National standards for older people launched

New national care standards for older people launched by the
Scottish executive have received a positive response from campaign
groups.

The new standards which apply to all older people resident in
care homes cover a wide area of issues from food to facilities. A
major change includes ending the distinction between care homes and
nursing homes allowing proprietors to provide a wider range of more
flexible care.

All residents are to be guaranteed a single room in new homes
registered after April 2002, and in all existing homes by 2007.
Service users are to be involved in developing their own personal
plans, and all dietary requirements for health or religious reasons
are to be guaranteed.

Launching the new standards which follow the publication of
similar standards in England in August, health minister Susan
Deacon, said: “We are committed to adding life to years, not just
years to life.”

Liz Duncan, chief executive of Help the Aged Scotland, said:
“The establishment of and maintenance of high standards are a
positive step in providing older people in care homes the best
possible accommodation, nutrition, recreational activities and
care, tailored to their needs.”

The standards will be used by the newly created Scottish
Commission for the Regulation of Care in registering and inspecting
all care homes in Scotland from April 2002. The standards are the
first in a set of 18 documents to be launched by the Scottish
executive over the next few months, which will establish national
standards for all services to children, vulnerable adults and older
people.

www.scotland.gov.uk