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16/03/2012
Home Care For Elderly Condemned As "Shocking And Disgraceful"
A consumer group has described the standards of in-home care provided for older people in the UK as "shocking and disgraceful".
During its investigation Which? found cases of missed visits, food left out of reach, medication not given and people being left in soiled beds.
The findings - based on a survey and diaries kept by the elderly – concluded that too many faced a "constant battle" to just get the basic help, and that the system needs to be reformed.
More than 500,000 people rely on help at home with activities such as washing and dressing.
Diaries were completed by a group of 30 people over the course of a week and revealed how one elderly lady was left alone in the dark for hours unable to find food or drink.
Another was left without a walking frame so she was unable to get to the bathroom and one man was not given vital medication for his diabetes.
Which? has warned the situation is only likely to get worse as councils increasingly squeeze funding.
(H)
During its investigation Which? found cases of missed visits, food left out of reach, medication not given and people being left in soiled beds.
The findings - based on a survey and diaries kept by the elderly – concluded that too many faced a "constant battle" to just get the basic help, and that the system needs to be reformed.
More than 500,000 people rely on help at home with activities such as washing and dressing.
Diaries were completed by a group of 30 people over the course of a week and revealed how one elderly lady was left alone in the dark for hours unable to find food or drink.
Another was left without a walking frame so she was unable to get to the bathroom and one man was not given vital medication for his diabetes.
Which? has warned the situation is only likely to get worse as councils increasingly squeeze funding.
(H)
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Government advice to stay cool during heat wave
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With temperatures expected to hit record-breaking highs this week, the Department of Health has compiled 10 tips to help people keep cool and avoid heat-related illnesses during this period.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly dry day, rather cloudy, but some sunny spells, best of these in the afternoon. A few showers spread south from late morning, turning wintry in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 5 °C.Tonight:A cold evening and night with a frost. It will be largely dry, but a few wintry showers towards the north coast overnight. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
