Pictured above: Sofia Tayton, Lodders Solicitors' expert on care for the elderly

A new report into care of the elderly paints a "dismal and depressing" picture, a Midlands expert has warned.

And Sofia Tayton, a solicitor in the private client department at Warwickshire law firm Lodders Solicitors, who specialises in the sector, said the whole system needed reform.

Her comments came in the wake of a care at home inquiry by the Equality and Human Rights Commission which found "worrying" instances of the elderly being left in soiled beds or clothing for long periods.

It identified a number of significant problems, such as old people not being washed properly, not being given proper help with eating or drinking, and being left in bed for 17 hours in some cases.

Staff turnover in the sector was "huge" with one woman said to have had 32 different carers over a two-week period. Some home care visits were just 15 minutes, forcing people to choose between having a cooked meal or a wash.

Others were put to bed at 5pm and not helped to get up again until 10am the following morning, said the report.

Lack of privacy was also a problem, with one person complaining of being dressed by care staff in front of his bungalow window, and another in front of family members.

Mrs Tayton said: "It is certainly a dismal and depressing indictment on care of the elderly in the home.

"It is the lack of dignity and the failure to provide privacy which will upset people more than anything."

Commenting on the 32 different carers' example, she went on: "Even allowing that the individual may have dementia and not be aware of all of those involved, the need for a continuous relationship of some sort cannot be overlooked.

"Ultimately it all comes down to funding, whether the state or the elderly person themselves is paying. If the money is not there you won't attract the right sort of staff or be able to provide the service required.

"The whole system needs a complete overhaul. Currently there is a spider's web of interacting and complicated legislation governing these matters. The Government is examining reform proposals but it is very hard to see how in the present financial climate things can be improved.  Despite this, people shouldn't just accept a poor service, and should not be afraid of complaining or asking someone to raise concerns for them." 

The inquiry is investigating how well over-65s who receive homecare visits are looked after in England.

The Commission's full report will be published in November.

For more information about Lodders, please visit their website here: www.lodders.co.uk