Lack of training 'affecting elderly care'

Published on Tuesday 29 April 2008 10:13

THE quality of night-time care for the elderly in residential homes is at risk because of a lack of routine inspections and adequate training of staff, a report said today.

A study for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found night staff received less training than day workers and often felt undervalued and isolated from the running of the home they worked in.

It said minor changes in practice could make a big difference, and stressed that care homes should be inspected at night just as much as they are in the day time.

The research was carried out for the foundation by a team at the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships, which has its main base at the University of Edinburgh.

Their report – Supporting older people in care homes at night – is said to be the first study of its kind to shine a spotlight on the night-time care experiences of residents, relatives and staff. It also reflects the views of care commissioners, who are responsible for inspecting homes in Scotland.

The study, carried out at three care homes in Scotland, pinpointed good and bad practice, as well as ways to make changes.

The report also said managers in the care homes studied were not involved enough in night-time work and supervision.

Co-author Dr Heather Wilkinson, a co-director of CRFR, said small changes by staff, such as not turning on bright lights and assigning people to manage individual night-time care plans, could have a big impact.

She said: "Night-time care is not just about promoting sleep. Some residents welcome company during nightly checks.

"In addition, those with dementia who are awake at night would benefit from signage to help orientate them and from the removal of wall mirrors which can confuse them."