In an era marked by heightened scrutiny over the standards of care in senior living facilities, ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens receive the respect and quality care they deserve has never been more important. This article explores the proactive steps Care Campaign for the Vulnerable (CCFTV) has taken, in collaboration with leading care providers such as Signature Senior Living and Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG), to champion greater transparency and robust support for families and care staff.
The Imperative for Transparency
Transparency in care homes transcends regulatory compliance; it’s fundamentally about dignity, respect, and quality of life for the elderly. Without transparency, the risks of neglect, abuse, and subpar care increase significantly. CCFTV’s campaign has steadfastly advocated for accessible, clear information regarding care standards, staff qualifications, and the rights of residents.
Signature Senior Living and MMCG have been instrumental in establishing new benchmarks for openness, particularly through implementing choice-based independent safety monitoring in their dementia communities. This not only fosters a safer environment for residents but also supports the staff in their roles, ensuring a higher standard of care and accountability.
Monitoring for Safety and Support
CCFTV advocate for, and promote, the implementation of independently monitored camera systems in communal areas and private rooms subject to the consent of those featuring.
In communities catering to the elderly with dementia, the recorded footage can be used to aid with staff training. It provides an opportunity to see how staff performed in certain situations, for instance where a resident with dementia is displaying signs of anxiety.
Gaining family permission, the film can be shared with external dementia specialist organisations, who are able to give advice on how to keep the resident as calm and stress-free as possible.
Cameras can also be used to help identify cases where a resident sustains unexpected bruising. Footage could show whether the cause was improper handling of the resident, or even the placement of furniture which may hinder movement around the room. This could then be easily rectified to prevent accidental collisions.
Collaborative Efforts for Improvement
CCFTV’s partnership with care providers is deeply rooted in a shared commitment to enhancing the quality of care for the most vulnerable people. Their initiatives ensure that staff are well-prepared to handle the complexities of elder care and are attuned to the emotional and psychological needs of residents.
Supporting Families
Supporting families is a cornerstone of their campaign. Transitioning a loved one into a care home can be an emotionally taxing and uncertain process. CCFTV offers families advice and support during these difficult transitions, empowering them to make informed decisions and manage the emotional challenges associated with elder care.
CCFTV also prioritise open dialogues between families and care home management. Regular family meetings and feedback sessions ensure that families are heard, building trust and confirming that the care aligns with the expectations and needs of both residents and their families.
Empowering Care Staff
Recognising that the quality of care is directly linked to the well-being of care staff, CCFTV’s campaign focuses intensely on their support and professional development. The demanding responsibilities care workers face can lead to immense stress and potential burnout. In response, CCFTV supports the introduction of independent safety monitoring systems which help protect staff as well as residents by creating a transparent, accountable environment. This initiative not only aids in monitoring care practices but also supports staff in their roles by providing clear, objective records of care activities.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, CCFTV is committed to continuing its work in promoting safe, transparent care for vulnerable individuals living in care homes.
The campaign for greater transparency in care homes is crucial to CCFTV’s broader commitment to the dignity and quality of life for the elderly. Through their collaborations with industry leaders like Signature Senior Living and MMCG and their ongoing support for families and care staff, they are establishing new standards that they hope will inspire a national reevaluation of older people’s care practices. This journey towards better care is a collaborative effort, and by leading this conversation, CCFTV is making significant strides in ensuring that our vulnerable populations are treated with the care and respect they deserve.
CCFTV was established a decade ago by Jayne Connery, a former marketing and airline professional residing in Buckinghamshire. Recognising the critical need for increased transparency in caring for vulnerable individuals with dementia, Jayne, driven by personal experience, transitioned to a carer role and initiated a dementia support group for families.
Today, CCFTV stands as an independent, national, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to safety in care. Collaborating with the care sector, their mission is to advocate for and promote the implementation of independently monitored safety monitoring systems in communal areas and private rooms with consent/best interest decisions across all UK care homes, with a particular focus on dementia care.
For more information please see Care Campaign For The Vulnerable | A Safety In Elderly Care Organisation or (5) Jayne Connery | LinkedIn or contact hello@cctvincarehomes.co.uk
Kay Cox, CEO at Signature Senior Lifestyle commented:
“We are proud to support CCFTV’s campaign to promote greater transparency and safety across the care sector. Their guidance has been invaluable in the development of our safety monitoring technology programme, and we thank them sincerely for the passion and dedication they bring to this important cause.
“From our initial pilot to the full roll-out across all our homes that is currently underway, safety monitoring technology has been a transformative tool for Signature Senior Lifestyle, providing peace of mind to families and loved ones, enhancing the safety and dignity of residents, and empowering carers who go that extra mile for the people they support.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Jayne and CCFTV as we strive to deliver truly exceptional care and advocate for meaningful change across the social care sector.”