Stereotyping robs elderly of their dignity in care, says Parkinson

OUTDATED stereotypes of older people need to be banished in order to give those in care the dignity they deserve, Sir Michael Parkinson said today.

The former chat show host said older people, including his mother Freda Rose who died at 96, were treated as "unworthy of our time and consideration" while in care.

Sir Michael described the bad aspects of the care of his mother, from Grimethorpe in South Yorkshire.

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He said she was patted on the head and called "ducky" or "dear", dressed in somebody else's clothes, and, on one occasion, her face had been "painted garishly", "like a clown, a figure of fun, and far from the woman who brought me up".

In his report published today, Sir Michael gives a personal account of his year as ambassador for the Government's Dignity in Care campaign.

He said he wanted to encourage "an open public debate about the way we treat older people".

"I gained first-hand experience of the NHS and care services during my mother's illness with dementia. It struck me that whilst there are some excellent examples of care, where people are given the dignity and respect they need and deserve, much more needs to be done.

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"Dignity doesn't need to cost anything – small considerations, like taking time to have a chat when you take people to the loo, or using their name rather than a generic term of endearment, can help people retain independence and self respect."

Sir Michael added: "We need to banish outdated attitudes and assumptions that can be a barrier to good quality care.

"Becoming national dignity ambassador has strengthened my belief that dignity in care needs to be everybody's business.

"It's not just about the Government, or nurses or carers. We can all make a difference and I hope that my work will highlight this and inspire many more people to get involved and make this a reality."

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The veteran broadcaster also highlighted those who have helped make a difference to people's lives.

Gill Hicks, a survivor of the July 7 London bombings, told him how, when she was having difficulty taking a shower in hospital, the nurse helping her jumped into the shower too, fully clothed, to help her wash.

"That story really sticks with me not only because it demonstrates the true meaning of care and compassion but also because I can imagine how, in a less enlightened organisation, that nurse could quite easily have found herself being disciplined," Sir Michael said.

"It is nice to hear of staff who have the confidence to use their own judgment on how best to meet the needs of their patients, without fear of reprisal."

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Alzheimer's Society ambassador Barbara Pointon said it was important to focus on the individual rather than the illness.

She and her husband Malcolm featured in a TV documentary charting his decline with the condition.

"Preserving dignity and respecting privacy are at the root of providing enlightened care. Where care-givers take this to heart, standards rise and people with dementia enjoy a better quality of life," she said.

The Government will shortly set out plans for a new National Care Service. Free personal care will also be introduced for people living at home with the highest needs.

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In other moves, a Dignity Action Day will be held on February 25 and a 50,000 Bright Ideas Grant for projects that encourage dignity in care will be introduced.

Health Secretary Andy Burnham said: "Sir Michael's report is an invaluable insight into the experiences of people who rely on support and those who dedicate their lives to helping others."

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