Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has challenged the Scottish Government over the needs of those requiring care in their homes in Moray.
Questioning the Minister for Older People and Equalities, Christine McKelvie, during Portfolio Questions yesterday (Wednesday 27th November), the Scottish Conservative MSP raised the case of a constituent who has been waiting since April for a home care package to be put in place.
Mr Halcro Johnston said his constituent was placed in a local care home after an injury, pending a care package being put in place to allow him to return home. However, social workers are now suggesting that a permanent move to a care home is the only way that care can be provided to him, despite his clear wish to return home.
Speaking later, Mr Halcro Johnston said: “It’s all very well the Scottish Government having guidance on care at home, and advocating that people should have the choice to stay in their homes as long as possible, but the reality is very different.
“There will, of course, be cases where supporting an individual to stay in their home simply isn’t possible. But that doesn’t appear the issue in the case of my constituent, it’s simply that a care package has not been put in place and no resources seem to be available despite a person being left longing to go home safely.
“This appears to be a service under some pressure and, despite the real efforts of the local staff in Moray, a lack of progress has left my constituent in limbo.
“While there might be a number of reasons for the delay, it’s hard to believe that the severe financial situation Moray Council finds itself in because of the Scottish Government’s funding squeeze isn’t a significant factor.
“That’s why it’s so important that the Scottish Government ensures the resources are in place so that, in turn, Moray Council can provide the support needed to allow as many older people as possible to continue to live independently in their own homes.
“I welcome that the Minister has agreed to look into this case, but we will need to see real action to ensure that people can get the support at home that they deserve.”
