Campaign urges locals to talk about sport 

“Our helpline hears from older people every day who urgently need help with activities such as getting washed.

“Care workers are truly unsung heroes on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus, putting their own health and even their lives at risk, often for low pay and little recognition.

“We must ensure they have all the support they need to do this vital work.

“At the same time, we must not forget the massive impact of unpaid carers, who work selflessly each day without financial support.”

A spokeswoman for WDC said: “The pandemic has impacted on our available workforce and to ensure the service was maintained for those who rely on it most, we contacted family members to ask if they would be willing to assist by providing basic care for their loved ones.

“Only after extensive discussion, including full consultation and agreement with residents and their families, this new temporary arrangement was put in place.

“These arrangements are temporary, continually reviewed and frequent contact is maintained with relatives and families throughout.”

Ms Baillie said the Scottish Government must work with councils to ensure that emergency plans are implemented.

She added: “Councils need substantial investment in the social care sector now and in the future. One immediate step that would help is for the Scottish Government to pass on the funding they have been given by the UK Government for councils to deliver social care. It is disappointing that this has not yet been done.

“Finally, government recognition must be given to vital social care staff and to unpaid carers too.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Extensive work is underway with our partners to put in place arrangements to increase social care workforce capacity. Additional funding is being made available for social care.”