Scotland must rethink its approach to caring for older and dying people in order to avert a "crisis", campaigners have said.

A new report by a coalition of organisations has made a series of recommendations for improving the delivery of health and social care for people living with a terminal illness and their carers.

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Marie Curie, the Association of Palliative Care Social Workers, Hospice UK and MND Scotland say too many people are missing out on specialist end-of-life care and co-ordinated, creative solutions are needed to tackle the challenge of an ageing population amid increasing pressure on public funds.

The report said: "We are concerned that these many challenges cannot be met now, or in the future, solely by finding more money for more statutory services. Scotland faces a crisis in caring for older and dying people."

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It highlights that of the 57,500 people who die in Scotland each year, 80% would benefit from some form of palliative care but 25% of those will not receive the necessary services.

In 2015, a total of 276 people died while waiting for their social care packages to start while others waited over a year.

The report also identifies a "postcode lottery" for personal care charging for those under 65 who have a condition not seen as terminally-ill.

Among the recommendations is a call for social care packages to start immediately when they are needed and be adaptable to changes, as well as for improved sharing of patient information between health and social care teams.

The organisations want an end to social care charges for people living with any terminal illness, including those under the age of 65 and the fast-tracking of devolved benefits for patients and their carers.

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Health and social care staff should also be given improved palliative care and bereavement training to help them lead sensitive conversations about death and dying.

Susan Lowes, Marie Curie's policy and public affairs manager for Scotland, said: "Three in ten people in hospital are in their last year of life and one in ten people will die in hospital during their current hospital stay.

"Often, people will go into hospital for a medical reason but it is waiting for the right social care that stops them from leaving again.

"When people have a terminal illness, time is short and many don't have the time to wait for delayed care packages.

"Good social care support can prevent unnecessary admissions, prevent people dying in hospital and prevent delayed discharges."

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Eilidh Macdonald, policy and advocacy manager Scotland at Hospice UK, said: "Swift and responsive social care is an integral part of supporting someone to live well as they are approaching their last days or living with a terminal or life-shortening illness.

"It enables choice and independence at a time that has the potential to be distressing and isolating for people and their loved ones.

"Unfortunately, not everyone's palliative and end-of-life needs are met. One in four people who die in Scotland every year do not receive the care that they need.

"We have to tackle the barriers affecting all aspects of someone's care.

"As a society, we have a responsibility to make sure this support is available when and where it is needed."