360 Diversity Joins the Fight for Dignity in Elderly Care

    BROMSGROVE, ENGLAND, March 23, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- After Age UK, the NHS Confederation and Local Government's "Delivering Dignity" report highlighted a number of shortcomings in the health and social care system; promoters of equality and diversity 360 Diversity have joined the fight to transform the welfare of our elderly population.

With people living much longer than they did 50 years ago, the number of people seeking elderly care over the next 30 years is predicted to increase. The report also highlighted that families are more geographically disperse than they were 100 years ago, making communication more difficult for the elderly.

Business Development Manager Stuart Bray says:
"As the elderly population increases in the UK, it is more important than ever to start ensuring that services for the elderly are fit for purpose. Dignity in care is all about ensuring that people living in these situations are not seen as 'passive recipients of care'."

The report offered a number of key recommendations to yield the benefits of diversity and independence elderly people receive in care homes. As well as a further investment in technology to help residents lead independent lives, the diversity training specialists also recommend the staff take a fresh outlook on caring for residents.

360 Diversity believes that the biggest change needed is the way in which staff address residents. Sadly, all too often a person becomes addressed as 'poor dear' or 'love'. What may seem like a term of endearment can actually contribute to elderly people losing their identity.

Stuart continues:
"At 360 diversity we believe that everyone has the right to be themselves and people are more than labels - being elderly should not mean being treated like a child, but about having opportunities to live your life the way you want to - even if you need some assistance to do so."

360 diversity has, and will continue to, campaign tirelessly to bring equality and diversity to all sections of society - regardless of their age, gender or religious beliefs. It is hoped that the recommendations offered in the "Delivering Dignity" report will transform the lives of elderly people in care.

About 360 Diversity
360 Diversity is an online diversity forum and information resource that is available to private, public and third sector employers throughout the UK. It was developed to help organisations fulfil their equality and diversity requirements and carry out equality training, and can be applied to fit the recommendations in the Delivering Dignity Report. For further information visit the 360 diversity website at www.360diversity.co.uk.

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