The Department of Health in Northern Ireland has issued a 10-year strategic plan for reforming adult social care services. An accompanying three-year delivery plan outlines specific actions and timelines.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt stated that adult social care faces pressures from workforce recruitment and retention issues, rising demand, complex needs, and delayed hospital discharges. These factors strain budgets and limit service capacity.

The minister emphasized the need for new methods, including prevention, community support, technology use, and workforce development. The Department previously released a 10-year Social Care Workforce Strategy. Nesbitt committed to funding the Real Living Wage when affordable.

Key actions in the plans include reviewing homecare delivery, creating a preventative care framework, adopting digital and AI solutions, and increasing self-directed support options.

Nesbitt described social care as preventative and integral to a neighbourhood model of care. It supports health by addressing needs early and reducing demand for intensive services. Success requires partnership between statutory and independent sectors.