Analysis of COVID-19 Impact on Social and Intermediate Care in Lanarkshire

Social and intermediate care is under stress, with COVID-19 adding to existing pressures. It is clear that a variety of factors are at play, and whilst many of these factors are already well known to those providing these services, the overall situation is complex. The overall aim of this project is to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on social and intermediate care in Lanarkshire and to provide guidance on how those tasked with delivering this care can best plan and prioritise for the future in light of current uncertainties.

Three key themes can be seen to emerge from the research so far, including both quantitative analysis of relevant local data and the qualitative outputs of a stakeholder workshop; namely:
•Long-term and short-term changes in care needs
•Current and future workforce availability
•Expectations about the provision of care and support

Flowing from these findings, initial recommendations are made regarding:
1.Measuring unmet need for care and support
2.Further work on a collaborative workforce strategy
3.Analysis of longer term changes in social care needs and provision