PP ANNUAL REPORT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF ACTIVITIES OF THE NPM N PM Visit to the Home for Adult Persons with Mental Impairments “Bidružica” When entering the fenced premises of the Home “Bidružica”, the NPM members established that the gate was not locked so there was a free entrance and exit to the premises and to the inner space. They also established that the Home’s facilities were unlocked and that the residents freely went in and out. However, the entrance into the Home was under video surveillance and it was explained that this was for security reasons. The Home is situated near a settlement which the residents may freely visit by obtaining an exit permit beforehand. When all the residents need such permits, regardless of their individual differences (such as their current health condition), this additionally restricts their freedom of movement outside the Home. A recommendation was made to the Head of the Home to change such a policy. In the “Bidružica” setting, some dormitories are in a bad condition since the walls need repainting and because of the poor state of the furniture. One of the bathrooms has a common shower area without any curtains or partitions to ensure privacy during showering. A recommendation was made to install them. Several residents complained about their things being taken by other residents. They explained how they were unable to prevent this from happening because there were no cupboards, and even if they had them, there were no locks on them. The Head of the Home was informed about this problem and already during the visit, a start was made on constructing new cupboards and supplying and fixing locks on the ones that existed. The NPM members noticed that a number of residents at “Bidružica” had problems with their teeth although there was an in-house dentist available. Namely, they did not have adequate dentures if their natural teeth were in a bad condition. They did not receive chopped food and they had difficulty with eating because, instead of their teeth, they used their soft gums for chewing. The Head’s attention was drawn to the necessity of making additional efforts to have the residents’ teeth repaired. All dormitory rooms are open and most of the doors have no keys despite the existing locks. It was recommended for the Head to give a key to the residents who, depending on their capabilities, could have one. When entering the rooms, staff members do not have the habit of knocking which also puts in question the privacy issue of the residents. The Head’s attention was drawn to the need of respecting the residents’ privacy by knocking at their doors. In rooms of the Home Bidružica, there is no protection from the sunshine (there are no curtains or blinds on the windows). Some rooms are not arranged in accordance with the regulations but it is obvious that an effort has been made to improve the situation to adjust it to what is prescribed in terms of space and equipment in social welfare institutions. There 21