The Yorkshire Post Says: Compassion costs nothing - so why the disturbing absence of human decency in our care homes?

However this ‘blame game’ should be placed in context. For, while these financial pressures should not be under-estimated, the latest Healthwatch England survey – published today – points to a disturbing absence of human decency.

It reveals the extent to which residents have to tolerate dead plants, rotting window sills, peeling wallpaper and being put in someone else’s clothes. Just because those concerned might no longer be able to speak out, or have a relative willing to take up the cudgels on their behalf, should not preclude others from doing so.

After all, it does not cost money to empty a flower vase – or return clothes to the right person. It’s called compassion and the care homes concerned should start accepting that they’re also people’s homes.