Half of Scots care homes provide poor diet for OAPs

Published on Thursday 17 September 2009 22:05

NEARLY half of care homes in Scotland are failing to provide vulnerable elderly residents with a diet meeting national standards for nutrition, according to a report released today.

The Care Commission, which regulates all adult, child and independent healthcare in Scotland, said it was "concerned" about the high number of complaints it had received.

The Eating Well in Care Homes For Older People report revealed that in 2006 to 2007 the commission received 91 complaints – 76 which were upheld or partially upheld – about eating, drinking and nutrition, with dehydration the biggest concern.

The study analysed inspections of 303 care homes in Scotland and found 49 per cent did not meet the National Care Standards in all five areas regarding nutrition.

It served improvement notices on ten care homes around Scotland, ordering them to enforce improvements in the quality of nutrition and hydration.

Susan Brimelow, the Care Commission's director of healthcare regulation, said care home residents were among the most vulnerable in the community.

"They depend on the care home and its staff to provide balanced meals and ready access to as much water and other liquids as they need," she said.

"We are concerned about the high numbers of complaints we receive and the enforcement action we have had to take to ensure the safety and welfare of people living in care homes."

The researchers found only 40 per cent had their menus nutritionally assessed by a dietician.

Some did not provide enough soft, easily chewed food, or food with enough energy.

It upheld nine complaints about people who were not given enough help to eat and drink.

There were also complaints about dietary needs not being met, lack of fruit and vegetables, and unplanned weight loss or undernutrition.

Nutrition champion Kay Simpson, group manager for Peacock Nursing Home and Woodland Nursing Home, both in Livingston, and the Elsie Inglis Care Home, Edinburgh, said: "People are much more aware of what they want and it is important these high standards are maintained when they go into care."

Claire Murray, public affairs resource worker for Age Concern and Help the Aged in Scotland, said: "The report's findings are alarming and highlight just how much more effort is needed to ensure that older people living in care homes receive sufficiently nutritious food as well as enough water."

MSP Ross Finnie, the Liberal Democrat health spokesman, said: " This report will make distressing reading for those who trust care homes to look after vulnerable family members. Those singled out in this report need to take immediate action."