COUNCILLORS have unanimously backed going out to public consultation over major changes in the way health and social work services are delivered to the elderly of the region, writes Andrew Keddie.
There was no dissent at last week’s meeting of Scottish Borders Council when social work director Andrew Lowe recommended seeking feedback on the overhaul which is designed to reduce the number of ageing Borderers in hospitals, care and residential h
omes.
“Although efficiencies are at the heart of what is proposed, I genuinely believe we can provide more and better services for less money,” said Mr Lowe.
He was presenting the provisional findings of the Transforming Older People’s Services (TOPS) review which has been carried out by council and NHS Borders officials for the last two years.
As revealed in TheSouthern last week, the need for a remodelling of provision for old people is underpinned by huge predicted increases in their numbers.
According to demographic studies, the number of Borderers aged over 65 will rise by 40 per cent by 2020, while, over the same period, those aged 85 and over will rocket, as will the number of dementia sufferers, by a staggering 57 per cent.
At the same time, the annual cost to council and health authority of delivering current provision will rise by £8.2million.
“There is just no way we can dodge this issue,” said Councillor David Raw, executive member for social work.
