Why a sea-change is needed for carers of vulnerable people
Carers tend to become more stressed and anxious when the care their loved-one is receiving is inappropriate or unsatisfactory and feel the complaints system is not effective. In helping carers to secure a good standard of care for their loved one we do our utmost to protect the carer's interests and those of the person being cared for. But even with such support, some carers pull back from challenging unwelcome decisions for fear of backlash.
Some of the concerns carers have about loved ones in care
Our casework shows that when a loved one lives in sheltered housing, a care home, is in a nursing home or hospital the following situations can arise:
- Carers often feel let down by the 'system'.
- Carers tend to feel they are the only ones who have the best interests of their loved one at heart.
- Carers generally only have peace of mind when they know that their loved-one is being looked after properly.
- The vulnerable person may "put on a brave or bright face" to people they regard as authority figures, be in awe of or compliant with them and deny maltreatment.
- Carers tend to fear officialdom and some are themselves in awe of authority figures.
- Carers often do not know what to do about the maltreatment of vulnerable people.
- Carers are fearful of taking photographs of vulnerable people as evidence of maltreatment.
- The complaints processes tend to be dragged out and prolong suffering.
- The suffering of vulnerable people and their carers tends to be invisible to officialdom.
- Organisations that purport to have the interests of vulnerable people at heart choose to look the other way when confronted by evidence of maltreatment.
- Carers have concern about the conditions and treatment of those in 'rehab' wards.
- Carers are expected to make unnecessarily long journeys to visit a loved-one in hospital when they could be moved nearer home.
- Carers have concerns about the treatment of people with dementia.
- Carers have concerns about the administration of antipsychotic drugs to people with dementia.
- Carers are concerned about the lack of dementia training for hospital and care staff.
- There is inadequate incontinence care in nursing and residential care homes.
- Notes of official meetings often fail to reflect what was actually agreed.
Advocare's Charter for Carers
We believe a strategy is needed to bridge the gap between carers' concerns and bureaucratic process. To help bring about this sea-change we are currently formulating Advocare's Charter for Carers, a unifying 'rapid response' strategy.
Underpinned by a legal framework, Advocare's Charter for Carers is being drawn up in the light of what carers have reported to us. It will enable them to deal with their concerns more effectively.
Help us bring about a sea-change for carers!
We would like you to tell us about your experiences. In simply knowing we are an independent organisation carers are reassured in the confidence that they can speak openly to us. Together we can bring about a sea-change for carers more quickly. Please ring our Caring for Carers line on (01202) 737592.