Chancellor reminded the care homes that the freedom of movement of a person receiving
the 24-hour special care service under a court ruling may only be restricted for a brief period
by placement in a seclusion room compatible with the requirements, and also explained once
again the requirements for documentation.
In care homes providing the special care service, patients are sometimes given medication
not mentioned in the treatment scheme prescribed by a doctor. The Chancellor’s advisers
have also found in care homes medication of patients who had already left the care home, or
medication left over due to a change in the treatment scheme, even though such medication
should have been properly destroyed. The Chancellor explained to the care homes that strict
rules for handling medication have to be complied with. Care homes must also ensure
nursing care to the extent required by law, and activities carried out while providing nursing
care must be properly documented.
To end on a positive note: observations made during inspection visits allow for the conclusion
that special care institutions increasingly think how care home residents could spend their
time meaningfully and so that it is contributing to their development. More opportunities for
activities are offered (such as hobby groups, plots for gardening, work-related activities), as
well as enabling residents to actively participate in community life. Care homes should make
even more effort to involve people in dynamic activities and activities contributing to
development of work skills, which would help residents spend time by engaging in their
preferred activities.
The inspection visit to Tallinn Children’s Home is covered in the chapter “Children and young
people”.