Quarter of Scottish coronavirus deaths in care homes

Almost a quarter of coronavirus-related deaths in Scotland have occurred in care homes, official figures have revealed. 

The figures, which were published by the National Records of Scotland yesterday (15 April) of the 962 deaths that have been registered with COVID-19 mentioned on the death certificate up to 12th April, a quarter (24.6%) were in care homes.

The official figures also showed that 62% of the registered deaths occurred in hospitals, while the remaining 13% were at home or in a non-institutional setting.

And overall, almost three quarters (70%) of COVID-19 deaths involved people aged 75 and over.

Responding to the latest figures, the chief executive of Age Scotland, Brian Sloan, said it was ‘devastating’ to learn that 237 care home residents in Scotland have died as a result of coronavirus. 

‘The fear we have had over the past few weeks about the impact this is having on some of the people most at risk has now sadly become a reality,’ said Mr Sloan. 

‘No age group is immune but these grim figures highlight once again the devastating effect that this virus has on the lives of older people.’

Earlier this week, a letter signed by the leaders of the Alzheimer’s Society, Marie Curie, Age UK, Care England and Independent Age warned the deadly disease is causing ‘devastation’ in the care sector. 

And yesterday, the British government has announced that all care home residents and social care staff with coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms in England will be tested.

‘We also urgently need more widespread testing to be made available for everyone who needs it, whether they work in a hospital, care home or community setting,’ added Mr Sloan.

‘Unfortunately we expect more older residents of care homes in Scotland will die in the coming days, weeks and months as a result of coronavirus.

‘Care homes are close knit communities where staff and residents love and care for one another, never more so than now when family members cannot visit their loves ones. Older residents and their carers deserve our full support as they navigate this difficult path ahead,’ said the Age Scotland chief executive.