The most important obligation that is imposed upon the care homes and following to the personnel is to “safeguard service users from abuse and improper treatment”. But what does it exactly mean?
As long as the person is a resident of the care home:
- Discrimination of any kind,
- Not necessary or proportionate restraint,
- Neglect
- Limitation of the liberty
- Cruel or inhuman treatment
- Theft of money or property and
- Any kind of violation of the sexual freedom
But let’s be more precise and look at some examples because some of the above mentioned may seem generic:
- If any member of the personnel offends you for your colour or your religion,
- If because of that you don’t enjoy the same care as the rest patients,
- If they use violence –verbal or physical
- If they try to justify the used violence as being part of the treatment,
- If they offend you verbally,
- If they leave you dirty,
- If they make you sad with their words or their actions,
- If they make you feel that you are a “burden” for them or they make you feel that they make a favour to you providing you with care,
- If they leave you unfed,
- If they give you the wrong medication or they don’t give you at all your prescribed medication,
If you see yourself in any of these examples don’t accept it. Open up and ask for help. There are very nice care homes that do an excellent job and will give you safety and love. If you are a victim of any of the previously described or if you are a family member and you suspect that your loved one faces something similar to the content of the article feel free to talk. You are not alone!
Care Quality Commission can give you valuable help, please call them on 03000 616161 or visit their website to submit your concern or complaint filling in the online form.
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