Anger over elderly's food

[Guest guest]

Food for elderly people being cared for is still sub-standard,

ministers say.

Care Services Minister Ivan Lewis admitted care homes, hospitals and

home care services were not getting it right despite repeated

warnings by charities.

 

He said he had heard of elderly people being offered one scoop of

mash for meals and trays placed out of reach.

 

Campaigners said it had been a long-running problem and the elderly

were being neglected " at a time when they need help the most " .

 

The fact remains that lack of priority given to older, vulnerable

people in health and care sectors, means that many are neglected at a

time when they need help the most

 

Paul Cann, of Help the Aged

 

How elderly people are treated will become more important than ever

over coming years as by 2025 the number of over 85s will increase by

two thirds with each of them needing five times as much care from the

NHS as adults under 44.

 

Mr Lewis said: " Every older person whether in a hospital ward,

residential nursing home or receiving home-based services is entitled

to be treated with dignity.

 

" Older people and their families tell us that frequently people are

not getting the proper support to eat and the food is not attractive

enough and as a consequence of that people are not getting a balanced

diet they need and that is having a negative impact on their health. "

 

He said there were many places who were doing a good job, but some

were not, admitting he had heard of occasions where people had been

given just a scoop of mash potato.

 

He said: " There is no excuse for it.

 

" We have said that respect and dignity for older people should be one

of the country's priorities.

 

" The way we treat our older people characterises the sort of country

we live in. "

 

'Dignity and respect'

 

Paul Cann, director of policy at Help the Aged, said: " For too long,

many older people have continued to experience care which fails to

treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.

 

" Access to food and drink is a basic human right which, as we hear

today, is being denied to many older people within the care system.

 

" Good nutrition is vital to aid recovery and it is crucial that

health professionals and carers are able to recognise signs of under

nourishment.

 

" The fact remains that lack of priority given to older, vulnerable

people in health and care sectors, means that many are neglected at a

time when they need help the most. "