Daughter slams 'inhumane' treatment of mother at Sheffield care home

A woman concerned for her mother’s welfare has slammed a Sheffield care home over their “inhumane” treatment, comparing the facility to a prison.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Helen Austin's mum Jean Latham, 83, who suffers with dementia, has lived at Park View care home in Ecclesfield since June 2019.

After lockdown restrictions were eased, Helen, 46, was told the family would need to maintain a four-metre distance from Jean during garden visits. Jean was also kept "in a darkened room" when the family visited, Helen said, a move which left her "distressed" as she struggled to see her loved ones. Despite the care home's head office confirming the family did not need to be kept so far apart, Helen said the same thing happened again on another visit. Jean’s hearing aids have also been lost, Helen added, “making it impossible for her to hear or communicate with us effectively.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Stannington-based Helen said: "Mum's mental health has gone downhill to such an extent she won't speak. She won't even look at us.

Jean and Helen, who are "best friends" as well as mother and daughter.Jean and Helen, who are "best friends" as well as mother and daughter.
Jean and Helen, who are "best friends" as well as mother and daughter.

"Mum was always really bubbly and full of life, we were so close. She calls me her best mate. All I want to do is hold mum’s hand, I feel like she’s given up.”

Helen said a psychiatrist and safeguarding professionals have recommended she be allowed physical contact with her mum, but this suggestion has been rejected by the care home because ‘it will open the flood gates for everybody’.

She said: “I feel so strongly that this is affecting my mum so badly she may end up dying from a broken heart.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"It’s just so inhumane, it’s just cruelty. It feels like they are in a prison. I don’t want anyone to get coronavirus but equally I don’t want to lose the best person in my life.”

Helen described the treatment of her mother as "inhumane".Helen described the treatment of her mother as "inhumane".
Helen described the treatment of her mother as "inhumane".

A recent Alzheimer’s Society investigation found lockdown isolation has caused “shocking” deterioration for dementia patients, including loss of memory and speech. Jean’s situation is part of a bigger problem, Helen said.

“They are the forgotten ones throughout this and they need a voice.

“The majority of the staff [at Park View] are truly amazing and feel as helpless as we do to the plight of residents’ mental health during these times of family exclusion.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Alzheimer’s Society have said “good dementia care involves lots of social contact” and called on the Government to consider the needs of people living with dementia in their plans to lift lockdown.

A Sanctuary Care spokesperson said: “We are confident our quality of care has remained of the highest standard throughout this pandemic.

“The safety of our residents, and staff, is our absolute priority and we remain in regular contact with the Department of Health and Social Care and other care providers to share information and best practice, and continue to closely follow the detailed public health guidance being given to care homes right across the country on infection control and visiting. This includes the weekly testing of staff to reduce the risk of bringing the infection into our homes.”