Complaints Against Care Homes Increase

The number of abuse complaints upheld against old people’s care homes in Scotland rose by two-thirds last year, it emerged last night.

Care Commission figures show that there were 80 complaints upheld by the watchdog in 2006, more than there were in 2004 and 2005 when there were a total of 63 upheld.

There were 56 upheld abuse complaints by the commission last year and a further 24 complaints about the use of restraint were upheld. There were said to be a further 237 upheld complaints about communication.

The commission believes that the figures are the “tip of the iceberg” although it recognises the rise is because of increased awareness of the issues among residents and families and an increasing public knowledge of what is acceptable practice.

It also says that insufficient resources, including a lack of well-trained, motivated staff, together with inadequate vetting of new employees is leaving many old people with a poor quality of care.

Age Concern Scotland says more than 10,000 elderly people last year suffered neglect, while many others suffered physical, sexual, mental and financial abuse.