Investigation Reveals Elder Abuse And Neglect Concern

An investigation which has raised serious concerns into care home safety standards needs to be a wake-up call for health authorities, a neglect expert at Irwin Mitchell has demanded.

Consumer group Which? called on three actors to spend a week living in randomly selected residential and nursing homes in order to find out whether those using such services are gaining access to the care they need.

Issues including inadequate food, poor hygiene standards and a lack of activities were among the problems found at the sites, while there was also a concerning report of one possible case of elder abuse.

Which? also found that, despite official inspections highlighting failings, the findings were not always acted upon.

Irwin Mitchell represents a number of families in their campaigns to secure justice over the substandard treatment received by their loved ones during stays in care homes.

Jonathan Peacock, a medical law specialist at the firm’s Bristol office who has much experience of such cases, said improvements are clearly needed.

He explained: “We continue to see far too many cases and reports which are evidence that standards in a number of care homes are falling below the necessary level.

“It is vital that all organisations involved in providing care take a serious look at the findings of this investigation and make serious efforts to ensure standards rise across the UK.

“All patients deserve to have access to care and treatment which meets their needs, so it is key that both levels of training in the area and awareness of the key issues for improving standards are given top priority.

“Hopefully such measures will mean that cases of elderly neglect and abuse are set to become a thing of the past.”

If you or a loved one has been abused or neglected whilst in a care, our care & nursing home abuse claims team could help you to secure compensation. See our Elder Abuse Compensation Claims page for more information.