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16/03/2012
Home Care For Elderly Condemned As "Shocking And Disgraceful"
A consumer group has described the standards of in-home care provided for older people in the UK as "shocking and disgraceful".
During its investigation Which? found cases of missed visits, food left out of reach, medication not given and people being left in soiled beds.
The findings - based on a survey and diaries kept by the elderly – concluded that too many faced a "constant battle" to just get the basic help, and that the system needs to be reformed.
More than 500,000 people rely on help at home with activities such as washing and dressing.
Diaries were completed by a group of 30 people over the course of a week and revealed how one elderly lady was left alone in the dark for hours unable to find food or drink.
Another was left without a walking frame so she was unable to get to the bathroom and one man was not given vital medication for his diabetes.
Which? has warned the situation is only likely to get worse as councils increasingly squeeze funding.
(H)
During its investigation Which? found cases of missed visits, food left out of reach, medication not given and people being left in soiled beds.
The findings - based on a survey and diaries kept by the elderly – concluded that too many faced a "constant battle" to just get the basic help, and that the system needs to be reformed.
More than 500,000 people rely on help at home with activities such as washing and dressing.
Diaries were completed by a group of 30 people over the course of a week and revealed how one elderly lady was left alone in the dark for hours unable to find food or drink.
Another was left without a walking frame so she was unable to get to the bathroom and one man was not given vital medication for his diabetes.
Which? has warned the situation is only likely to get worse as councils increasingly squeeze funding.
(H)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
