Councils fail older man

A tribunal has criticised two social services departments for
failing in their duty of care of an older man with a severe
learning difficulty, who was “abandoned” at a care home.

Following a critical report by the Registered Homes Tribunal
over the case, Essex and Northamptonshire Councils have now
launched inquiries.

The tribunal concluded that Essex social services department had
“dumped” the man and failed to review his case properly for 12
years, and that Northamptonshire Council’s inspection unit had
failed to take adequate action.

Both councils were found to be in breach of the Human Rights Act
1998. They refused to comment until their independent inquiries are
completed.

The tribunal also confirmed the cancellation of registration of
the care home at 31 London Road, Kettering, Northants, where the
older man lived.