‘Dementia link to sudden low blood pressure and dizziness’
October 13, 2024
An article in the the Mail Online reports that the Care Quality Commission will publish this month guidelines setting out how families can place hidden cameras in the rooms of their loved ones if they suspect abuse.
Click here for the complete article.
It follows several harrowing cases which were only uncovered by relatives or whistleblowers taking matters into their own hands and secretly filming the treatment of carers.
Caught on camera
Care home providers and managers desperately want to provide an excellent service and deliver excellent care to residents.
It is not only the right thing to do from an ethical point of view, but it also makes very good business sense.
All service industries whether department stores, supermarkets, hotels or restaurants have a greater chance of success when they deliver great service.
One bad carer or one mistake made by a member of staff, intentionally or otherwise, can destroy a care home’s reputation.
Care home providers and managers want to deal personally with any members of staff who are, in any way, less than caring, or who are abusive.
The employment laws require that evidence of poor performance or suspected abuse must be concrete.
Close Circuit Television (CCTV) would allow providers and managers to monitor the delivery of care in a confidential and sensitive way.
It could equally help to demonstrate to the regulatory authorities the quality of the care within a Care Home.
Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, which represents private care homes said: ‘It’s unacceptable to give the green light for people to do covert filming. Where is the choice of the older person in all that? I’m at a loss as to why the regulator is coming out with this as a position.’
Everyone wants the standards of care in any hospital, care home or home care situation to be excellent.
If the CQC feels it is acceptable for families to instal hidden cameras in their relative’s room, then why, with the permission of the families, can providers not be allowed to do this?
With CCTV in place providers and managers will have a real understanding of what goes on behind closed doors and be able to provide additional training for staff who are seen to be in need of this.