care homes

Improving the quality of care in Scotland: an overview of Care Commission findings 2002 to 2010

The Care Commission began operating in April 2002 and this report presents what has been learned over the eight years of regulating care services in Scotland. It sets out the context for the Care Commission's work, examines the impact its regulation work has had on outcomes for the people who use care services, and makes strong statements about where the care sector needs to improve.

Exploring restraint

This resource explores the ideas that: restraint can be a difficult issue in care homes, and the word means different things to different people; there are many different types of restraint, ranging from active physical interventions to failing to assist a person; minimising the use of restraint is important, but sometimes it will be the right thing to do; and knowing the individual, valuing the views of relatives and working as a team will help reduce the need for restraint.

Forgotten Citizens: Researching the Past

This podcast is taken from the ‘Forgotten Citizens’ Conference held in Glasgow on the 17th June. It features Dorothy Atkinson and Mabel Cooper, who share their experiences of working alongside one another to find out about Mabel’s past in long stay institutions in England. They talk about the stories Mabel’s family had uncovered and also how Mabel feels about the institutions she had been in.

Enriching opportunities: unlocking potential: searching for the keys

The Enriched Opportunities Programme is an intervention developed by the ExtraCare Charitable Trust and Bradford Dementia group that aimed to improve the well-being and activity of people with dementia living in long-term care. The programme included five key elements: specialist expertise; individualised assessment and case work; activity and occupation; staff training; management and leadership. This research evaluates the impact of the intervention on residents and tenants and on the staff caring for them.

Better care every step of the way

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

This report reflects the findings of 1036 inspections and three investigations carried out by the Care Commission at care homes for older people between April 2007 and March 2008.

Remember, I’m still me

Care homes across Scotland need to significantly improve the care they offer to people living with dementia.

This report was produce by the Care Commission and the Mental Welfare Commission and highlights a range of concerns, most notably the excessive use of drugs used to control behaviour and the lack of regular medication reviews.