Coventry's demographic trends
Ageing Population: Although Coventry has a younger average age (35) than many other cities it is experiencing an aging population. For example, the number of people aged 50-64 has increased by over 18% between 2011 and 2021 population censuses.
Health and Social Care Needs: With age, individuals are more likely to experience chronic health conditions, disabilities, and care needs. This demographic shift will lead to an increased demand for a range of health and social care services, including home care, residential care, and day services. We are also seeing people living longer with disabilities and higher acuity of needs. Our prevention offer is important in this context and our approach is described later in this document (See Prevention and Early Intervention).
Diverse Population: Coventry is renowned for its cultural diversity, with residents from various ethnic, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds. As the city of Peace and Reconciliation this diversity does not stand still as the city continues to welcome people from different parts of the globe to settle and thrive. Different cultural norms, languages, and beliefs influence the types of services needed and preferred by individuals and communities. The proportion of non-white people had risen from 26.2% in 2011 to around 34.5% in 2021.
Rising Complex Needs: There is a growing recognition of the complexity of needs among adults requiring social care services. This includes individuals with physical disabilities, mental health conditions, learning disabilities, dementia, and other complex needs, requiring tailored and multidisciplinary support.
For a deeper understanding of the Council’s demographics and need for adult social care please refer to the Coventry Joint Strategic Needs assessment and Market Position statement.
Increased Ageing Population: The ageing population will drive increased demand for a range of services, including residential care, day services, and home care. This will require investment in capacity, workforce development, and infrastructure to meet growing demand.
Complex Care Needs: The rise in complex care needs, including multiple chronic conditions, disabilities, and cognitive impairments, will require a holistic and integrated approach to service delivery. This may involve closer collaboration between health and social care services and investment in multidisciplinary teams.
Cultural Sensitivity: Coventry’s diverse population require services that are culturally sensitive, linguistically accessible, and respectful of different beliefs and traditions. This may involve training staff, providing interpretation services, and collaborating with community organisations to reach underserved groups. Commissioning activity outlined in our MPS give opportunities to reaffirm expectations on providers to ensure that service cater for the diverse needs of the city’s communities.
Preventative and Early Intervention: Whilst there is a growing recognition of the importance of preventative and early intervention services in reducing the need for more costly and intensive interventions later on the Council is constantly having to consider its financial position and investment in preventative services through the voluntary sector is under close scrutiny.
Community support, and health promotion initiatives will be essential to address emerging needs and reduce demand on acute services.