‘Flying’ elderly home care visits on the rise

The rise of ‘flying’ elderly care visits of just 15 minutes are on the rise, according to a report by Leonard Cheshire Disability. Of the 63 Local Authorities reviewed for the report, three-fifths commissioned care visits of 15 minutes. The report claims that elderly people are often being forced to choose between having a drink, a meal, or going to the toilet.

The rise of ‘flying’ elderly care visits of just 15 minutes are on the rise, according to a report by Leonard Cheshire Disability. Of the 63 Local Authorities reviewed for the report, three-fifths commissioned care visits of 15 minutes. The report claims that elderly people are often being forced to choose between having a drink, a meal, or going to the toilet.

The CEO of Leonard Cheshire Disabilities has called for a minimum 30 minute care visit time to be implemented, on the basis that shorter visits do not allow carers adequate time to deliver high-quality care. There is also the risk that rushing to meet targets under intense time-pressure can result in mistakes being made.

The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has disputed the report’s conclusions, as they believe that 15 minute visits are ‘fully adequate’ in some cases.

The Good Care Group strongly believes in the provision of high-quality care at home. We find it difficult to imagine this could be achieved within a 15 minute timeframe, given the often complex needs of elderly people, especially those with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia. It is to be hoped that the forthcoming Care Bill will address this issue.