Poor care home treatment 'breaches human rights'

Wednesday 23rd November 2011

Strict measures for the inspection of care homes are crucial, according to council bosses, following a damning report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

A report published today by the Commission highlights the poor treatment of many older people in care homes, which is breaching their human rights.

The Commission has called for councils to build the Human Rights Act into their commissioning process to improve standards.

The president of the Association of Directors of Social Services (ADASS), Peter Hay, welcomed the report.

‘ADASS will work with users with other experts experienced in these issues, as well as the Equality Commission itself, in order to improve the standards of home care services commissioned by local authorities and individuals using direct payments,’ said Mr Hay.

‘There is a good case to be made for bringing home care services within the purview of the Human Rights Act, as are residential services already,’ he added.

‘But while what may be a fairly protracted discussion concerning that continues, there can be no substitute for constant vigilance by users, families, carers and social care staff. And Robert and effective inspection by the Care Quality Commission.