Working Within a Perfect Storm: The Current UK Care Crisis in Community Neurorehabilitation

Context: Within the UK, there is a shortage of support workers required to meet the needs of individuals with acquired brain injuries who often require extensive care packages. Objective: This study aimed to identify the issues surrounding support worker recruitment and retention and to identify the impact on the care received by individuals with brain injuries and other complex needs. Method: Two surveys were sent out to members of the British Association of Brain and Complex Case Management (BABICM) to better understand retention and recruitment issues within their organisations. Cross-sectional data were collected in January 2022 and again in April 2023. Data from the surveys were analysed using qualitative content analysis of the free text responses and descriptive statistics of the quantitative responses. Findings: The content analysis identified a total of seven themes with associated sub-themes: 1) recruiting suitable and experienced staff, 2) low employment incentives, 3) general impact of the pandemic, 4) unsustainable staffing costs, 5) staff burnout, 6) family burden and 7) safeguarding. Limitations: Findings from this study were obtained from BABICM members, meaning issues within statutory social care are not directly reflected here, although discussion is included about the implications for the United Kingdom statutory social care services. Implications: The current crisis in support worker recruitment is leading to reduced support choice for individuals with brain injuries as well as increased costs. Family members are experiencing a greater burden of care. The situation has led to an increase in safeguarding issues.