Shock at abuse in Perth and Kinross care homes

Scottish Government report reveals hundreds of people have been harmed

Campaigners have hit out against the “staggeringly high” amount of harm reported in care homes in Perth and Kinross.

A new report compiled for the Scottish Government reveals that hundreds of elderly people in the area have experienced physical harm and neglect.

More than half of all harm reported, 56%, happened in a care home, with paid carers the alleged perpetrators in more than a quarter of all cases.

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland’s chief executive, said there was a “staggeringly high proportion of cases” where harm was reported in a care home. “It is absolutely unacceptable and will be a shock to families who have entrusted the safety of their loved ones to them,” he said.

Hundreds of vulnerable adults in Perth and Kinross are being harmed by the people paid to look after them, according to a new report compiled for the Scottish Government.

Social workers are also introducing strategies to deal with a rise in the number of vulnerable adults being financially exploited, the paper reveals.

The number of vulnerable people harmed in the area has increased by 4.6% over the past year – from 1,204 to 1,259 – albeit against a backdrop of a longer-term fall.

More than half of all harm, 56%, takes place in a care home with paid carers the alleged perpetrators of the harm in more than a quarter of all cases.

The harm recorded is mostly physical, or due to neglect, although the report notes a rise in the number of vulnerable people subjected to financial harm.

The report outlines at least three occasions over the last three years where court banning orders had to be obtained to prevent relatives and acquaintances, exploiting vulnerable adults for money.

Despite the rise in vulnerable adult reports, the number of cases taken forward for further action has fallen substantially, with the report’s authors calling for more action in this area.

SNP councillor Beth Pover, a qualified social worker, said she had no idea of the levels until seeing the report.

“It is an atrociously high figure for vulnerable adults who are in a setting where we are paying people to keep them safe.”

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland’s chief executive, said the figures “should be setting off alarm bells”.

Multi-agency group, Perth and Kinross Adult Protection Committee (APC), compiles a report for the Scottish Government every two years. A spokesperson said: “The increase in reports about vulnerable people indicates...a greater awareness of vulnerability and the need for support and protection.”

A Care Inspectorate spokesperson said: “Where individuals are at risk of exploitation, it is vital that all agencies work well together to keep people safe, and protect their rights and choices.”

It is an atrociously high figure for vulnerable adults who are in a setting where we are paying people to keep them safe. COUNCILLOR BETH POVER