Family of nursing home patient says 'no one should be handled like dad was'
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A family of a nursing home patient whose care was highlighted by RTE Investigates has alleged there was a "consistent flow of poor care".
In a new episode broadcast on television last night, the family accused those responsible of failing "people who are in dire need of attention". Several accusations were made, including claims that a man was left alone in a corridor to tear pieces of paper, left cold with only a blanket, and that urine was "all over the floor".
The programme was aired last week to allege multiple accusations of care failings for vulnerable residents at two nursing homes. These were identified in the broadcast as Residence in Portlaoise, and Beneavin Manor in Glasnevin.
HIQA confirmed that it would carry out a review of both nursing homes that are operated by the Emeis Ireland group, which is the country's largest provider of private nursing homes. The company has since issued apologies to residents and their families and vowed an in-depth review to immediately address the issues.
(Image: RTE)
Yesterday, family members of elderly man Audeon Guy, 80, spoke out about his care at Beneavin Manor. Mr Guy was identified as one of the vulnerable residents who appeared in the undercover documentary.
His family has called for accountability and expressed their shock and distress at witnessing the footage of their father. Audeon's son Paul said: "No one should have to go through what we've seen.
"No one should be handled like our father was. These are human people – people who lost their dignity and no one should have to go through that.
Audeon's daughter Sarah said: "Our dad is the loveliest man. The nicest friend, neighbour, and best dad in the whole world." Paul and Sarah's father ended up in Beneavin Manor in January past after being diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, which causes severe confusion and hallucinations, following a bad fall last year.
(Image: RTE)
A HIQA inspection of the nursing home last November reported that residents were happy and that the centre was well managed. But the Guy family developed several concerns about the facility in recent months and made complaints.
The family is now searching for new care for him and has urged the Government to enact a new law - the Adult Safeguarding Bill - to protect vulnerable individuals. Paul said: "[Father] was actually left alone many times. I have examples of him sitting on his own in the corridor ripping up pieces of paper which was meant to be some form of activity.
"It happened to all the other people in the footage as well. That's the bigger issue: there's no accountability for this."
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