'Severe' staff shortages in residential care homes affecting patients
The government is being urged by trade union Unison to take action to tackle 'severe' staff shortages in residential care homes after a study found the care needs of elderly and vulnerable people are not being met.
In a survey of 1,000 staff by the public services union, four out of five who responded said they are so rushed they are compromising the dignity and well-being of the people they look after.
Care workers reported often being too busy to take people to the toilet or notice if a resident's health had deteriorated.
Most of the staff, working in private and local authority care homes across the UK, said they regularly work through their breaks.
Worrying
The union said
The government is being urged by trade union Unison to take action to tackle 'severe' staff shortages in residential care homes after a study found the care needs of elderly and vulnerable people are not being met.
if a resident's health has deteriorated. Picture: iStock
In a survey of 1,000 staff by the public services union, four out of five who responded said they are so rushed they are compromising the dignity and well-being of the people they look after.
Care workers reported often being too busy to take people to the toilet or notice if a resident's health had deteriorated.
Most of the staff, working in private and local authority care homes across the UK, said they regularly work through their breaks.
Worrying
The union said its research revealed a ‘worrying picture’ of residents being denied the most basic levels of care.
Nine out of 10 respondents said a lack of staff was to blame, with more than a quarter not having the time to help elderly people eat and drink.
They were rarely able to stop for a brief chat with the people they look after or take them outside for some fresh air.
Vulnerable
Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: ‘The care system is failing the elderly and the vulnerable and those staff struggling to provide the best support possible.
‘Significant change needs to happen if respect and dignity are to be restored and standards improved in care homes.
‘Elderly people should expect the best possible care, whether they are being looked after in their own accommodation or in a care home.
‘It’s shocking that some care home owners are being allowed to look after people when they don't have enough staff to deliver quality care.
‘The government must act now to fund social care properly and protect the most vulnerable in society.’
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