Councils warn care arrangements could be impacted by staff shortages

Councils across Gwent have warned people may see changes in their care arrangements due to social care staff shortages.

Dave Street, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Corporate Director for Social Services, along with his counterparts in Blaenau Gwent, Newport, Monmouthshire and Torfaen councils, released a statement urging residents to “work with us” due to ongoing pressures.

The statement said: “Currently all our health and social care services in Gwent are under massive pressure due to staff absence from Covid-19, especially our domiciliary care services and care home providers.

“It is well reported that there is a systemic national crisis in care.”

The statement says the situation is “being made worse” by the pandemic, which is “presenting unprecedented challenges and continues to test everyone in the health and social care sector to the limits”.

The councils thanked residents for their cooperation and understanding, but said there was difficulty providing support services “as responsively as we would like” due to the issues.

In August 2021, Caerphilly County Borough Council warned of potential staff shortages in the community and social care sectors.

Mr Street and his counterparts said they are “actively trying to recruit new carers but this is problematic.”

The statement continued: “We are considering all options to support the sector including, where possible, redeploying staff from other council teams. Therefore, we are grateful to the support provided by family and friends who are able to provide care and support to their loved ones during this unprecedented situation.”

Local authorities are calling on those who want to work in social care to apply for the available positions, which can be found on the council’s website or wecare.wales

Residents who receive care have been asked to expect care staff turning up at different times due to the pressures. People have also been asked to return items such as zimmer frames, commodes or toilet frames which are not being used, so they can be redistributed to others who need them.

Councillor Shayne Cook, Caerphilly Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Care, said: “Currently there are a number of residents waiting for support packages and we are unable to provide support services as swiftly as we would like.”

Cllr Cook praised the “amazing workforce who are working above and beyond to provide services to most vulnerable residents” and added: “I’m very grateful for the additional support provided by families and friends who are able to help care for their loved ones during this very difficult time.”