Are Care Homes Hiding Neglect and Cruelty? Families Speak Out After Secret Filming

Families of elderly residents at Castlehill Care Home in Inverness have accused its owners of neglect and cruelty following a BBC investigation that uncovered alarming care failures. This report reveals distressing conditions experienced by residents, including chronic understaffing, inadequate personal care, and a lack of supervision, highlighting significant concerns regarding the quality of elderly care in Scotland.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Castlehill Care Home has faced serious allegations of neglect and poor care standards.
• Undercover investigations revealed chronic understaffing and inadequate personal care.
• The home is currently under scrutiny from the Care Inspectorate, which has issued multiple improvement notices.
• Families have reported distressing conditions, including residents being left in urine-soaked clothing and being unattended for long periods.
• The care home's management claims to meet high clinical standards and has announced an investment for improvements.

Overview of Castlehill Care Home

Castlehill Care Home, operated by Morar Living, is one of Scotland's largest care facilities, boasting capacity for 88 residents. Marketed as a luxury establishment, it offers services aimed at individuals with dementia and other complex needs. However, the reported costs of up to £1,800 per week raise questions about the quality of care provided and whether families are receiving value for their money.

Allegations of Cruelty and Neglect

Families have alleged that the care provided at Castlehill is far from the promised "kind, compassionate and specialist" service. Undercover footage taken by a BBC Disclosure reporter revealed shocking instances of neglect. Vulnerable residents were reportedly left sitting in urine-soaked clothing, while others were found in wet bedsheets, often calling out for help.

One particularly alarming incident involved a female resident who expressed distress during intimate care provided by male carers. This highlights a significant issue regarding the compatibility of care staff with residents’ personal preferences, especially for vulnerable individuals.

Regulatory Oversight and Ongoing Concerns

During the undercover investigation, Castlehill was already under special measures due to prior improvement notices issued by the Care Inspectorate. This regulator has continued to express concerns, stating that it is monitoring the situation closely. The home has been warned that failure to address these issues could lead to a loss of its registration.

Personal Accounts of Distress

Families of residents have shared harrowing experiences regarding the care their loved ones received. Susan Christie, whose father moved to Castlehill in 2023, was alarmed by the conditions she observed, prompting her to install a secret camera in his room. The footage revealed neglect, including her father being left in an incontinence pad for over 12 hours and being offered food that was out of reach.

Such incidents have led to widespread concern among families, many of whom feel betrayed by the care home staff. Linda Larkin, the daughter-in-law of a resident named Rachel, reported that despite explicit wishes for female carers, Rachel was repeatedly subjected to care by male staff, causing her significant distress.

Staffing Issues and Their Impact on Care

Chronic understaffing has been a recurring theme in the complaints against Castlehill. Reports indicate that during busy shifts, the number of staff available was insufficient to meet the needs of residents, particularly those with complex care requirements. For instance, on one occasion, only two carers and a nurse were left to manage a floor of 23 residents, leading to distress calls from those needing assistance.

The Role of the Care Inspectorate

The Care Inspectorate has been actively involved in monitoring Castlehill's compliance with care standards. Following several inspections, the home received an improvement notice after being graded as "unsatisfactory" in three key areas, including care planning and staffing levels. The Inspectorate has warned that further non-compliance may result in stricter actions, including closure.

Financial Aspects and Future Outlook

Morar Living, the operator of Castlehill, has reportedly projected pre-tax profits exceeding £90 million over the next five years, raising questions about the allocation of funds and prioritisation of resident care. With NHS Highland having paid nearly £10 million in fees since the home’s opening in 2019, the financial dynamics warrant scrutiny, especially considering the chronic staffing issues reported by families and staff alike.

Recent Developments and Improvements

Despite the troubling reports, Castlehill Care Home has claimed to be implementing changes, including appointing a clinical lead to oversee care and committing over £1 million for home refurbishments. Some families have noted an increase in activities and engagement for residents in the past month, suggesting that efforts may be underway to improve the situation.

Conclusion

The revelations surrounding Castlehill Care Home underscore a broader issue within the care sector regarding staffing, oversight, and the quality of care provided to vulnerable populations. The experiences shared by families highlight the urgent need for reform and greater accountability in care homes across the UK. How can we ensure that such distressing situations do not become the norm for elderly care in our society? #ElderlyCare #CareHomeStandards #HealthCareReform

FAQs

What are the main allegations against Castlehill Care Home?

Families have accused Castlehill Care Home of neglect, including leaving residents in urine-soaked clothing, failing to provide adequate personal care, and chronic understaffing that compromises resident safety and wellbeing.

What has the Care Inspectorate said about Castlehill?

The Care Inspectorate has expressed ongoing concerns regarding the care at Castlehill, issuing improvement notices and monitoring the home closely to ensure compliance with care standards.

What steps are being taken to address these issues?

Castlehill Care Home has announced investments for improvements, including appointing a clinical lead to oversee care and implementing more activities for residents. Ongoing scrutiny from the Care Inspectorate aims to ensure improvements are effective.

What are the implications for families with loved ones in Castlehill?

Families may need to consider the quality of care being provided and whether their loved ones' needs are being met. Some families have already begun moving their relatives to other care homes in light of these concerns.

How does staffing affect the quality of care in care homes?

Insufficient staffing levels can lead to inadequate personal care, heightened distress among residents, and increased risk of neglect. This has been a significant concern raised in the case of Castlehill Care Home.