British Geriatrics Society

Delivering Dignity

The Commission on Improving Dignity in Care for Older People has published its final report and stressed the need for health and social care leaders to drive a 'major cultural shift' to tackle the underlying causes of poor and undignified care of older people throughout care homes and hospitals in England.

The BGS submitted evidence to the Commission and feedback on its draft report.  Jackie Morris, BGS Dignity Champion said: "We are delighted that the importance of human rights has been recognised.

We welcome the understanding and recognition of the negative effect of ageism as well as the importance of valuing the individual and the need to train and support staff.

While services are provided by a plethora or multiple providers the Commission's recommendation of devolvement may be necessary but organisations ought to set and have shared standards of care encouraging quality but not mechanistic care.

"We are concerned that there is no mention of the role of primary and secondary care support for care homes. The British Geriatrics Society has recently highlighted the inadequacy of this care in our publications Quest for Quality and Failing the Frail. The current failure to provide appropriate health care support further isolates the care homes and is an example of ageism and inequality.

Dignified and humane care demands that social and health care ought to be delivered in an integrated manner. Older people in care homes and hospitals ought to expect and access equality in health care and care delivered by trained staff wherever they are."

Tweet