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Do these sound like typical standards for a care home?

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Shangela123 Wed 26-May-21 08:51:04

2 night staff for 25 residents.
No seniors on night shifts.
3 day staff for the 25 residents and home manager on most days but in the office.

This morning, I was left alone with 10 residents in the dining hall, 3 who wander the building in tears, 2 who are physically and verbally aggressive, one who is very out of sorts and walks into people's rooms and moves chairs and tables around the building randomly.
Then a lady who constantly abuses staff of neglect, she asked to get up standing on several occasions but I was alone and she is a 2 to 1, so I kept telling her I needed 2 people to do it and she kept saying how cruel it was to treat people this way and leave them in pain, how awful we are etc.

Surely these numbers are far too low? I know it is likely the same for many places and that it's a question of money.

I was left on my own because my night colleague and the 3 day staff went into a room to do the handover, they really don't all need to be there for it. It was also past the time I was supposed to leave, and I was run ragged.

It makes me sad for the residents and I'm just interested to know if anyone's worked in care with better conditions? Thank you

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MelBB Thu 27-May-21 16:41:28

Shangela123

No allocated break either, yes there's time to sit down but it isn't a set break as such, plus we sit with the residents during this time and must be on standby in case of anything.
Minimum wage.
Absolutely zero incentives or benefits for staff.

Pffff! That's disgraceful. Have you considered reporting them anonymously for an unexpected inspection? Also, perhaps consider advertising your services on Care.com because you will get more recompense and be able to provide the care you wish to. One girl I had somehow got some work through Social Services/the Council. It is sad to think that the management thinks it's okay to leave you in such a position and the poor residents distressed.

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Teacheranne Thu 27-May-21 16:59:34

I can’t help you re staffing levels as I have no idea how many staff work at mums care home - despite living there for over a year, I have not been inside other then in the reception area.

But one of the reasons we chose it, apart from personal recommendations, was that it is run by a not for profit company that bought the council run homes years ago when they were out sourced. The carers are paid the living wage, which is higher than minimum wage so I think staff turnover is lower.

They have mainly self funded residents paying just over £1000 a week but I know of at least two who are now council funded after their money ran out! I hope that staffing levels are higher than average as all profits are ploughed back into the homes, from what I’ve seen through the windows, there are always staff walking around and interacting with the residents. But it is such a gamble when looking for a care home for a relative, things can change very quickly if staff leave but in my opinion, the conditions you describe are not adequate.

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