2.1 VISITS TO RETIREMENT HOMES 2.1.3.11 Control visit to Vrhnika Retirement Home (19 November 2019) During our previous visit in 2018, the NPM made eleven recommendations. On the occasion of this visit, we found that the home accepted and realised three recommendations (including the recommendation on improved decorating of residents’ rooms). We highlighted that the home accepted seven recommendations, but has failed to fully realised them yet, which is why we expressed our expectation that it would particularly focus on these recommendations and their realisation in the future (including airing of rooms, installation of bedside reading lights, establishment of the call system, observance of the provisions of the ZDZdr regarding SPM, observance of the results of the survey made among the staff with an emphasis on eliminating the deficiencies established). The recommendation regarding more frequent bathing of residents was especially emphasised, which the home failed to accept, and we repeated it among other recommendations during this visit. Eight new recommendations were made, which are still to be realised according to the home’s response. The recommendations related to the installation of bedside reading lights, enabling all residents access to the emergency call, bathing residents at more suitable time intervals, provision of basic hygiene products and suitable equipment of rooms, attention paid by the staff to residents requiring change of an incontinence product and not using TV only to distract residents, and above all, the dedication of due diligence when selecting staff to work in secure wards, their education and supervision over their work since all of the above is crucial for good work with residents. During the visit, we especially commended the efforts of certain staff members, their cheerfulness, keeping of a friendly atmosphere and respectful behaviour towards residents. 2.1.3.12 Control visit to Franc Salamon Retirement Home in Trbovlje (6 December 2019) During our previous visit in 2018, the NPM made 16 recommendations. On the occasion of this visit, it was found that the home accepted and realised nine recommendations, which is commendable. The home realised the recommendation about the renovation of floors, installation of signage, equipment in residents’ rooms, monitoring the residents’ satisfaction and installation of a (suitable) collection box. However, we pointed out that the home accepted seven recommendations, but has yet failed to fully realise them, which is why we expressed our expectation that it would particularly focus on these recommendations and their realisation in the future. One of these referred to direct access to outdoor areas for residents of the secure ward, but substantial funds will be required for the realisation of this recommendation. No new recommendations were made during this visit, but we expressed several commendations. We commended the fact that the staff address the residents with “sir” and “madam”, and keep the rooms tidy and warm, and the hallways decorated. The residents’ art is hung on the walls even if these have just been repainted. This is important because the residents are proud of their art and enjoy it being showcased and viewed by visitors and staff. We also commended the great fondness shown by the residents towards the staff, who communicate with them politely and are obliging, using no force, and conducting themselves in a manner understood and accepted by their residents with dementia. 38 THE REPORT OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS OMBUDSMAN OF THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA ON IMPLEMENTING THE TASKS OF THE NPM