Covid-19 impact on social care at home to be examined by MSPs

An ongoing inquiry into social care which began prior to Covid-19 will look at the issue.

MSPs will look at the impact of Covid-19 social care at home as part of a wider inquiry into social care

An inquiry into the social care sector in Scotland will examine the impact of Covid-19 on social care.

The Health and Sport Committee has said it wishes to hear evidence from those who receive and deliver social care in their own home as part of the wider inquiry which was paused as the Covid-19 pandemic took hold.

MSPs will report back to parliament on any lessons that should be learned ahead of the possibility of a second wave or future outbreaks.

Lewis Macdonald MSP, convener of the Health and Sport Committee, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic rocked the social care sector right to the foundations. Our inquiry comes at a time of vital importance as the demands of our social care services have become incredibly complex.

"We want to make sure that the future approach to and delivery of social care are able to rise to the challenge.

“We have already received submissions from a range of people involved in social care. To supplement that information, the Committee wants to hear from those who provide or have received social care at home as they will be best placed to inform us of changes needed. We want to ensure care is person-centred and of the highest possible standard.

“We want anyone experiencing social care to receive the best possible care, regardless of where in Scotland they live, and we look forward to hearing people’s views from across the country.”

Responses will be welcome from the public with a call for those receiving care at home, family members and unpaid carers; staff, managers or owners of care at home services; and personal assistants providing care to share their experiences.

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