What do you think the new code of conduct for social care workers should contain? What are the most important elements of a code of conduct?
Have your say by clicking here Your comments will appear in this section of the website on 14 June.
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Last week's Have your say debate focused on the issue of attitudes towards older gay men and lesbians. We asked how can care homes be made friendlier to homosexuals, and should we have separate care homes for them?
These are the responses we received:
"Back in the 1980s I took up my first post managing a care home for older people.
I was made aware of two women who had previously shared a bedroom but had been split up. Their notes stated "inappropriate behaviour", an entry signed by the previous manager. I was further startled by the fact that medication had been used (and we're not talking Viagra here). When I arrived both women were uncommunicative and clearly unhappy, but I noticed they became suddenly animated when sitting near each other in the dining room. When I questioned a senior care assistant she told me: "They are queer". Well, I thought, that's alright then!
My actual response to her was: "So am I, so what?" Needless to say I moved them back in together, and used staff meetings to discuss issues around sexuality, privacy and the right to be in relationships. Things improved, the couple were obviously enjoying each other in whatever way they chose but, some staff still found it something to snigger about when they thought I was out of earshot.
It is rather depressing to think this still happens in 2002. Of course training is important as is the existence of a robust equal opportunities policy.
But, at the end of the day, those staff who continue to find difficulty accepting sexual activity (gay or straight) amongst their residents should be encouraged to take their attitude and their P45 elsewhere.
Personally, as a gay man, if I ever need residential care when I get older I hope to find a more enlightened place ......... and preferably a place where some like minded talent is available."
Anonymous
"In speaking of the homophobic managers comment about 'dirty pervs' an attempt is made at explaining why the couple were holding hands; why say the manager didn't know that one of the women was feeling unwell and needed her partner to steady her? (see Community Care 30 May- 5 June page 31).
If a heterosexual couple wanted to hold hands they wouldn't need to explain or be ill!"
Sue Davis
