Close to home: An inquiry into older people and human rights in home care.
This Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) inquiry has found that although many older people receive care at home which respects and enhances their human rights, this is by no means a universal experience. It uncovered areas of real concern in the treatment of some older people and significant shortcomings in the way that care is commissioned by local authorities.
The report states
“Around half of the older people, friends and family members who gave evidence to the inquiry expressed real satisfaction with their home care. At the same time the evidence revealed many instances of care that raised real concerns such as:
- Older people not being given adequate support to eat and drink (in particular those with dementia) and an unfounded belief that health and safety restrictions prevent care workers preparing hot meals.
- Neglect due to tasks in the care package not being carried out, often caused by lack of time.
- Financial abuse, for example money being systematically stolen over a period of time.
- Chronic disregard for older people’s privacy and dignity when carrying out intimate tasks.
- Talking over older people (sometimes on mobile phones) or patronising them.
- Little attention to older people’s choices about how and when their home care is delivered.
- Risks to personal security, for example when care workers are frequently changed sometimes without warning.
- Some physical abuse, such as rough handling or using unnecessary physical force.
- Pervasive social isolation and loneliness experienced by many older people who lack support to get out and take part in community life.”
You can download the report from the Equality and Human Rights Commission website.