Who cares for the elderly?

A test of a civilised society is how well it cares for its most vulnerable members. It is the care and compassion for the elderly, especially those with degenerative conditions, that must count as the sternest test. The Care Commission has produced its first comprehensive national picture of the state of care in Scotland. While facilities for children are generally good and those for the disabled receive a qualified thumbs up, it is care homes for older people that give "significant cause for concern". Help the Aged was quick to note the contrast. "Some of the treatment elderly people receive in care would be unacceptable in childcare," it said.