Is is an unacceptable practice to expect night staff to give drugs to all of the residents in one large section of a care home (19 residents) from 6 am, which involves waking the residents? These are not drugs that need to be taken prior to breakfast.

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear Bryan,

Thank you for your question.

I believe that because you have asked the question that you know that this is an unacceptable practice.

The care for people living in a care home should be person centred, not staff centred.

The practice of expecting the night staff to give drugs to all of the residents in one large section of a care home at 6am is undoubtedly for the benefit of the day staff and not for the benefit of the service users and is a form of institutionalised care.

I don’t know what your position in the home is but you might consider discussing the practice at one of the supervisions that you should be having regularly.

I am pleased that you have raised the issue and hope there will be a successful outcome.

Best wishes.

Sheila