Home care for elderly branded ‘shocking and disgraceful’
Ministers have already promised they will be revamping social care in England
By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News
Which? found cases of missed visits, food left out of reach, medication not given and people being left in soiled beds during its investigation.
It concluded too many faced a “constant battle” to just get the basic help.
The UK Home Care Association said it was never acceptable for people to experience rushed or inadequate care.
Which? said the findings – based on a survey and diaries kept by the elderly – showed the system needed reform.
More than 500,000 people rely on help at home with activities such as washing and dressing.
Over 70 health charities share £6.8m
Seventy four charities are to get a share of around £6.8m to “test and develop innovative approaches to improve health and wellbeing”, the care services minister Paul Burstow has announced.
15 March 2012
The winning bids included the Epilepsy Society which would use nearly £300,000 to promote early interventions for people with epilepsy in hard-to-reach groups, the Motor Neurone Disease Association would use just over £500,000 to turn its wheelchair provision into a national service, and Maternity Action will spend its £68,000 on supporting women and their employers to breastfeed on their return to work after maternity leave.
Other charities benefiting from the cash injection include the Disabled Living Foundation which will use £200,350 to deliver an online library of small electronic aids which people can try before they buy, and the Spinal Injuries Association which has won nearly £43,500 to help educate health professionals how to avoid preventable conditions such as pressure sores and urinary infections.
