Dynamics of unmet need for social care in England
Abstract Meeting individuals’ social care needs is a core element of UK social policy. However, the conceptualisation and operationalisation of ‘unmet need’ remain a challenge. This paper advances our understanding by incorporating a temporal dimension in the conceptual framework on unmet need to investigate the dynamics of met and unmet need for social care over time. Using data from Waves 6,7 and 8 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, this paper examines five possible trajectories among individuals with a social care need at baseline: 1) no longer having such a need; 2) having continued needs met; 3) delayed needs met; 4) newly arisen unmet needs; and 5) persistent unmet needs. The results indicate that amongst those with need at baseline unmet need has decreased over time, indicating that some needs may be fulfilled with a delay. However, a significant proportion of older people experienced persistent unmet needs, particularly those who were younger, living alone, with educational qualifications, and with fewer difficulties with Activities of Daily Living at baseline. Understanding the dynamics of unmet need can support policymakers in ensuring that those facing an elevated risk of persistent unmet need over time do not fall through the social care safety net.