Becky Johnson, Sky News social affairs correspondent known for her investigative work on care homes, joins to discuss disturbing findings about elderly neglect. She reveals shocking conditions, including residents left unwashed and struggling to access basic needs. The conversation dives into the failures of the Care Quality Commission's oversight, exposing that fewer than four percent of complaints are thoroughly investigated. Johnson highlights the urgent need for accountability and better standards to protect vulnerable residents.
Significant neglect in care homes poses alarming risks to the elderly, highlighting severe issues such as untreated injuries and poor hygiene standards.
The Care Quality Commission is criticized for its ineffective investigation processes, with a minimal percentage of complaints leading to meaningful action or accountability.
Deep dives
Concerns About Care Home Neglect
Investigation reveals significant neglect in care homes rated as good by regulators. Families report serious concerns about the treatment of their loved ones, highlighting alarming instances such as patients being left with untreated bruises and major hygiene deficiencies. One family found an elderly relative with live maggots in a wound, indicating a profound failure in basic care standards. These troubling stories underline a broader issue where families feel helpless amidst what they perceive as a lack of accountability from care providers.
Inadequate Oversight by the Care Quality Commission
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) faces criticism for its inadequate investigation processes and oversights, with a mere 3.6% of complaints being actively investigated. Many families feel frustrated and ignored, as the CQC mostly collects complaints without taking meaningful action. Complaints often disappear into a system described as an abyss, leaving families without the assurance that their concerns are being addressed. This lack of inspections and accountability offers little comfort to those searching for trustworthy care for their loved ones.
Calls for Regulatory Reform and Support
There are pressing calls for reforming the regulatory framework overseeing care homes, with advocates arguing the need for more robust oversight. Families facing crises in care homes often lack immediate channels for raising alarms, underscoring a systemic issue where urgent concerns go unaddressed. As the government acknowledges the complexities within the care sector, including workforce shortages and poor conditions, there remains a crucial gap in support for families. Campaigners emphasize that until a more responsive system is established, vulnerable individuals will continue to be at risk in the care system.
A Sky News investigation has discovered elderly people in care homes across the country are being left unwashed in soiled sheets, unable to reach food and water, and suffering falls when left alone.
The investigation also uncovered huge problems with how concerns about care homes are investigated – and the way these homes are rated by the Care Quality Commission.
On this episode, Niall Paterson speaks to social affairs correspondent Becky Johnson, who explains the issue of neglect at care homes and explores whether the system designed to support better care is broken.
Producer: Alex Bishop Editor: Philly Beaumont
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