Which? find that families are left picking up the pieces of poor care
- 17 Sep
Which? asked 40 family carers to keep a diary about their experiences and that of their cared-for relative in May and June 2012.
One daughter's diary told of her mother having her face washed with a flannel with faeces on it and being dressed in yesterday's soiled clothes.
Others spoke of relatives going all day without food or drink, untrained staff using lifting equipment, muddled vital medication and alarm pendants being forgotten.
But we also heard of fabulous care from agency careworkers who don't have enough time to do their work, yet go the extra mile to help.
Which? executive director Richard Lloyd says:
"Our research shows vulnerable people left scared, hungry and sometimes at risk. When things go wrong, family carers bear the brunt - giving up their hopes and plans, and even sacrificing their own health.
Family carers shouldn't have to struggle alone. The government has promised a high standard of care and support. We're waiting to see how this pledge will be translated into action."
Family carers bear brunt
We also surveyed 284 carers and found that for every four hours of help from careworkers, an hour was spent sorting things out. For example, completing tasks that should have been done.
Family carers are often poorly informed about available support, and Which? found that only a third (37%) were told about their right to a carer's assessment. Nearly half (47%) of those receiving council-funded care are worried about it being reduced or taken away.
Carers UK chief executive Helena Herklots says:
"These powerful personal stories highlight how the chronic under funding of social care services too often leaves families without the vital help they need, or struggling with poor quality or unreliable services.
Better quality and better funded services that families can have confidence in must be a priority for the government as it takes forward its reforms to care and support services. Families shouldn't have to keep picking up the pieces of a failing care system."Source: Which?
Related articles
- 25 May
CARE HAS IMPROVED CONSIDERABLY IN ENGLAND
Almost three fourth of 372 care homes rated inadequate in 2014 and still operating have improved.205 care homes have improved from a low rating to requiring improvement, 68 are now rated good and 99...
- 24 May
NHS ADJUSTMENTS TO BUDGET CUTS
NHS trusts which have been previously rated good or outstanding will not be inspected as frequently as before, but those rated as inadequate will be regularly visited by the CQC.The Guardian reports...
- 19 Mar
Government to inspect if housing can reduce NHS costs
In the Budget document the government have said it's looking at the ‘cost-effectiveness of options to integrate spending around some of the most vulnerable groups of people.' This includes...
- 15 Oct
End of life patients are lacking support
The charity has found that almost 92% of NHS clinical commissioning groups do not provide round the clock telephone helplines, reports the BBC.Guidelines say there should be 24-hour telephone...
- 15 Sep
Social care is being limited due to council cuts
ADASS are warning that cuts are making the care system "unsustainable" with charities saying hundreds of thousands of people are struggling without help, even though the government says councils have...
- 17 Jul
Young people should not be placed in B&Bs says MPs
The Commons Education Select Committee has said that B&B accommodation is "threatening and frightening" and should only be used in emergency situations reports the BBC.MPs say that young people...
- 16 Jul
Special measures system designed to improve failing care homes
A scheme similar to special measures of hospitals will be introduced for care homes and home care agencies next year, ministers will say, reports the BBC.This will cover 25,000 services and could...
- 14 Jul
Research says that one in three Alzheimer's cases can be prevented
The research says that the main risk factors of Alzheimer's is lack of exercise, smoking, depression and poor education, reports the BBC. Alzheimer's Research UK said age was still the biggest risk...
- 10 Jul
NHS boss says those with vulnerabilities need joint health and care budget
Simon Stevens wants to see older people, those with disabilities and people with serious mental health problems given joint pots from the NHS and council-run social care services, reports the...
- 17 Jun
Council falters in reviewing autistic man’s care plan
According to Community Care:"The ruling was made by the Local Government Ombudsman after the man's mother complained that his physical and mental health deteriorated in the two-year period after...
Exempt Accommodation, Welfare Reform and Vulnerable Tenants Another excellent session from Support Solutions - excellent value for money and excellent training D.A - St Vincent's Housing Association
