Improving dignity for older service users

Better paid and increased numbers of staff, improved training and tougher penalties for failing agencies are crucial to improving dignity in care for older people, professionals and service users have told the Department of Health.

Respondents to the government’s ongoing dignity in care survey said personalised services delivered by staff who had time to get to know users promoted dignity. It was compromised by frequent changes of staff and patronising attitudes to service users.

 “These and future recommendations will help to shape how care services are run in England,” the DH said.

Early feedback to the survey has already been published by the government and it remains open for contributions until 31 July.