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Why it pays to see first-hand how elderly are looked after
• I was delighted to read that Councillor Catherine West is carrying out unannounced inspections on care homes (Spotting abuse, February 1).
I am at a loss to see what qualifications have to do with actually seeing for herself how the elderly in her borough are looked after.
Having had my father-in-law in a care home (in Hackney) for only a short time – two weeks in total – I was disgusted to find the conditions he was left in.
My father-in-law had to be moved from an excellent care home in Islington, where he went for a two-week assessment. He was unable to stay at the home, as there were no rooms vacant. He was moved to a home in Hackney while I was out of the country.
On my return, I visited him, to find he had lost 10kg during the two-week stay. He was prone to infections – and this was in his notes – but he had a serious infection which was not being treated, and was consequently left to sleep all day.
He was not being wakened at meal times, his clothes were dirty. He was not being washed each day, he was unshaven, and his room was filthy. Having looked after him in our own home for 18 months, this was upsetting for me to have witnessed.
His social worker, who was Islington-based, was called in and he was immediately moved back to the original care home. He was properly looked after and cared for, and in a short time was back to his original weight, chatty and enjoying his day, which was always fully packed to keep him occupied and alert. Bingo, days out to the coast, drawing, painting, entertainment and exercise classes meant he had a busy day every day.
A full investigation was made into the care home in Hackney, attended by myself, my husband and the social worker. What a shambles it was.
Thank goodness an independent person who investigates complaints was also at the meeting. We had the proof, including charts from the original home with his weight.
Sadly, my father-in-law has now passed away, but I can only say: keep going Cllr West.
If there is nothing to hide, why is Councillor Kelly Peasnell worried?
NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED
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