Putting people first means designing with dignity

Scotland’s care sector is approaching a critical juncture.

By 2033, more than one million people - almost 20% of the population - will be aged 65 or over.

As lifespans extend and medical advances allow more people to live with long-term conditions, the demand for specialist care will only increase.

Yet while the need is growing, provision is not keeping pace.

The number of registered care homes in Scotland has been declining for more than a decade. Older buildings are struggling to meet modern expectations around comfort, safety and infection control, while new developments are often slowed by funding pressures and planning constraints.

As a result, many local authorities are now facing the complex task of meeting rising care needs within increasingly stretched budgets.

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