• This week warnings by the Alzheimer’s Society highlighted shortcomings in the quality of care at home for people diagnosed with Dementia. Some 850,000 in the UK have been diagnosed with this condition, half of whom rely on care workers coming into their home.
• A survey carried out by the charity reveals that almost a third of home care workers have no training in dealing with the condition. Lack of training can have devastating effects and can be life changing. The survey has highlighted that shortfalls in care have resulted in people ending up in hospital because of infections being missed, having to stay in soiled clothing because care workers don’t know how to calm them enough to change their clothing. There have also been instances of people being found in the middle of the road as a result of home care workers not properly securing peoples homes. Clearly the examples used can create a “living hell”.
• Warnings by the Charity serve a purpose because hopefully it will drive up the standard of training in the care industry. The charity estimates that an extra £25 million would cover the cost of the training and which would pay for itself. This is because a consequence would be a reduction in hospital admissions and a reduced need for people to move into care homes.
• The cause of the poor care highlighted by the charity is not only lack of training but lack of resource and an inability to then risk assess people with Dementia. If you find that you or a loved one has or is suffering in the ways described you can complain to the Care Quality Commission. If the care has been put in place by your Local Authority you can use their complaints procedures. Other remedies for poor care caused by lack of training and failure to risk asses can include a claim for damages because of breach of duty of care. Injunctions are relevant if the care is tantamount to abuse. There are in addition other options. If you use the options, standards will eventually improve.
• The above is an overview only. For a FREE appointment and to find out answers to the questions that need answering and to get the care you or a loved one need email Andrew Douglas or his team. Alternatively call us on 0800 072 8636.
We have offices In Marlborough, Royal Wootton Basset, Devizes & Chippenham. You can visit our website www. abdcare.co.uk
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| Andrew Douglas Partner |
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