Carmarthenshire Council is facing a significant challenge with a projected 60% increase in the cost of caring for the elderly population in the coming years. The council’s director of community services, Jake Morgan, highlighted the need to address this surge in costs by developing or redeveloping three care homes to accommodate the growing ageing population and reduce top-up fees charged by private care companies.
According to Morgan, the over-75s population in the county is growing at a rate of 3% per year, expected to rise to 4.5% in five years before stabilising back to 3%. This demographic shift will result in a higher demand for care services, leading to an estimated 60% rise in the adult social care budget over the next two decades.
Morgan emphasised the need for care homes with nursing provisions to cater to more frail residents, highlighting the importance of not having to move residents to more appropriate facilities in their final months, which can be detrimental. The council is considering building new nursing homes, with one potential location being the Pentre Awel health and well-being development in Llanelli.
The challenges extend beyond elderly care, as the council is also facing rising costs for private residential care for children and individuals with learning disabilities, who are living longer. Morgan’s report highlighted the high costs associated with placing young people with neuro-developmental and mental health needs in residential settings, averaging nearly £5,000 per child per week.
In response to these challenges, the Welsh Government is planning to eliminate profit from the care of children by 2026, pushing councils to increase their residential home capacity. Carmarthenshire Council is looking to open new children’s homes with shorter stays to reduce costs. Despite the difficulties, Morgan commended the efforts of social care staff in providing safe and effective services in challenging circumstances.
The report also addressed the provision of care for unaccompanied asylum seeker children, noting the shift towards establishing council-run properties to accommodate these individuals. While facing financial pressures and workforce changes, Carmarthenshire Council is working towards adapting its social services to meet the needs of its diverse population and ensure the provision of quality care for all vulnerable groups.