News

A 93 year-old woman was left without home visits after refusing to be bathed by a male carer.

Una Penny, who lives in sheltered accommodation in Thornbury, Gloucestershire, became distressed when the carer called at her home to help her bathe and she refused to allow him in.

Previously, Penny had received help from female carers who helped her to shower and wash her hair, but when South Gloucestershire Council changed to a new provider, the only carer available was male.

Her family has alleged that after Penny refused to allow the man into her home they were informed that she might have to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and would be infringing the carer's human rights if she continued to refuse.

"I am not a prude, but I consider the idea of being helped to bathe by a man I do not know to be monstrous," said Penny.

A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: "Una Penny is now receiving care from a female carer. The contracts were changed about a month ago and at the time the only carer available was male.

"She didn't object immediately and so we were not aware of her objection. It is all to do with shortages in this area for home carers and it is incredibly difficult for our social services department at the moment."

The council said Penny was not told she would need a psychiatric assessment or that any human rights issue had been raised. The council said it would look in to the circumstances of the case to try to establish the facts.