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The Royal College of Nursing
voted overwhelmingly to lobby the government to increase the level of fees
paid to local authorities and care homes, after hearing evidence that the
eviction of people in their 80s and 90s was "tantamount to a policy
of abuse of the elderly". Eirlys Warrington, chairwoman
of the Welsh Board, said 13,000 care home beds had been lost in the past
year. "Older people at the most
vulnerable stage in their lives are being shunted from one care home to
another, with no choice and little dignity. As care homes close, the
choice for our elderly becomes limited," she said. Older people were being kept
for weeks in hospital beds because there was nowhere for them to go. Many
were then moved miles from friends and family. "Older people in their 80s
and 90s are being forced to pack a suitcase and establish new routines,
new habits, new friendships," Ms Warrington told the annual congress.
"This is a sector where
instinctively nurses must surely feel their skills should be used to great
effect, but they too feel isolated, undervalued and let down." She said care homes were
struggling to improve standards, remain viable, pay improved staff
salaries and provide proper training and development. In addition they had
to provide a safe, caring and healthy environment for elderly people. Copyright
© 2002 Global Action on Aging |
