Concerns about the care of an elderly relative

Improved standards of living and healthcare means that the over 80s are now the fastest growing section of the UK population. As a result, more people are receiving residential and nursing care in old age. In most cases, they are comfortable and looked after very well.

Even so, families should remain alert to their relatives’ condition in terms of cleanliness, nourishment, medical care and any signs of distress and anxiety.

What should you do if, having found appropriate care for your elderly parent, you still suspect that they are not properly cared for? In most cases it is appropriate to speak initially to the local manager of care provider so that concerns can be raised and addressed. Even at this early stage, you may wish to have some guidance and support to give you the confidence that you will receive a proper response and, where necessary, that adjustments in the care regime will be made.

As we have experience in both advising on the legal aspects of setting up of care arrangements and, on those occasions where standards of care have fallen short, experience of tackling care providers to ensure action or redress, we are well placed to provide guidance and referring you to other professionals, as appropriate. You can choose whether we advise in the background or discuss concerns directly alongside you. Often it is a question of knowing the right questions to ask, who to ask and how to evaluate the answers given.