CARE HOMES (UK)

3 December 2009

 Yesterday the Aged Care Channel broadcast a programme on elder abuse, hosted by AEA, which was received by several hundred care homes who subscribe to this specialist learning channel. The questions raised by care staff at the end of the two broadcasts were challenging and reinforced the message that there are many good workers out there who are doing their best for residents. They deserve our support!

It is disconcerting therefore to witness the comparatively simplistic way in which the CQC report on care provision has been received today. There is no doubt that we need to look very hard at why there are so many homes providing poor quality care, and we certainly need to be more robust in dealing with the ones who are habitually providing poor care. There can be no excuse for elder abuse. But the situation is far more complex than simply attributing blame directly and exclusively onto care homes.

The funding of care is inadequate. There is a post code lottery which is influenced by the financial situation of local authorities, who are the primary commissioners of care. 

In addition, we are into our third incarnation of regulator, with each change bringing uncertainty and difference, and this latest change is particularly challenging. We have the Government drive toward the 'cash for care' method of care provision which, if successful, will have some negative impact on occupancy levels of care homes. And we still await a standardised approach to adult protection, resulting in different strategies in different areas. The Government is committed to making a statement on this point by the end of the year (i.e. within the next working 20 days). Let's hope it is robust.

At the end of the day, the quality of care is the primary responsibility of the care provider and there is no way around that fact. But there are contributing factors. And some of those must rest with local government, and some with Central Government. There are no winners in such a situation, least of all the older people themselves...

SOURCE:    ACTION ON ELDER ABUSE BLOG, UK

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