Elderly still at risk as 1 in 4 care homes fails to meet standards
ELDERLY residents are still being put at risk of coronavirus as care homes fail to manage the threat of infection, according to damning reports by inspectors.
More than a quarter of homes investigated by the Care Inspectorate in recent weeks were graded ‘unsatisfactory’ or ‘weak’ on measures to stop the virus spreading – with a tiny proportion rated ‘good’ or ‘very good’.
Some staff were not using PPE properly, while others had run out of soap or hand sanitiser. Many homes were dirty, had soiled mattresses and cushions, or even had holes in walls.
Those problems are on top of a failing testing system, with care staff waiting up to ten days for results but continuing to work despite fearing they are passing on the virus to vulnerable residents.
Care home bosses say they do not have enough staff to allow those waiting on test results to isolate at home.
Of 41 care homes newly inspected in the last few weeks, nine were found to be ‘weak’, while two were graded ‘unsatisfactory’ – the lowest score possible.
Of the rest, 21 were ‘adequate’, eight ‘good’, and just one was considered ‘very good’. None achieved the top rating of ‘excellent’.
It comes as fears grow that the recent spike in new cases is reaching care homes, where residents are vulnerable.
Of the 4,236 coronavirus deaths north of the Border, 46 per cent have been in care homes.
Ten care home residents tested positive for Covid-19 in the week ending September 13 – the highest number since the end of June.
Across Scotland, 16 care homes have at least one confirmed case, and 91 have a suspected one.
Both of those graded unsatisfactory by the Care Inspectorate are in Edinburgh. In Guthrie House, in the city, which previously suffered 13 Covid-related deaths, the watchdog said: ‘There were serious concerns relating to the cleanliness of the furnishings and equipment used to support people.’
Of Claremont Park Nursing Home, in Edinburgh, which was also graded unsatisfactory, it said: ‘Staff were not fully complying with current guidance on infection prevention and control and did not fully understand safe practices with regards to PPE.’
A further nine were reported as being ‘weak’ on preventing the virus. They included Southside care home in Inverness; Ailsa Craig, Williamwood, Rannoch Lodge and Golfhill care homes, all in Glasgow; Craigie House in Crossgate, Cowdenbeath; Burnbrae care home in Falkirk; Belgravia Lodge nursing home in Edinburgh; and Eastleigh care home in Peterculter.
Dr Donald Macaskill, of care home umbrella body Scottish Care, stressed the report focused on homes known to be facing challenges but admitted he feared a ‘period of real tragedy’. He said: ‘Care providers have had to respond to the challenges posed by the pandemic, some have responded better than others.
‘The fear is if we don’t get community transmission down, and the testing system robust, we are going to have a period of real tragedy.’
Adam Stachura, of Age Scotland, said: ‘It is vital that care homes remain on high alert in the coming weeks to ensure every possible precaution is in place to maintain safety, protect residents and staff, and prevent further transmission of the virus.’
A spokesman for Four Seasons Care Homes, owner of Guthrie House, said: ‘We deeply regret that Guthrie House care home has fallen below the standards that the Care Inspectorate requires and that we expect.’ No one from Claremont Park was available to respond to requests for comment.
‘Not fully complying with current guidance ’ ‘Care homes must remain on high alert’