Older people being put at risk by substandard care

People with dementia and other older people are being put at risk and having their human rights breached by poor quality care a new report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) claims. The inquiry revealed cases of physical and financial abuse, privacy and dignity being disregarded and of people treated as if they were invisible. This included people with dementia not being prompted to eat so they are left hungry. It also found people often experienced difficulties in voicing their concerns.

The EHRC is now calling for loopholes in the Human Rights Act to be closed, for more effective monitoring and clearer guidance on older people's human rights.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Yet vulnerable people, including hundreds of thousands of people with dementia are being put at risk and having their human rights breached by substandard care in their own home.'

'Without the right support, more people will reach crisis point and be forced to go into hospital or care homes early. This represents not only an immeasurable human cost but also a massive financial drain. Local authorities must empower care staff with enough time and training to provide high quality care and protect these vital services from cuts.'

Louise Lakey

Policy Manager

Alzheimer's Society

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Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051 
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them 
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland 
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer's Society and Tesco have mapped the number of people with dementia in each part of the UK and the percentage who receive a diagnosis. To view the 'Mapping the Dementia Gap' study visit alzheimers-tesco.org.uk