Careforce scandal: Three months on
12 June 2009
Earlier this year a firm which looks after some of Norfolk's most vulnerable people was embroiled in controversy after a catalogue of errors and failings were revealed. Three months on Sarah Hall looks at the situation now.
Norfolk's care bosses have today reassured the public they are taking all necessary action to ensure elderly people were not missing out on vital care.
It comes just three months after a scandalous catalogue of errors and failings were revealed following Norfolk County Council's award of a new home care contract with Careforce.
The firm's carers left some of the most vulnerable people sitting at home alone without meals or medication, which led to social care services apologising and vowing to not let it happen again.
And while it appears improvements have been made, the Evening News has been made aware of at least one case in the past month which resulted in an elderly woman being left without her evening meal, no medication and with her front door being left unlocked all night.
Meanwhile, it also emerged today that the charity Age Concern has been asked by council bosses to investigate whether necessary improvements have been made.
Karen Patient was left deeply concerned on two occasions because there where no Careforce staff to look after her elderly relative.
Lucy Harper with her son Cliffe and daughter in law Barbara.
The woman, who is 78, and lives in South Norfolk, was expecting her carer on Friday, May 8 but she did not show up. After several phone calls to members of her family a carer from a separate agency was called in to see her.
Ms Patient said: “I am very concerned about my relative. Not only was a carer late, but when one did turn up she failed to give her any dinner, forgot to put her life-saving device round her neck and then left her front door unlocked.
“I am disgusted that this could happen and my relative is very upset. It happened again when no carer was found so I had to sort one myself.
North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb said: “I have not had any specific complaints about Careforce but I am not happy about the way elderly people are being treated in Norfolk.
“I visited some elderly accommodation units and I was concerned about what was going on, with delays in assessment and other things.
“What is going on seems pretty dysfunctional. Why is the care and access to support not there when vulnerable people need it? I am not surprised people are so upset. This is an unacceptable situation.”
Phil Wells, from Age Concern Norwich, said it was “too early” to tell if Careforce were making the necessary improvements.
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1 comment:
My elderly Mother was left with no care on the first day of her care plan! I am informed that the carers have appointments made 'back to back' with no allowance made for travel - ludicrous - little wonder that they do the minimum and leave as quickly as possible, not their fault just very poor management. Surely it is not beyond the wit of man to allow travel time in a rural area? One day a carer turns up at 6.30 am to get her up another at 940am = nice and consistent then....not The hygiene leaves a lot to be desired too. My Mothers hair has not been washed for 10 days 'well if she needs her hair washed she has to ask' - Well she's not psychic so if she'd known obviously she would have asked. My Mother is a proud woman who is trying to retain some shred of dignity, No chance!
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