Care Of Elderly ‘Rationed’

A champion of elderly rights in Dundee says authorities are reduced to “firefighting” a residential care crisis that has left an 81-year-old stranded in Ninewells Hospital for over four months. Councillor Ian Borthwick, who is also Dundee Age Concern’s advocacy officer, said the story of Elizabeth Graczyk – too frail to return to her sheltered housing in Kirkton and in Ninewells awaiting a place in a home – was not unique.

He said a “rationing” of services had left many elderly to settle for hospital beds while waiting long periods for a place in a residential home.

Councillor Borthwick said, “I have to wonder how we have got to this situation. I am only too aware of the pressures being experienced by individuals stuck in hospital requiring proper care, and relatives are often left to deal with the situation. Dundee City Council has recently established a services for older people working group. This is clearly a long-term strategy to deal with the problems, but my fear is that we are repeatedly reduced to firefighting the situation as it builds up.

“I know of people who have been left in hospital for up to 200 days and who are still waiting for a place in residential care. This causes a deterioration in the well-being of these people.”

Councillor Borthwick said the Executive and the city council had failed to agree about the level of resources needed for elderly care, but the consequence was a continued pressure on local services. “I know that NHS Tayside are doing their best to deal with the problem and that staff are doing all they can. The council have said that the Executive has allocated insufficient funds for residential care or care in the community.

“The Executive obviously says that there is enough money but that it must be used properly. So, my question is, where does the truth lie? There is clearly a funding issue, but behind this are cases of individuals going without the proper care as a result of a rationing of care services. The current review by the council is obviously long-term, but I am concerned about the consequences we are faced with now.

“It is important not to lose sight of the individuals who are still going without valuable care and the people who are almost crippled by the pressures of looking after them.”