Duh! of the Week

Older People Are Human Beings - Not Objects Or Numbers, Says Help The Aged, UK

Responding to the Dignity in Care report from the Healthcare Commission, Paul Cann, Director of Policy at Help the Aged, says:

'Older people are human beings - not objects or numbers. It's nearly ten years since we first exposed the shortcomings in hospital care and dignity for older people1, yet we are still hearing all the time about shocking abuses of dignity. This important report shows there is some progress - but only five of the 23 trusts complied with all dignity in care standards. This is intolerable.

'This report echoes our own recent research which will form the basis of our own dignity challenge2. A challenge which sets out what needs to happen, by whom, where and by when. The Government, hospital and care providers must take up this challenge immediately. The Government's new end of life care strategy and review of the law on fairness for older people would be two good places to start.'

Tags: elderly, dignity, UK