Which care home will best suit their needs? Where will they be most happy? Will the care home keep them safe?
When care is subsidised by the Local Authority, they will make recommendations regarding a suitable care home. However, families can still have their input and provide their preferences. Visits can be made to suitable providers, who should welcome the opportunity to discuss their care package and level of care. Families can challenge the Local Authority if they consider that the appropriate level of care is not being provided or where they consider that there is a more suitable care home available. If necessary, this can be done by making a complaint to the Local Authority. The complaint will be investigated and a response must be given in accordance with their complaints procedure.
Care homes are regulated by the Care Quality Commission. Where there are concerns regarding a vulnerable adult, a report will be made. For example, by a health care professional. This is called ‘a safeguarding alert’.
The family will be informed about the safeguarding alert and may be invited to attend strategy and review meetings.
The meetings will investigate the cause of the safeguarding alert and put in place care measures to deal with the issue.
Safeguarding means protecting individuals’ health, wellbeing and human rights, so they can live free from harm, abuse and neglect.
Examples of safeguarding issues include:
- Pressure sores (bed sores)
- Malnutrition
- Incidences of falls
- Unexplained falls
- Unexplained bruising
If there has been a safeguarding alert raised or if you have concerns regarding the care of a loved one, please contact me to discuss what steps you can take against the care provider.
