FORGET 15 minutes – care visits to the homes of elderly and vulnerable people should last at least three quarters of an hour.

That’s the view of a Hampshire pensioner who has spent 15 years looking after her severely ill husband.

Janet Smith took up Hampshire County Council’s day care and support scheme earlier this year to help look after husband John, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

The pair, who live in Hillcrest Avenue, Chandler’s Ford, receive a half-hour visit on weekdays to help shower John in the mornings.

And 68-year-old grandmother Janet, who suffers from painful arthritis herself, says this is the “bare minimum” required.

The county council commissions 15-minute time slots of care from private firms for some frail and disabled pensioners still living at home in a bid to save money.

The Daily Echo, backed by charities and campaigners for the elderly, has called for councils to commit to giving the elderly the dignity of at least 30 minutes of care during visits to their own homes.

Janet said: “John has half an hour and it’s just enough time for the carer to come in, shower John and wash his hair, dress him, put his creams on and tidy up the bathroom again.

“The carers work very hard – there is no doubt about that and I have no complaint about them. But half an hour is the bare minimum.”

Janet, who is currently locked in a dispute with the authority over payment for the visits, says it is “impossible” to administer suitable care in 15-minute visits.

Hampshire County Council says only one in seven of its home visits last 15 minutes and that care packages are agreed by everyone involved.

Executive member for adult social care Councillor Felicity Hindson claims valuable activities such as checking medication has been taken, putting food in a microwave and helping a client to the toilet can take place in the shorter timeframe.

But Janet added: “For other people who are receiving care, I don’t think 15 minutes is sufficient.

“You can’t cook a nutritious meal, serve it, clear it and then give medication in a quarter of an hour.

“I would say you need 45 to 50 minutes, perhaps even an hour as a minimum. People can’t be rushed like that.”