When a campaign group describes a situation as a ticking timebomb, it usually means there is time to take action before it explodes into crisis.

In the case of the increasing number of elderly parents caring for adults with learning disabilities, the crisis is looming dangerously close. Nearly 7,000 people caring for adults with learning disabilities in Scotland are over 65, while 2,202 people over 85 still have responsibility for the care of a dependant with a learning disability. These figures, compiled by an alliance of Scottish disability charities, illustrate why local authorities cannot turn a deaf ear to the timebomb. Without a care plan for these families, they will have to squeeze already tight budgets to fund emergency care.

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To read more, see the full article. (Herald Scotland. 15 June 2010)