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Coming from a medical family I have been immersed in meal-time discussions about the NHS for as long as I can remember but, despite what I have heard, I will be applying this autumn for a place at medical school. During my work experience I have spent a large proportion of my time with the elderly in many settings, including a residential care home, that allowed me a fascinating insight.
It is clear to me that medicine has progressed dramatically over recent years, and that we are living in an aging population. Unfortunately, I fear that the healthcare system has not yet adapted. From what I have seen people may be living longer but not necessarily better. Whilst the basic needs of the elderly are cared for in residential homes, I believe that a lot more could be done in order to improve their quality of life.
Quality of life for the elderly is very important. Aging is something that will inevitably come to most of us and, as a consequence of advances in medicine, old age now occupies a much larger proportion of our lives. This is a vital reason to enjoy this period of time. It is clear from my experience in a care home that in many cases quality of life isn’t being delivered. I believe it is not being delivered by health care establishments for many reasons.
Firstly, alongside the changes in medicine, the extended family has largely disappeared, leaving many elderly who need care in institutions. Whilst care workers attend to their patients’ basic needs, the additional support, which adds quality to their lives, is left to visitors. For many reasons this often fails to materialize. This leads to a lack of individualism, and leaves the resident feeling institutionalised.
Secondly, it seems to me that everything is set up for the convenience of staff rather than the emotional comfort of the residents. Many a time staff seem to lack the insight, flexibility or initiative to take advantage of simple opportunities to improve care, preferring to deny requests or suggestions on (to my mind) spurious grounds. For example, one resident would have enjoyed a walk in the garden but I was told that Health and Safety didn’t permit this, and none of the carers could spare the time to take her. On another occasion I suggested a shop for the residents, but the idea was not pursued because of uncertainty over who would run it and that staff would take things from the shop.
I also feel that there is a major misconception about the mental abilities of the elderly amongst carers and that often not enough time is spent listening to their wishes. Residents are talked down to, and decisions are made without communicating with them beforehand; and this takes away any independence that they have. Although some suffer with age related illnesses such as dementia and may require guidance, they still deserve the dignity of making their own decisions and pursuing their own interests.
Additionally, this lack of quality care leaves many residents despondent or depressed which has a detrimental effect on their physical health. Their mental well-being is not considered, and problems are rarely picked up or acted upon. This may lead to a deterioration in health which results in patients being hospitalised, costing the NHS money.
I have become aware of the obstacles that residential care homes face, such as lack of trained staff or funding, but the quality of life of their residents is paramount. Unlike a hospice, an outpatients clinic or short-term hospitalisation, a care home is permanent. This is where they live, and they receive no respite. For some, the four walls of the care home are all they see, and it seems to me inhumane not to consider their mental and social needs. After all, they are still capable of getting a lot out of life regardless of their physical or mental disabilities. Carers should treat residents with respect and as if they were a guest in their home. If a resident asks for something that is legitimate, everything should be done in order to make it possible. And time should be spent each day, with each individual resident to listen to their needs and wishes, to ensure continuity and the best possible standard of care.
In all consideration, as a future doctor, but someone who is an outsider with no previous experience of healthcare and the medical profession, it is clear that this is an issue that needs to be addressed in our changing society. It seems ludicrous with the abilities of modern medicine to simply keep people living longer, but then direct no real care and attention to their quality of life.
Re: CQC warns more providers over poor care standards
Coming from a medical family I have been immersed in meal-time discussions about the NHS for as long as I can remember but, despite what I have heard, I will be applying this autumn for a place at medical school. During my work experience I have spent a large proportion of my time with the elderly in many settings, including a residential care home, that allowed me a fascinating insight.
It is clear to me that medicine has progressed dramatically over recent years, and that we are living in an aging population. Unfortunately, I fear that the healthcare system has not yet adapted. From what I have seen people may be living longer but not necessarily better. Whilst the basic needs of the elderly are cared for in residential homes, I believe that a lot more could be done in order to improve their quality of life.
Quality of life for the elderly is very important. Aging is something that will inevitably come to most of us and, as a consequence of advances in medicine, old age now occupies a much larger proportion of our lives. This is a vital reason to enjoy this period of time. It is clear from my experience in a care home that in many cases quality of life isn’t being delivered. I believe it is not being delivered by health care establishments for many reasons.
Firstly, alongside the changes in medicine, the extended family has largely disappeared, leaving many elderly who need care in institutions. Whilst care workers attend to their patients’ basic needs, the additional support, which adds quality to their lives, is left to visitors. For many reasons this often fails to materialize. This leads to a lack of individualism, and leaves the resident feeling institutionalised.
Secondly, it seems to me that everything is set up for the convenience of staff rather than the emotional comfort of the residents. Many a time staff seem to lack the insight, flexibility or initiative to take advantage of simple opportunities to improve care, preferring to deny requests or suggestions on (to my mind) spurious grounds. For example, one resident would have enjoyed a walk in the garden but I was told that Health and Safety didn’t permit this, and none of the carers could spare the time to take her. On another occasion I suggested a shop for the residents, but the idea was not pursued because of uncertainty over who would run it and that staff would take things from the shop.
I also feel that there is a major misconception about the mental abilities of the elderly amongst carers and that often not enough time is spent listening to their wishes. Residents are talked down to, and decisions are made without communicating with them beforehand; and this takes away any independence that they have. Although some suffer with age related illnesses such as dementia and may require guidance, they still deserve the dignity of making their own decisions and pursuing their own interests.
Additionally, this lack of quality care leaves many residents despondent or depressed which has a detrimental effect on their physical health. Their mental well-being is not considered, and problems are rarely picked up or acted upon. This may lead to a deterioration in health which results in patients being hospitalised, costing the NHS money.
I have become aware of the obstacles that residential care homes face, such as lack of trained staff or funding, but the quality of life of their residents is paramount. Unlike a hospice, an outpatients clinic or short-term hospitalisation, a care home is permanent. This is where they live, and they receive no respite. For some, the four walls of the care home are all they see, and it seems to me inhumane not to consider their mental and social needs. After all, they are still capable of getting a lot out of life regardless of their physical or mental disabilities. Carers should treat residents with respect and as if they were a guest in their home. If a resident asks for something that is legitimate, everything should be done in order to make it possible. And time should be spent each day, with each individual resident to listen to their needs and wishes, to ensure continuity and the best possible standard of care.
In all consideration, as a future doctor, but someone who is an outsider with no previous experience of healthcare and the medical profession, it is clear that this is an issue that needs to be addressed in our changing society. It seems ludicrous with the abilities of modern medicine to simply keep people living longer, but then direct no real care and attention to their quality of life.
Competing interests: No competing interests