Latest Care News |
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February 2007 |
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NCA response to minister claims over
elderly ‘poor food’ |
The National Care Association has hit back at the Care
Services Minister, Ivan Lewis’, claim that food for elderly
people in the care home sector is “sub-standard”.
Chairman of the NCA, Nadra Ahmed, OBE, said she was very
disappointed with the minister’s comments which have been
reported in two national newspapers.
She said: “To suggest that the care home sector is not
providing people with healthy and nutritious diets is wrong.
Suggestions such as these from a minister are ill judged and
irresponsible.
“The CSCI State of Social Care Report, published last week,
praised the progress the industry is making. Issues relating
to nutrition were not highlighted in the report.
Mrs Ahmed further commented that “in the vast majority of
cases people receiving care enjoy three balanced meals each
day based on their own personal, identified needs”.
“It would be unlikely that such high standards of nutrition
would be available to individuals looking after themselves
in their own homes.
“It should be noted that people receiving care often choose
to dine together, however individuals who select to eat in
their rooms will be offered trays and if unable to feed
themselves will receive the necessary assistance from
carers.
“Obviously if the minister has specific evidence of elements
of the care home sector failing to provide good standards,
then he should report those responsible to the CSCI as this
is unacceptable.”
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