Over the summer, our Safe Staffing Programme team held face-to-face consultations with a sample group of people living in adult and older people care homes and their family members. We asked participants about the staff, staffing levels and vacancies, and opportunities for going out in the local community.
Why?
The people we spoke to told us about their fondness for staff, describing them as good, kind, respectful and friendly. Family members said their relative was well looked after. They acknowledged current staffing issues in health and social care, saying staff were busy and that they generally felt concerned for staff wellbeing “Feel sorry for staff, they are rushed off their feet, especially at weekends. Can be 5 or 6 on each floor for 31 people; not enough”. The majority of participants said there was a need for more staff but that staff responded when needed, “staff would love to do more but they are so pushed and this is a huge regret to them”.
People told us how they attended local community attractions with support from staff, “I like a bus run, afternoon tea or lunch; we do that sometimes”. While others described going out on their own whenever they wanted to. There were also stories of how staff go above and beyond of what is usually expected of them, “The chef comes in early and sits with (name) and eats breakfast to encourage eating. (Name) has now gained weight”.
We will report on our consultations to the Scottish Government and publish our findings in Spring 2023.
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