Half of adults have higher opinion of social care since pandemic began – and three quarters believe it’s as important as the NHS: survey

The social care sector enjoys greater public respect and admiration since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey of the views of more than 2,200 adults.

A total of 49% of adults surveyed said they now have a higher opinion towards the social care sector than since the pandemic began, the survey found.

Meanwhile, only 6% of people said they now had a lower opinion of the social care sector.

The survey was carried out this summer by older people's care provider Anchor.

The same survey also found that:

• 73% of people believe that social care is as important as the NHS
• people believed that underfunding of the social care sector, lack of a long-term plan, and specific pandemic-related issues were the largest challenges being faced right now.

Another section of the survey asked respondents about how the pandemic had made them consider their own lives. The survey found that:

• 48% of people said they had reconsidered their life goals
• 48% of people thought about how they could help other people more
• 45% of people had taken another look their own idea of personal fulfilment
• 38% of people re-examined their career goals.

‘Delighted’

“Since the pandemic began, we’ve been delighted to see greater levels of admiration and respect towards people who work in social care,” said Sue Ayton, Lifeways’ Business Development Director.

“Careers in social care can be deeply rewarding. If you’re seeking a new career, thinking about your own personal fulfilment, and how you can help others more, I’d highly encourage anybody to consider working in social care,” Sue added.

“I’d like to thank Anchor for carrying out this valuable research into public perceptions and attitudes towards our sector.”

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About Lifeways:

Lifeways is the UK’s largest team of professionals who support adults living in the community. 

Across the UK, our 11,000 Lifeways colleagues support almost 5,000 adults who live in our 1,500 supported living and residential services.

As the supported living sector’s largest team of professionals, Lifeways’ extensive experience and national reach mean we deliver extraordinary support to adults, enabling them to live fulfilling and independent lives.

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