Care for Vulnerable Adults - Are We Doing Enough?
Adult social care is under threat as budget cuts leave councils unable to maintain frontline services.
Across the country the vulnerable elderly are encountering new challenges. Faced with repeated cuts to their budgets, councils are making the tough decision to freeze 'non-essential' services, which includes care for vulnerable adults.
In the North East of England, the vulnerable are going to struggle even more. In Merton the council is proposing to reduce housing support for vulnerable adults along with a wide range of cuts to social care. Similar situations are also occurring in the South. The number of vulnerable adults is rising fastest in London, but the capital's budget will not extend to cover these needs. Our councils cannot cut backend costs any further - the next round of cuts will deeply affect frontline services, and deeply affect those vulnerable people who are dependent on those services.
Care for the Elderly: Why is it Vital?
As the life expectancy in the UK steadily increases, so too has the number of elderly people. Elderly people are of great value to our communities, contributing to society through often underappreciated acts of volunteering, childcare and more. But elderly people are more likely to present complex health problems than their younger counterparts, and sometimes these health problems with leave them vulnerable and dependent on support to some degree.
It is therefore more important than ever to maintain the great social care infrastructure that the UK already possesses. With councils having to cut support for these services, there is a danger that the number of people willing to train for jobs in this industry will be reduced.
What care for the vulnerable elderly provides is a chance for these UK citizens to maintain their right to a dignified and fulfilling existence. It allows those who have no other support, to retain the aspects of their life which they hold most important. It can be the only option available to some, and is a service that is so crucial to the survival of any society.
Becoming elderly is something that happens to almost everyone. Regardless of your circumstance there will come a time when you will be unable to perform day to day tasks independently, you will then be considered a vulnerable adult. What demonstrates a society’s success more — the number of millions owned by the richest, or the level of support that is offered to the most vulnerable? As this vital pillar of our society comes under threat, we must remember the importance of safeguarding vulnerable adults.
If you want to learn more about vulnerable adult protection, and how you could become involved in the UK adult care industry, take a look at one of our courses here.
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