A health watchdog is backing calls for improved standards in nursing homes, claiming that the Island is failing to care for its weakest members.

The Bermuda Healthcare Advocacy Group (BHAG) said it supports claims by Shadow Seniors Minister Derrick Burgess that some nursing homes do not provide adequate standards of care for the elderly.

Last week Mr Burgess said he had heard numerous reports of maltreatment at a number of nursing homes, with patients left unattended for long periods, and some homes having below-standard facilities.

He also questioned why Government was failing to build more rest homes, which are needed to cater to an ageing population. Government responded by saying the private sector was better equipped to provide more nursing home beds.

Yesterday a BHAG spokesman said it “welcomed” Mr Burgess’s comments, adding: “BHAG has been a long-time advocate of improving residential care for the elderly as a means of decreasing dependence on the continuing care wards at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

“As a result, BHAG has become aware that while some senior care residences provide an excellent service, others do not meet the standard of care that families and the wider public would expect, or that is required under the 2001 legislation.

“However, BHAG also notes that no Government in the last 20 years has met this challenge adequately and while the Sylvia Richardson facility was built in 2007, it is our understanding that the former government did not proceed with its plans for other facilities for budgetary reasons.

“It is obvious that the current Government faces the same or worse financial constraints and it is highly unlikely that the taxpayer will be able to fund the three additional facilities called for by Mr Burgess. Instead, BHAG believes that the private sector can fill the gap through residential care, assisted living and in home caregiving.

“BHAG is aware of at least one extensive proposal for graduated senior care that is awaiting Government approval and it also believes that home-based caregiving is often preferable to taking individuals out of their homes and placing them in a more institutional setting.

“However, BHAG fully supports Mr Burgess’s call to ensure that residential care facilities must meet the standards called for under the 2001 regulations and should be subject to regular inspections. In return, Government can and should help with financial support for senior citizens who need care but are unable to afford it.

“Mahatma Gandhi said that a nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members. By that measure, we are failing.”