Spotlight On Homes That Secretly Drug Pensioners

The national watchdog on care homes is to investigate whether staff are hiding drugs in elderly residents’ food and drink.

The practice, known as “covert medication”, was highlighted in The Scotsman this year, in a report that revealed one in seven care homes has given drugs to residents without their knowledge.

Campaigners claim that it is against the human rights of vulnerable adults to give medicine without consent. There is also concern that anti-psychotic drugs are being given to patients in care homes to control them, rather than as pain relief.

The Care Commission, the watchdog for care homes, and the Mental Welfare Commission, an independent body to protect the rights of the vulnerable, are to look at how medicine is administered to elderly patients in Scotland, by visiting care homes around the country.

It emerged that an inquiry would take place after Jacquie Roberts, the chief executive of the Care Commission, wrote to campaigners over concerns about the use of drugs in care homes.

The terms of the inquiry have not been decided, but yesterday a spokesman for the Care Commission confirmed the investigation was taking place.

He said: “We are working with the Mental Welfare Commission to examine the issues of consent in relation to the administration of medicines.

“This work will look to raise awareness, promote discussion, gather clear evidence and assess the exact scale of this issue.”

Guidance from the Mental Welfare Commission states that drugs should be hidden in food and drink only if it is in the best interests of a patient who may be confused or aggressive – not for the convenience of staff. A spokesman for the organisation said a review would consider whether the guidelines were being followed.

He said: “We have recently discussed, with the Care Commission, the need to closely monitor the prescribing and dispensing of medication in care homes.

“We want to ensure that practice in care homes is in line with the law and best clinical practice. We are now working on undertaking visits to a sample of care homes throughout Scotland.”

A spokesman for the Scottish Government

commented: “We are aware that the Care Commission and Mental Welfare Commission are interested in issues relating to the prescription and administration of medicines.

“We will keep in touch with their consideration of this issue and any findings that will emerge.”