A major new study is calling on social care workers to share their experiences of working on the frontline, in a bid to shape the future of the sector in Scotland.
Researchers from the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) will speak in strictest confidence to find out about the challenges and successes experienced by social care workers, from both care homes and at-home care arrangements.
The study is being carried out in partnership with Oxfam and the research team will be led by Dr Hartwig Pautz and Dr Stephen Gibb.
The interviews will then be used to form a report for policy makers to inform the proposed reform of Scotland’s social care sector.
Dr Gibb said: “For all the widely covered challenges which the social care workforce has faced during the coronavirus pandemic, there are also opportunities for change.
“Change to more integrated health and social care can only deliver better quality of the workforce has more ‘decent work’.
“We are hearing that many workers in the sector felt abandoned throughout the pandemic, as elderly care was not appreciated to be a priority.
“On the other hand, we’re also hearing that the pandemic has brought local managers, workers and residents in care homes closer together.
“To influence policy and plans for Scotland’s social care sector going forward, we need to hear the whole story from the front line.”
If you want to share your experience contact [email protected]
