Motor neurone patient slams state of care provision
WHEN you are solely dependant on others for care, the type of care you get can make all the difference to your quality of life as a West Craven woman explained so poignantly to the Barnoldswick and Earby Times this week.

In her letter, she writes:

"About nine months ago it became necessary for me to receive help from a care agency in order to get me up every morning and attend to my basic care needs that is shower, dressing and breakfast etc.

Physically I can't walk or feed myself due to motor neurone disease, my senses and intellect however remain intact.
The standard of care over the following months was both a shock and an education to say the least! Initially I questioned myself as to whether my expectations were too high.

Two of my regular carers are fantastic, the remainder vary from fair to poor. I have had carers who "nip out for a fag', some who used their mobile phones to text friends, some who can't make a basic breakfast.

I had one carer who didn't check the shower temperature and nearly scalded me.

Some who clearly rushed me in order to move on to the next client. Most of them use out dated and illegal drag lifting techniques, which is very painful. One carer had such poor personal hygiene my husband could smell her at the other side of the room.

I have been given male carers, which I clearly stipulated I did not want.

One man stunk of alcohol and therefore I refused to let him near me.

I decided to take these issues to my social worker whose reply was that if the agency was changed the level of care would probably be similar!!

What have we come to when we allow this downright poor service provision in the 21st century to the elderly, poorly, vulnerable and terminally ill.

Who do I blame, the Government, the care agencies, and the carers? Well, they all need a radical shake-up. The Government is obviously viewing this type of care in the community as a financial advantage. The care agency owners are no doubt seeing fat profits at the expense of poorly trained staff who work long hours with associated poor pay.
Who initiates, monitors and evaluates care standards and who promotes the carers to undertake a recognised carers qualification? And who interviews and selects the staff?
Whoever it is, they need careful attention.

Anyway why am I voicing my concerns? Because I CARE!!!"

MRS MUST NOT GRUMBLE, Name and address supplied
23 February 2007
http://www.pendletoday.co.uk/ViewArt...icleID=2069951