A “perfect storm” is looming for elderly care in West Sussex, a retired GP has warned.

James Walsh said the rapidly growing number of old people means a greater demand for health and support services in the future.

However he said residential homes operate at maximum capacity and struggle to meet the demands of people with complex problems.

At least 380 beds have also been lost in the last three years as residential homes close or leave the care sector.

This is despite a West Sussex County Council report which stated the number of residential beds needs to grow by between 170 and 280 each year to ensure they can meet demand.

Dr Walsh, a Liberal Democrat county councillor, said the Tory-run council’s decision to exclude people with moderate needs from social care two years ago was having an impact.

He said: “Early assistance can often prevent problems becoming worse and so it is inevitable that more of the formerly moderately needy have now accelerated into the substantial or critical needs category.

“More have been admitted to hospitals, and are taking longer to discharge back to their homes, or increasingly with more difficulty, to care homes.

“There has to be a major new approach nationally and locally to recruiting, training and retaining care providers, giving them greater standing and status, including better pay and working conditions.

“Otherwise we will see the further disintegration of our elderly care system in West Sussex and nationally.”

A council spokeswoman said: “The eligibility changes for people who are funded by us meant we could invest in preventative services for everyone with low and moderate needs – allowing us to reach many more people.

“There is no evidence this change has led to more people going into care homes or hospital.”

She said the council is “committed to ensuring good quality, safe care for residents” and has increased support to care providers.

She added: “Considerable work is now under way to put extra resources into retaining this valuable workforce. We are responding to this important issue and it is a priority.”