Category Archives: Older care

Care inspector could use hidden cameras

October 15, 2013   Carers, dementia, Older care

By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News

“Winterbourne View happened two-and-a-half to three years ago. Things should be happening now.”

Carer and man The new inspections will determine whether services are caring and safe

Hidden cameras and mystery-shopper exercises may form part of a revamped inspection regime for care homes and domiciliary care in England next year.

New adult social care chief inspector Andrea Sutcliffe said she wanted to explore the role such techniques could play in uncovering abuse and neglect.

But she admitted their use would have to be balanced against the need for privacy and dignity in such settings.

The move will be considered ahead of the launch of a new system next year.

From next autumn, services will be given an Ofsted-style rating of outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate to mirror the system being rolled out for hospitals.

“Start Quote

Confidence in the regulation regime has been shaken, but we have turned a corner”

Norman Lamb Care and Support Minister

The new Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections will determine whether services are:

  • safe
  • caring
  • effective
  • well led
  • responsive to people’s needs
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Council cost-cutting on care a threat to human rights of elderly

October 8, 2013   Carers, Older care, Social care, ukcuts

Councils are abusing elderly people’s human rights by forcing down the price they pay agencies to provide care in their homes, the UK’s official equalities watchdog has warned.

Council cost-cutting on care a threat to human rights of elderly – watchdog

By , Social affairs Editor

8:00AM BST 08 Oct 2013

In a scathing report, it accused local authorities of actively creating “incentives” for private contractors for care to get worse rather than better.

The Commission found that in many cases councils are not even paying a rate which covers the “actual cost” of providing care.

As a result, it says, care workers are routinely being paid below the legal minimum wage when travel costs and time between appointments are included.

In turn morale in the industry is now so low that elderly people who rely on help simply to get out of bed or wash are faced with a constant turnover of staff, rushed appointments and basic tasks left undone.

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Charity attacks 'rise' in 'disgraceful' short care visits

October 7, 2013   Carers, dementia, disability, Multiple Sclerosis, Older care, Social care, ukcuts

7 October 2013 Last updated at 10:52

Charity attacks ‘rise’ in ‘disgraceful’ short care visits

 

Richard Stapeley, who has Multiple Sclerosis, says his 30-minute visits are not long enough

Short care visits to elderly and disabled people are “disgraceful” and on the rise, a charity has claimed.

In England, 60% of councils use 15-minute visits, which are not long enough to provide adequate care Leonard Cheshire Disability says.

The charity says such visits can “force disabled people to choose whether to go thirsty or to go to the toilet”.

The government said the Care Bill would prevent “inappropriate” short visits but would not outlaw 15-minute visits.

Leonard Cheshire wants a ban on what it calls the “scandal of flying 15-minute visits”, lobbying the government to prevent the practice in England.

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