Bmj.com expert Graham Mulley, Emeritus Professor of Elderly Care at the University of Leeds argues, that many care homes provide first-rate care irrespective of the never-ending negative media coverage.

After being asked to act as a consultant adviser for an undercover TV program exposing nursing homes, he invited the media and high profile individuals to “balance the prevailing nihilism” and in return to celebrate all the excellent work that is carried out in many care homes.

He states, that the media hardly ever gives any positive reports on care homes, however, the latest report from the independent regulator of social care in England (Care Quality Commission) contradicts this media statement by saying that 86% of homes admitting residents supported by local councils are “good” or “excellent,” with only 1% being rated as “poor”. – “A remarkable situation that received little media attention,” commented Professor Mulley.

A recent report of the British Geriatrics Society, Quest for Quality, also confirms that there are many examples of good practice in care homes improving the quality of life and the residents’ end of life care.

Professor Mulley writes that negative reporting can dismay staff and upset relatives, adding to guilt feelings when someone close eventually goes into a care home. He accepts that it is the media’s task to expose poor care conditions but recommends that the media should also highlight the many unreported examples of outstanding long-term care.

He refers to comments made by former television newscaster Angela Rippon after her mother needed to go into a care home. She said:

“I was amazed at how good [the homes] were. Like everyone else, I had heard all the horror stories. But these were happy, clean, warm places with staff who knew how to deal with dementia and who cared deeply for the dignity of residents.”

Sir Michael Parkinson, whose mother received both, marvelous nursing and undignified care, was recently appointed as national ambassador for the Dignity in Care campaign where he reported of excellent care given by inspirational people, but also knew about care homes with lack of privacy, food, and fluids.

In a concluding statement he says:

“Perhaps all of us who witness excellence in care homes – relatives, professionals, and other visitors – should write or tweet positive messages to balance the prevailing nihilism.”

Petra Rattue