70% of adults afraid of Care Homes

The Alzheimer’s Society stress there is a need for government and care homes to work together to lift expectations so that people know they have the right to expect the best possible care for their loved ones. It is calling for rigorous minimum standards and training for staff.

A recent survey undertaken by the Alzheimer’s Society has revealed that 70 per cent  of adults fear ending up in a care home. Fear has been fuelled by reports of bad treatment and abuse. Two thirds of those surveyed did not believe that enough was being done to tackle the problems, and were extremely concerned that a close relative may require care.

The Alzheimer’s Society report also shows that currently 80 per cent of those living in care homes are suffering some degree of dementia or severe memory problem. Previous estimates suggested this was 62 per cent. The report found that fewer than half of dementia sufferers in care homes enjoy a good quality of life.

The report comes in the wake of six care workers being imprisoned last year for “cruel, callous and degrading abuse of disabled residents”. The Care Quality Commission, at the same time found that 1 in 6 care homes did not treat patients with dignity and respect.

The Alzheimer’s Society stress there is a need for government and care homes to work together to lift expectations so that people know they have the right to expect the best possible care for their loved ones.  It is calling for rigorous minimum standards and training for staff.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said “We expect the Care Quality Commission to take firm action where services are found to be unacceptable” The Local Government Association commented that the report highlights lack of confidence in an overburdened underfunded care system. Without urgent government funding to meet a rising demand and a revision of the system the situation will continue to get worse.