Inspectors critical of care at homes for older people

The standard of care for older people in 10 residential homes
across south Wales is criticised in a report from the Social
Services Inspectorate in Wales, writes Alex
Dobson
.

The report, ‘Everybody’s Concern’, looks at the way
residents were cared for in the homes, which are jointly run, by
Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan councils and the Hafod housing
association. It makes 26 recommendations for improving
services.

The SSIW was called in to look at safeguarding arrangements
following concern about the way one home in particular, Hazelcroft
in Cardiff, was run.

The home was the subject of a critical inspection report, and
there had been calls for a public inquiry after allegations that
staff had neglected and abused residents. An inappropriate
photograph of a female resident taken on a caravan holiday sparked
a series of claims and counter claims by staff against one
another.

The inspectors found the main means to safeguard the wellbeing
of residents were either not used, ineffective or confused. They
say that confused accountability they found had inherent risks for
the safeguarding of residents.

The inspectors did find though that, although there were many
areas of concern, most of the residents of Hazelcroft and of the
other homes, as well as their families, were satisfied with the
care they received, and there were some examples of good
practice.

Chief inspector Graham Williams said: “The implications of this
report go beyond specific issues at Hazelcroft and it is important
that the recommendations are acted on.”

‘Everybody’s Concern – Examination of Arrangements
made by Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan for Safeguarding Older People
in Hafod Homes’ available
here

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