The spotlight has never been more firmly focused on the care home industry. As a consequence of recent reports that have flagged up problems and suggested ways in which things can be improved a new complaints system is to be introduced and all of Britain's 13,900 registered care home are to face much tougher inspections and penalties if those inspections find failings in the running of care homes. East Anglia, Cornwall, Cumbria and Pembrokeshire, in fact countrywide the new focus is bound to have repercussions.
Recently The Times newspaper launched a campaign and a survey to gain feedback on the state of the nation's care homes. East Anglia residents and people from across the United Kingdom have been invited to take part in the survey and send in reports of their own experiences, be they good or bad. It is hoped that the findings will be able to go some way to highlighting concerns and issues that many people have but are often too afraid to speak about.
So what are the major concerns that are know already and what are the things that someone looking for a care home for themselves or a relative or friend should be looking out for? Here are a few pointers in the right direction aimed at reducing the anxiety in what can be a difficult and worrying time, but unfortunately one that many of us will have to face one day.
Government policy - For anything that is recommended to be put into practice and make a beneficial and long lasting difference it is essential that the government of the day gets behind the findings and includes them as an integral part of policy making. With over a third of the population over the age of 50 it therefore is not just morally right that government take notice but it makes political sense as well.
Planning permission, the needs of older people in local communities and maintaining a person's respect and dignity should all be in the minds of politicians when they are making decisions that have an impact on care homes. East Anglia, Devon, The Midlands and the north of England all have large a large number of elderly people who are still able to vote, something that politicians often overlook.
Show me the money - At the later stages of a person's life the last thing they should have to even think about is money and financial security. Many elderly people worry about not having enough money to ensure they have adequate and relevant care. Minimum care standards should be significantly raised so that people's negative views are changed concerning care home. East Anglia should be caring for the people who have paid taxes their whole life just as much as the Home Counties or the North West.
My home is my castle - Is it fair that a person should sell their home if they don't want to? The whole debate about an elderly person selling their home to pay for care is a minefield and one that no politician has yet adequately addressed. What is unquestionable is that the process of selling a home is traumatic at the best of times and so an elder person having to sell to pay for their care must be unbearable. Hell needs to be given to these people moving into care homes. East Anglia, West Country and all local councils need to adopt a fresh approach to this area.
Without any of these issues being addressed the elderly will continue to be neglected and the problems that are being experienced will only get worse. Politicians need to treat the elderly with the same respect they so readily demand back.
Author Resource:-
Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the care industry.
Find out more about Care Homes in East Anglia and the rest of the UK.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.articlesinsight.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
