Worries Raised Over Care Standards

A health and social care expert at Irwin Mitchell has called for serious action to be taken following the release of a new report criticising the quality of home care offered to dementia sufferers.

The research from the Alzheimer’s Society  suggested a quarter of a million people with the condition are not getting the vital support they need, meaning many are being forced into care homes earlier.

Carers questioned as part of the study who raised concerns over poor standards cited cases in which some sufferers were being left bedridden and malnourished, while others were found wearing unchanged incontinence pads.

It was also found many home care staff were keen to embrace further training and get further support in their efforts to help those with dementia.

Sarah Head, who advises on health and social care issues at Irwin Mitchell, said it was vital lessons are learnt from the report.

She explained: “Dementia is a terrible illness which leaves many people needing around-the-clock support and care. However, this disturbing study highlights that many sufferers, and those responsible for looking after them, are simply not getting the help they need.

“Respite care and other services can be a massive boost to those devoted to helping loved ones affect by the illness, so it is vital that a serious assessment is carried out into the availability of such support.

“This is vital not just for carers and sufferers, but also for ensuring unnecessary admissions to hospitals and homes can be prevented.”