the elderly, including his mother Freda Rose who died at 96, were often treated as "unworthy of our time and consideration"

Parkinson seeks dignity for elderly in care

Sir Michael was concerned about the way his mother was treated Stereotypes of older people must be broken down to ensure those in care receive the dignity they deserve, Sir Michael Parkinson has concluded. The former chat show host has spent the last year as ambassador for the government's Dignity in Care campaign. Sir Michael said the elderly, including his mother Freda Rose who died at 96, were often treated as "unworthy of our time and consideration" while in care. He said breaking down stereotypes was a key part in restoring dignity in care. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Sir Michael said his mother's care was "nothing awful or evil" but "just sheer carelessness". Dignity must be at the heart of care Andy Burnham, Health Secretary He said there was a danger that carers did not see a "person who had lived a life, a worthwhile person, but a piece of decrepit and useless flesh". In his report, My year as national dignity ambassador, Sir Michael described the bad aspects of his mother's care. He said she was patted on the head and called "ducky" or "dear" and, on one occasion, her face had been "painted garishly", "like a clown, a figure of fun, and far from the woman who brought me up". "We need to banish outdated attitudes and assumptions that can be a barrier to good quality care," Sir Michael said. "Becoming national dignity ambassador has strengthened my belief that dignity in care needs to be everybody's business. "It's not just about the government, or nurses or carers - we can all make a difference. " Positive aspects Sir Michael was also keen to stress the positive aspects of care. He recounted how Gill Hicks, a survivor of the 7 July London bombings, had told him about the nurse who had jumped into the shower - fully clothed - to assist her when she was having difficulties. "That story really sticks with me not only because it demonstrates the true meaning of care and compassion but also because I can imagine how, in a less enlightened organisation, that nurse could quite easily have found herself being disciplined," Sir Michael said. "It is nice to hear of staff who have the confidence to use their own judgment on how best to meet the needs of their patients, without fear of reprisal." The Health Secretary, Andy Burnham, said: "Sir Michael's report is an invaluable insight into the experiences of people who rely on support and those who dedicate their lives to helping others. "Dignity must be at the heart of care - to achieve this we are transforming the care and support system to make it fairer, simpler and more affordable for everyone." Sir Michael was appointed in May 2008 to promote dignity in care, as part of the Department of Health's Dignity Campaign