The neglect of elderly residents in care homes is causing a rise in emergency hospital admissions, experts warn.
NHS data shows there were 22,682 emergency admissions from care homes in 2014/15, compared to 13,906 in 2010/11, representing a 63% rise in just four years.
Politicians and charities say the rise can be attributed to the neglect of elderly patients in care homes, who are not being given the attention they need.
Consequently they fall seriously unwell and need to be rushed to Accident and Emergency. Many of these admissions could be avoided with earlier care and support.
Budget cuts are being blamed for the “scandalous crisis” in elderly care, with the budget for adult social care having fallen £4.6bn since 2010.
This has left care homes short staffed, while many have poor links with GPs, meaning health problems are not detected and treated in time.
“Truly awful care”
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has previously said that one in three care homes is not meeting basic standards, and 55% of nursing homes are inadequate or require improvement.
Andrea Sutcliffe, the CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care, said: “Week in, week out, our inspectors discover some truly awful care” including residents with “worrying bruises” and “malnutrition or life-threatening dehydration”.
Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, NHS medical director, highlighted the strain this neglect was having upon hospitals.
He called for further investment in social care, as this would help elderly people receive the treatment they required – without the need for a hospital admission.
The NHS is currently struggling with the demands of an ageing population, with winter deaths reaching record levels in 2015, totalling 44,000 extra deaths.
Barbara Keeley, shadow minister for older people, care and carers, said: “The neglect of social care is a scandal that has gone on for far too long – and it is clear that George Osborne’s funding plans are completely inadequate.”
Care home negligence
If your loved one has suffered serious harm in a care home, you could be entitled to claim compensation. Contact our medical negligence solicitors to find out more.
Share Article With:
|
|
|
|
|
|
