24th April 2009
By David Scott in Edinburgh
A watchdog has criticised care homes in Scotland for failing to provide sufficient palliative care for residents close to death.
A watchdog has criticised care homes in Scotland for failing to provide sufficient palliative care for residents close to death.According to the Scottish Care Commission, more than 40% did not fully recognise that they should be providing such care.
It also found that 54% of services had not fully trained their staff or given them enough support to deal with sensitive issues surrounding death and dying.
The commission’s report, Better care every step of the way, published on April 17, disclosed the findings of 1,036 inspections and three investigations carried out at care homes for older people.
Susan Brimelow, director of health care regulation for the commission, said the ageing population meant that more people were living longer with debilitating long-term conditions and needed palliative and end-of-life care.
She added: ‘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 is disappointing that the palliative care needs of residents in 43% of care homes in Scotland are not always recognised or well supported by staff.’
The report, commenting on the lack of staff training, said many staff members found it hard to talk to residents and their relatives and carers about how living with a terminal illness affected them.
Brimelow urged care home managers ‘to ensure residents, families and carers receive high-quality care’.
A Scottish Government spokesman said work was now under way to ensure that, where appropriate, recommendations from the Care Commission inspections could be addressed through implementing the report, Living and dying well, published last October.
