Fear over residential home care

Published Tuesday, 26 February 2013

More than 70% of people in Northern Ireland are scared to go into a care home, new research has found.

The report found people have very low expectations of what care homes offer. (© UTV)

A new report found people have low expectations of life in residential care, despite the fact that excellent care does exist.

It has also revealed that at least 80% of care home residents have dementia or severe memory problems.

The Alzheimer's Society, which commissioned the report, is now calling on the government to ensure there is a minimum standard of care across all homes.

Bernadine McCrory, Director of Alzheimer's Society in the Northern Ireland, said: "Too often we hear that people with dementia in care homes don't have the opportunity for regular and meaningful social interaction and activities of their choice which help them continue to live well with dementia.

"Care homes shouldn't be seen as an isolated place of last resort but as part of the wider community. They should be championing the fact that with the right support, it is possible to live well with dementia," she added.

The society said effective regulation of residential homes could boost the quality of care.

Comments

2 Comments

lucylou in belfast wrote (83 days ago):

'effctive regulation of residental homes could boost the quality of care'. Shame on those responsible for current regulation that ANY improvement is required!! These homes are not checked often enough and prior notice of inspection is a means by which bad practices can be concealed for duration of inspection then carry on as normal!! THEY SHOULD BE SPOT CHECKED FREQUENTLY AND OWNERS ,OR WORKERS NOT UP TO A HIGH STANDARD OF CARE DEALT WITH.

Iseult in NI wrote (83 days ago):

There are good and bad care homes, but of course it's always the bad ones that get publicity. I've a friend who works in a care home and in spite of low pay she and her colleagues are dedicated and caring workers. I visit someone who's a resident in another nursing home and she is well looked after and happy. People do their best to look after elderly people at home but there often comes a stage when this is impossible, due to dementia or physical problems, and for someone's own safety a care home is the only solution. If your relative is in this position and has to move into a home, then the best thing you can do is choose the home carefully and visit as often as possible to make sure your relative is being well cared for.

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Fear over residential home care

More than 70% of people in Northern Ireland are scared to go into a care home, new research has found.