We have received reassurance from the Older People’s Commissioner, Sarah Rochira, about the scope of visits to care homes being carried out by her team under her review of care homes. She has provided detailed answers to our questions (below) and reassuredus that the emphasis of her review is on looking at the whole system rather than inspecting individual premises.

Ms Rochira also praised CFW saying, “I note that you will be advising homes to make families or residents’ representatives aware of the Review, which is welcome. It would make sense to direct families and others to my website www.olderpeoplewales.com and office (08442 640670) to learn about the review and to have their questions answered first hand.”

She added: “The aim of my Review is to make a lasting difference in the lives of care home residents and I would like to thank Care Forum Wales care homes and staff, in advance of the Rapporteur visits, for supporting me in this aim.”

Some of your FAQs answered by Sarah Rochira

Identification of Rapporteurs and care home visits

All rapporteurs have been issued with an identity badge and will hand over a personal letter of introduction from me to the care home manager or senior person in charge upon arrival. Rapporteurs have also been directed to follow care home procedures and internal policies for the safety and wellbeing of all residents.

Selection of rapporterus

Rapporteurs have been subject to strict recruitment and selection criteria and have signed a Code of Conduct which will ensure that they act in a professional manner and respect the working environment of care home staff and managers. Many of the rapporteurs have previously managed, or held senior roles in, care homes so are particularly well-equipped to understand the complexities of managing a care home environment, and the need to be sensitive to competing demands.

The visiting period

The visiting period began on 3 March 2014 and will continue until 30 April 2014. The majority of visits will be conducted in the day, however occasional visits may be conducted at the weekend and/or at night. This is to ensure that I am able to take a holistic view about the experience of older people in care homes across Wales.

Overlap with other public bodies

I understand that there are some circumstances in which it may not be appropriate for Rapporteurs to visit a care home due to activity by other bodies such as the police or CSSIW. I have therefore informed CSSIW and POVA coordinators across Wales about the visits by Rapporteurs so they can let me know whether a visit might impact on their activities. Should care homes raise similar issues, I would consider the circumstances and take action as appropriate.

Questions for staff

As you have identified, my Review does not give Rapporteurs the legal right to interview staff; however, a few, well-asked questions will help Rapporteurs better understand the specific circumstances of individuals living in care homes, and will add practical context. I would also like to reassure you that the questions are informal, simple and not compulsory. For example, a Rapporteur may ask if people have sensory loss in order to communicate more effectively with them and so an answer would be greatly helpful. It would also be helpful to have a general overview of the layout of the building to avoid health and safety risks to care home residents and to get a sense of the physical environment in which residents are living.

Data protection

Rapporteurs will not ask staff to divulge any personal information about residents that is covered by Data Protection legislation. However, residents who have capacity to do so may choose to share details with Rapporteurs, including showing them their care plans.

Interviewing of residents

Under my delegated authority, Rapporteurs do have a legal right to enter care homes and interview residents and I would expect staff to enable residents to take part in talking to the Rapporteurs – just as they would enable them to speak to anyone else who comes to the care home to speak with them. The purpose of my Review is to benefit those who live in care homes – and people who will live there in future years. This is why it is so important that I speak to residents. Residents will be able to choose whether or not they wish to be spoken with and, if so, whether they would like to be interviewed alone or accompanied by a staff member.

Observation

By ‘observation’ I am referring to watching and listening in a non-intrusive manner. This is a natural part of being present in a care home for a period of time. All Rapporteurs have received training to ensure that they do not over-burden staff or residents with questions when answers could be otherwise established through watching and listening.