Hidden elder abuse - I've seen it first hand
02/06/2008
I am writing with regards to your various articles on 'hidden elder abuse'. I represent a social enterprise which specialises in leisure entertainment services to the elderly and disabled in the community. A large part of my job entails visiting and liaising with many care homes - and I agree with the many findings about hidden abuse and neglect.
It would appear that there is an attitude of doing as little as possible to meet social needs in care homes - which is very serious. People in care, more than most, need interaction and social activity on a regular basis which is not being fully addressed. Some of the comments I have heard over the years are heart-breaking, such as: "we get treated like children", "there's no outside entertainment" and, when asked whether they liked their home environment "well you have to, don't you...".
We try really hard to work with staff in a collaborative way - but it's an uphill struggle. We provide a mobile vintage cinema with films as a sort of therapy, along with sing-alongs, tea-dances and music events (all subsidised) - which are especially helpful for those with dementia.
Our ethos is to reach those who by virtue of physical or mental impairment are unable to access mainstream entertainment - but homes don't want to spend any money on entertainment whatsoever. And when we do get a booking, the staff are often reluctant to assist with the running of the event. We are there to entertain, and are not authorised or qualified to get involved with personal care - yet there have been countless times when staff have left us in a darkened room (necessary for cinema) with up to 50 residents without any staff on hand to supervise.
We issue Health and Safety guidelines, but there have been a few altercations when we've insisted on staff attendance throughout performance. The CSCI's standard of 'evidence' for 'adequate' also seems very low - for example, they take the fact that an Activities Co-Ordinator is employed part-time as 'evidence' of an adequate social life! The reality is far from the truth, with co-ordinators 'doubling-up' as carers when necessary to cover staff shortages.
People are bored with the endless card-games and welcome outside visitors entertaining, but the care homes just won't pay or get involved in something they consider to be 'extra work'. Having said all of that, we do have some wonderful clients, and when the service works, seeing the enjoyment on residents' faces is a priceless reward ...
Terri Hills, 'Moondance'