My mother has been in a care home for five years.  She has psychiatric problems and is difficult to care for.  I have been assured by social services that the home has a very good reputation.  However, since my mother has been there I have had concerns and queries.  My last query was greeted with a complaint form being handed to me which I thought was totally inappropriate.  A meeting was then convened in which I was told that the only way my mother could stay on at the home was if I did not ask any questions.  I am quite shocked by this.  Is it normal?  Is it legal?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Best wishes to all

It certainly sounds unacceptable. What to do next depends on a few things:

- is your mother self-funding or paid for by Social Services?

- is the home owned by the Council, a large organisation or private owners?

If possible, I would advise dealing with people outside of the home itself (Social Services, a Head Office, etc.).

Thanks Gerry

This is exactly what I have done - got the CPN and Dr involved and I am very relieved to say my mother is to be moved.

Thanks again

Hi,

No – this is not normal.  It’s appalling practice actually.

My advice to you would be to contact CSCI (www.csci.org.uk) which is the regulatory body for all care homes in England and Wales.  You can search and read all the homes’ inspection reports if you wish. 

I would advise you to telephone them as opposed to sending an email, so that you can provide detailed information about your concerns.  You can remain anonymous if you wish, although if you do provide details, you will receive feedback on what action they are going to take.  

It is totally unacceptable to say that your mother can stay only if you do not question them.  This amounts to nothing other than a threat which CSCI will take very seriously.

I agree.

This is coercive practice and is absolutely against the principles of transparency and best interests that all care workers must abide by.

CSCI definitely need to know. And it doesn't mater whether they're public, private or voluntary sector. They still have the same duty of care to abide by.

I realise that your mother's out of there now but others aren't. Inform CSCI for their sake.

Cheers,

Stuart

Thanks Parly and Stuart.  Yes I agree with you and to that end will write to the local Inspector.  One of the most worrying things was that the Consultant and CPN were both in the meeting and neither said anything when this was put to me eg no questions or out. 

Kind regards

Liza