“No one should have to choose between going to the toilet or having a cup of tea, and this practice must come to an end”
Damning figures from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request have shown that a third of Scottish councils commissioned fifteen minute visits for the provision of personal care in 2016/17.
Over 5,000 Scots are being subjected to the degrading practice of flying visits often referred to as ‘time and task’. At least 5,182 people received personal care visits of 15 minutes or less for support with intimate care, based on data from councils that responded to the FOI request.
Freedom of Information responses from councils in Scotland found that one in three – 31% – were commissioning 15 minute visits for the provision of personal care in 2016/17. 10 councils responded to Leonard Cheshire’s FOI request, meanwhile a further 13 local authorities gave unclear responses or did not provide responses at all. Leonard Cheshire refused to be drawn on individual local authorites, but a spokesman confirmed that there is a ‘huge problem across Scotland’ and the issue is one the charity will pursue further through their campaigning work.
For many individuals receiving support at home, 15 minute personal care visits barely allow for tasks to be completed, let alone develop a positive relationship between the individual, and their carer. In January, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Social Security Jeanne Freeman launched a consultation and draft strategy on isolation and loneliness, highlighting the link between loneliness, poor physical and mental health.
Leonard Cheshire have campaigned against flying care visits for the last five years. Good care transforms disabled people’s lives and this practice of 15 minute visits can deprive people of dignified and compassionate care.
Leonard Cheshire’s Director for Scotland, Stuart Robertson said: “These damning figures show that many vulnerable people are being failed by the social care system. Over five thousand Scots are being subjected to degrading 15 minute visits to support them with personal care needs. We have to urgently address this scandal and ensure people receive the person-centred care they deserve. No one should have to choose between going to the toilet or having a cup of tea, and this practice must come to an end.”
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