UK: bishops lament poor care for elderly in nursing homes

October 21, 2011

Following the publication of a UK government report that found that 14% of nursing home fail to give their patients adequate food and water, the bishops of England and Wales called for “a culture of care which cherishes life from its beginning to its natural end.”

“This is the moment many Catholic health and social care professionals have been warning of, a time when lack of care means the system begins to fail people time and time again,” said Archbishop Peter Smith. “How we value the people we care for, and how we treat them, holds up a mirror to who we truly are as a society and as individuals.”

“Regulation plays a part, but is not the whole story,” he added. “It is essential to foster a culture of care which cherishes life from its beginning to its natural end, which recognizes the God given dignity of the older person, and sees it as the greatest honor to respect their dignity through the best care.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Bishops respond to the Care Quality Commission Report (Catholic Church in England and Wales)
• One in seven care homes is failing to give elderly enough food and water (Daily Mail)