The NHS faces a crisis of care for older people, is not caring for the elderly as well it should, and the situation is worsening, NHS employers have heard.
Sir Keith Pearson, chair of the NHS Confederation told the NHS Employers annual conference in Liverpool: "We have all read about unacceptable levels of care for older people in some NHS hospitals and care homes. The problem of how we care for older people is if anything getting worse."
Announcing a commission in association with the Local Government Association and Age UK, he said: "With more than 60% of hospital beds occupied by people over the age of 65, we must accept and adjust to the fact that for the majority of what we do we are caring for the elderly.
"The overarching message is that we are increasingly providing full personal care alongside clinical care for an increasing number of patients."
Adding that the NHS needs to take concerted action to improver the undignified care being delivered, he said the commission, which has already begun taking evidence, would make practical recommendations for improvement.
Pearson added the final report would not "sit on a shelf" and the NHS will find some value in the commission's findings and recommendations.
