Ombudsman supports carer

The local government ombudsman has backed the primary carer of a
101-year-old woman who complained about the treatment she received
in a nursing home.

The carer’s grandmother was admitted to a nursing home, chosen
by Kent Council, for respite care in December 1995 following a leg
infection. Six days after returning home from a 10 day stay she
entered hospital, dying two weeks later.

Ombudsman Jerry White ruled that the council caused
maladministration by failing to give the complainant and his
grandmother sufficient choice of a nursing home, carry out a
satisfactory investigation into his complaints, and give the home a
copy of the woman’s care plan on admission.

White recommended that the council pay £1,500 compensation.
He said it should also introduce procedures to consult residents
and carers about the choice of nursing or residential home.