Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said:
“I welcome the report from the Committee which highlights the significant impact that delayed transfers of care have on older people, who are facing unacceptable waits for social care support to be put in place, and on the wider health and social care system, creating further pressures at an already difficult time.
“It is particularly concerning that older people living with dementia appear to be particularly affected, with examples of individuals being left stressed, anxious and frightened due to issues with discharge arrangements.
“The report also highlights the need for significant further action to tackle issues relating to the social care workforce in Wales, including raising the profile and status of social care work in Wales, as well as improving pay and conditions, so we have the right people, with the right skills, in the right places to ensure that older people receive the care and support they need.
“I hope the Welsh Government will respond positively to the Committee’s recommendations and deliver the action needed to tackle the issues identified in the report and ensure that the care and support older people need is available so they can be discharged when they are ready, rather than when the system allows it.”
Read the Committee’s report
