Home care survey finds instances of poor care

An undercover investigation by the consumer association Which? has revealed examples of poor home care for older people, including missed visits and vulnerable people left with soiled bedclothes, food out of reach, and vital medication missed.

Which? asked 30 people or their carers to keep records for a week in January to log their experiences. Using voice recorders, diaries and computers, they noted 287 care visits showing the impact of good and bad care.  

One elderly woman was left alone in the dark for hours unable to find food or drink, another was left without a walking frame so she was unable to get to the bathroom, and one man was not given vital diabetic medication.

Some people did report carers going the extra mile to give excellent service, especially those with regular careworkers.

Which? also surveyed 926 people on the Which? Connect panel who were recipients, or relatives of those receiving home care to find out about their experiences.

Which? executive director, Richard Lloyd, said: ““The government can no longer claim to be shocked as report after report highlights the pitiful state of care for older people. If they are serious about ensuring vulnerable people are treated with dignity, then we must see real action because every day they delay is another day older people risk being neglected.”