Watch new Unison video highlighting ‘indignity’ of 15-minute care visits

A campaign against the “indignity” of care visits limited to 15 minutes is being stepped up in a new video showing a stressed worker with a stopwatch.

Unison said the short film showed how cutbacks were leaving vulnerable and elderly people “short-changed” because staff did not have enough time to offer them proper care.

The video, starring actress Claire Sweeney (pictured), depicts a care worker as she rushes around trying to help a pensioner get ready for the day, including handing him a bowl of breakfast cereal while he is on the toilet.

Two thirds of local authorities in England and Wales commission 15-minute care visits, according to research by the union.

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: “This film highlights the human indignity suffered by thousands of vulnerable and elderly people across Britain.

“A care worker is often the only friendly face people see. The film sends a powerful message of the absurdity of giving care workers just a quarter of an hour to look after people.

“A 15-minute visit is not enough time to get people showered, dressed and fed, but Government cuts to council care budgets mean this is the reality for many.”

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