§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice he gives to general practitioners to identify cases where families are physically or mentally abusing the elderly; and what guidance he gives to consultant geriatricians about admitting elderly people to hospital where abuse is suspected, at the same time avoiding encouraging those with elderly relatives to threaten or resort to abuse in order to get such relatives admitted.
§ Mr. RossiThese are essentially matters for professional judgment in the individual case and I do not think the Department could usefully issue general66W guidance. The strains on families caring for elderly relatives are widely recognised and I strongly support those services provided by the NHS, by local authorities and by voluntary organisations which share the burden of care.