Modern medical advances have led to a much greater life expectancy for UK citizens, and people are already predicting how this longer lifespan may impact society. With individuals staying fit and healthy later into their life, the government has recently raised the retirement age to accompany this shift. Such is the state of contemporary healthcare that some have suggested children born in 2012 could live until they’re 80 years old before collecting a retirement pension.

Though, for many, this elongated lifespan is a positive reflection of the ingenuity and progression of human nature, others fear that the growing number of elderly people could cause a strain on care homes. Many care homes offer a fantastic service for seniors in their later years, but some take on too much and let their standards slip.

Before you or a relative enters a care home, it’s important to know what level of care to expect. Not only should a care home be clean and hygienic, but the staff should also be attentive and friendly. Stories of neglect and even physical abuse by care home staff have been reported in recent years, and it’s important to know that such behaviour is never OK. If you do notice poor living conditions or neglectful staff behaviour, take specific notes of any incidents and take photos of any visual evidence. These can be used as proof against the care home if you do decide to litigate.

If you or a loved one suspects a care home to be sub-standard, you may be able to file a claim and receive compensation for any damages. Taking action against neglectful care homes may also serve to protect other residents in the home by forcing the facility owner to make necessary improvements.

If you wish to make a claim against a care home on behalf of a family member or friend (who may not be able to act for him/herself), you can act as ‘Litigation Friend’ or a Deputy from the Court of Protection can be appointed to act on their behalf. If you are acting on behalf of someone else, you will most likely have to attend an informal hearing in front of a judge, who will decide whether or not to approve a settlement.

One of the best ways to stop illegal and sub-standard care homes from continuing to damage the lives of the elderly is to take action against them when necessary. For help with making compensation claims, it’s a good idea to talk to your solicitor or a professional legal advisor. By seeking professional help, you can get a better idea about how much the care home should pay you in damages, and how to best go about the litigation process.

The author of this article is a part of a digital marketing agency that works with brands like Shoosmiths. The content contained in this article is for information purposes only and should not be used to make any financial decisions.