Protect the Institutionalised Elderly

Figures presented here by the BBC

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-52214177

show that more people are dying in institutional settings than in hospitals. Two things flow from this...

1. Prevent the discharge of patients with Covid 19 from hospitals to any care setting
2. Build and implement a Fort Knox strategy in nursery homes, care homes and sheltered housing to protect residents and their carers. This will be the most important means of reducing harm during a future outbreak of the Corona Virus

Why the contribution is important

Corona Virus will return and it menaces the elderly especially those with underlying conditions, and triply it threatens the elderly in close proximity to each other. A major national effort is required here with a minister at cabinet solely responsible for this protection task

by WMH004C on May 09, 2020 at 09:42AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.8
Based on: 7 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Islander64 May 09, 2020 at 09:54

    Very Good idea..especially having a minister for Care Homes to take ownership.. Think part of the trouble has been that, unlike our hospitals, a large percentage of Care Homes are privately owned and run and there to make a profit. Stricter Control and Regulation is the only way forward to prevent further outbreaks in Care settings.
  • Posted by Laurianna May 09, 2020 at 10:10

    Totally agree. Our old folk are very precious. In other countries old folk are cherished as head of the family and looked after until the very end - we owe it to them to give them the very best care possible
  • Posted by Pensionaccess May 09, 2020 at 10:23

    I agree Covid patients must not be moved into care homes (or to anywhere other than hospital while positive). Also agree increased Gov accountability for what’s happening in the care sector generally is needed.
    Re previous comment, yes many care homes are privately run and normally with a view to profit but over the last number of weeks there have been heartbreaking stories of carehomes trying to do their best (regardless of cost) but being hampered by government, eg lack of PPE, lack of testing, patients being moved in when they should have stayed in hospital.
    Many care home staff have agreed to leave their families and live on site in the care homes to reduce risk to patients. These people deserve a medal!
    Carers in the community are also undervalued, under paid and largely unsupported.
    Perhaps we need some version of “nightingale” for the elderly and vulnerable.
    Thank you to all caring carers. I hope society will give you due appreciation in future
  • Posted by Emax2020 May 09, 2020 at 13:13

    The initial guidelines to care homes was shocking. No visits from friends and family, no GP visits if you live in a care home ( to avoid taking virus in. Really???) instead end of life care medicines were provided up front for all residents. My mum couldn’t get a gp visit but could be assisted to shuffle off this Earth.... No testing of residents or staff if there’s a suspected case, just isolate people in their rooms. PPE shortage. NHS allowed to discharge virus patients into care homes to free up nhs beds thereby endangering health staff and other residents. SOMEONE needs to be accountable for what just happened...and to make a better job of things for the second wave.
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