Elderly lady ‘being forced into day care’

AN 83-year-old woman has claimed she is being ‘forced into day care’ after allegedly being threatened with losing her home if she did not attend.

The woman revealed that she has been told that unless she attends daily day care she would not only lose her home but would face the rest of her life in a residential home.

The woman, who attends day care three days a week, said that such a prospect of going into a home and losing her independence has greatly upset her.

When the Star contacted Anne Blake of Lisburn Carers Trust she said that such a threat to the elderly really shocked her.

She said that she too had been contacted by a member of the public over this issue and described it as ‘concerning.’

She feared that more elderly folk were being threatened in this way and that the issue should be taken so seriously that it should be addressed at the Assembly.

“At the local day centre the staff are second to none and they look after those attending the centre very well, there is no doubt about that but that is not the issue,” she said.

“This issue has greatly concerned me. We were approached by a member of the public who came to our offices and told us about this.

“I have approached the Trust about it. I am extremely disappointed that this is going on and fear it is not a one off. Elderly people should have the exact same rights as you and me.

“No one should be threatening elderly people and forcing them into day care.”

A spokesperson for the Trust said that day care is provided as part of an individual’s support package to meet their individual needs.

“No-one would ever be forced to go to day care. Clients enjoy it, and are stimulated by it, as part of the care plan agreed with them and their families.

“If a client wanted to change this plan, they would be free to do so,

“In the event a client chose to stop attending day care, the Trust would look at other support measures.

“The Trust would never compel someone to enter residential care against their will.”