Report concludes Scottish care homes need to improve

More than 40% of care homes in Scotland need to improve the support they offer people with life-limiting illnesses, according to a new report from Scotland’s care watchdog.

The Care Commission carried out 1,036 inspections and three investigations at care homes for older people between April 2007 and March 2008.

During the inspections, the commission evaluated whether staff in care homes had an understanding of what constituted palliative and end of life care – and how well they were delivering it to people who live in care homes and their families.
Report concludes Scottish care homes need to improve

The report reveals that 43% of care homes did not realise they should be delivering palliative and end of life care to residents with life-limiting illnesses.

Inspectors also found 54% of services had not fully trained their staff or given them enough educational support to deal with sensitive issues surrounding death and dying.

The report found that many staff members found it hard to talk to residents and their relatives and carers about how living with a life-limiting illness affected them because of a lack of support.

Susan Brimelow, the Care Commission’s Director of Healthcare Regulation, said: “We found that a lot of good quality palliative care is provided in care homes across Scotland. There are many examples of the excellent care and our report also features many letters of appreciation from relatives about the care their loved ones have had.

“However, it’s disappointing that the palliative care needs of residents in 43% of care homes in Scotland are not always recognised or well supported by staff.

“Care home providers and managers must recognise the need for increased knowledge, skills and educational support to ensure residents, families and carers receive high quality palliative and end of life care. Improved access to this specialist care for everyone who needs it is vital.”