HSCIC Data Reveals Worrying Extent Of Care Home Allegations

By Rob Dixon

New research which shows that around 200 investigations are launched everyday into allegations of elderly abuse is the latest study to show the clear need for action to ensure vulnerable members of society get the support they need, according to legal experts.

According to figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre, reported in the Daily Express, more than 64,000 claims were investigated last year in relation to concerns that over-65s were being abused.

The breakdown of the data included more than 25,000 allegations of neglect and also over 21,000 of physical abuse. Around one in three cases of abuse saw professional carers identified as suspects.

Irwin Mitchell has vast experience in representing people of all ages who have suffered physical and psychological abuse, including the families of vulnerable elderly people affected by problems while receiving home-based or residential care.

Angela Kirtley, a Partner and specialist in medical negligence at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office, has acted for victims of abuse in care homes.

Commenting on the figures, she said: “The figures mentions in this new data are clearly a huge concern and we would urge authorities to take serious notice of these findings, with the ultimate aim of ensuring reports of such problems are addressed and carefully considered.

“Through our work, we have seen numerous cases in which people have suffered serious problems as a result of substandard care, neglect and errors in treatment, often feeling the long-term effects of the problems they have endured.

“The families of vulnerable adults rightly expect that their loved ones in care will get the best level of support, but unacceptably this is not always the case.

“It is vital that lessons can be learned from all cases which will ensure that elderly abuse in every form can be effectively tackled.”

Contact our care & nursing home claims team for a free no obligation confidential chat about making a claim if you or a loved has suffered abuse or neglect whilst in a care. Alternatively visit our Elder Abuse Claims page for more information.