Leas Cross only a warning bell

WHILE Leas Cross is the nursing home found to have major inadequacies, it is no different from many others around the country. To hold it up as a stand-alone example would be misleading and totally inaccurate.

Some are exceptionally well run and the management, while keeping an eye on the necessary budget restrictions and profit sheets, at least ensures that client safety and comfort are top priorities. Unfortunately, as a nurse who has worked in eight different homes I’ve only come across one that meets that standard.

Lack of staff, especially at night, is the biggest problem. Most homes run at a ratio of one carer to 15 or 20 clients. Some can have an even higher ratio of clients to nurses. If the clients are not overly dependent, this level would be difficult but could be coped with. But if the vast majority of clients are fully dependent, then God help them because no matter how hard the nurses/carers work, it’s going to be impossible to look after them all.

To feed, wash, medicate and supervise 20 frail people can be too much for any one person.

How many people considering nursing homecare for an elderly relative or friend think of asking about the number of staff on night duty and how many clients they are looking after?

Given that people go into a nursing home because they can’t look after themselves, does it not make sense to ask if the staffing levels can cover their needs adequately?

Is this what our parents/relations (or ourselves in years to come) deserve — substandard care? Where is the dignity that is the right of every senior citizen?

Leas Cross is only the warning bell. If we don’t act now to ensure better nursing home standards, we will realise, sooner rather than later, that the bell is tolling for all of us.

Florence Horsman-Hogan

10 Seaview Wood

Shankill

Co Dublin