Highland Council report lays care home crisis bare

There are only 25 care home beds available across the Highlands according to a new report.

The "assurance report" sets out the full picture of adult social care post-pandemic.

Health bosses say there are 66 care homes in Highland, which together provide 1975 beds across the region.

However, there are currently just 25 beds available.

Since the start of the pandemic, six Highland care homes have gone into administration or ceased trading.

This year alone has seen the closure of Shoremill in Cromarty, Grandview in Grantown and Budhmor in Portree.

Meanwhile, NHS Highland is working with two more care homes deemed "at risk".

“These developments have potentially significant operational, financial risks and implications for both the council and NHS Highland,” the report states.

The council has categorised adult social care as an A2 risk, meaning it is at very high likelihood of collapse, with a critical impact.

Under the terms of their partnership agreement, Highland Council pays NHS Highland to deliver its adult social care services.

Next week’s assurance report highlights further problems across the board.

It admits that many rural care at home providers are having to “hand back” care contracts to NHS Highland. This is caused by chronic carer shortages and escalating costs of rural health provision.

Respite services have also not returned since the pandemic, adding to the strain being placed on unpaid carers.

And the strain on staff is beginning to impact on service quality, with adult protection concerns at a consistently high level.

The Scottish Government has requested targeted individual reviews for some of these cases, while one care home has been forced to suspend admissions pending investigation.

Highland health and social care committee will consider the impact of the adult social crisis at its meeting on November 9.

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