In order to at least spend time together in the dining room on the
ground floor, the ladies with limited mobility were carried by the
operator up and down the stairs in a wheelchair as there was no
barrier-free accessibility. The commissions verified the out-dated
condition of the emergency call system and also found the nursing
case histories and care planning inadequate and the hygienic
conditions very alarming. The operator, who is not subject to the
Working Time Act (Arbeitszeitgesetz), had been carrying out all night
duty by himself for years; during the day, there was a care aide on
site.
Continuing observations by the NPM revealed that the supervisory
authority had been aware of many problems for years. Numerous
requirements, beginning in 2004, had been officially issued without
any action being taken as a result of the partial non-compliance. The
fact that the operator had inadequately identified the personal habits,
resources and deficits of the residents and insufficiently taken them
into consideration in his care planning and had poorly documented
the care processes was objected to by the commissions as was the
complete lack of barrier-free accessibility. In addition to hygienic
deficits and the outdated emergency call system, it was emphasised
that, under these conditions, a threat to health could not be excluded.
If there are indications that persons requiring nursing care could be
harmed by unprofessional stationary care, supervisory authorities
must promptly make use of their authority. The NPM will closely
observe the progress of the official proceedings as well as the
changes for the residents that were concretely promised during a
hearing of the parties.
When safe care cannot be guaranteed, the residents must be transferred to another facility.
Supervisory authorities are called upon to act quickly.
2.1.4 Positive findings
During their visits in all institutions and facilities, the commissions pay
increased attention to positive practices, which are later on recorded in
the reports.
A facility which had pursued creative solutions for complaint
management and had introduced the concept of “wish messengers”
was positively highlighted with the “Good Practice” rating. The reason
given was that it is much easier for residents who are dependent on
care to express wishes rather than complaints. The “wish
messengers”, some of whom are qualified psychologists, worked their
way through the facility and, within a period of six months, recorded
all the concerns which were then implemented to the greatest extent
possible in collaboration with management and staff.
37
Respect is shown by
enquiring about
residents’ wishes
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