Changes at Dunipace elderly care complex branded 'absolute mess'
Residents said a sad farewell to care staff who had provided them with support over the years.
In a cost-cutting move, those living in Falkirk Council’s sheltered housing complex at Tygetshaugh Court in Dunipace, had their care packages changed.
There are no longer council employees providing the care to the elderly and vulnerable residents but it has been outsourced to private companies.
However, within days of the changes, relatives of those living in the housing with care complex have already come up with a list of complaints and concerns about new providers.
These include some not wearing uniform or identification; trying to give medication at the wrong time; and not having the key safe details to gain entry to properties.
At least one family has pulled out of the current contract after being so concerned at the level of care being given to their elderly mum.
A resident reported a carer falling asleep while in their home and in another incident, one carer was spotted sitting on the floor outside flats, allegedly “asleep”.
Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) which put forward the cost-cutting move last year in a bid to save £150,000, said all issues would be investigated.
An HSCPl said all care staff are expected to wear uniform and ID when attending clients and providers have been reminded of this.
Referring to the carer “sleeping” in a corridor, they said: “We understand the picture provided shows a carer awaiting the correct call time, having arrived early. They have been advised to use the seating area in future.”
Initially, the cost-cutting changes were to be implemented over the summer months but following the announcement and the resultant public outcry, the moves had stalled.
Since last summer there have been demonstrations, objections from trade unions, complaints from local councillors, a petition with more than 2000 signatures and lots of media coverage, as well as a community meeting – all of which made clear that residents and their families are deeply unhappy with the proposals.
But the final day council staff were providing care to residents on February 26 when the relatives of residents organised a farewell party to say thank you for all the care given over the years.
However, relatives say that there is still much uncertainty over the care of their loved ones with unanswered questions, including around the laundry facilities. This was a service previously provided by the council staff but it remains unclear who will be allowed to use the facilities given that many of the residents are physically unable to either get to the laundry room or use the new washing machine and tumble dryer installed.
One relative said: “Residents who have moved over to external provider attended a meeting to say that their laundry is not being done as it is not classed as care – this includes a person who is wheelchair-bound with no washing machine facilities in their flat.”
They added that while residents have been given a key to the bin story to get rid of their household waste, some are unable to physically get to the store or reach the lock.
The relative added: “Already within a week carers have not turned up or turned up late with one resident saying that they have had to tell them that it was too soon for their medication as they only had it a couple of hours ago when it's distinctly says four hourly.
"It’s an absolute mess but all we get told is that it’s teething problems.”
A complaint made to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman about how the “consultation, appraisal and decision making process” to remove in-house staff is currently being considered but this could take up to one year to come up with a decision.
A spokesperson for Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership said: “Ongoing monitoring and support arrangements are in place to ensure any issues emerging after the transition to new care providers at Tygetshaugh can be responded to immediately.
“We are in frequent contact with tenants, families, and their new providers to support this process and will investigate any issues raised to us.
“Any concerns about the quality of care received will always be taken seriously, immediately investigated, and acted upon if needed.”