Apology from RCH Park View Care Centre ...
After 2 years and with the help of the Ombudsman, my relative and I eventually received an apology from Park View Care Centre July 2024. The Manager of Park View and her boss issued safeguarding complaints against me that were unfounded. A 6 week stay turned into 10 months while we had to fight for my relative’s rights through an unpleasant system. The actual Care workers at Park View were fine. I’d particularly like to thank the Housekeeping staff for going over and above to comfort and cheer up my relative. As a result of my complaint, a formal complaints procedure was put in at RCH/Park View and the Management will receive training to abide by the Mental Capacity Act 2005. A new Managing Director has been employed at the parent company RCH, so hopefully attitudes will improve over time. In the meantime, I tell my story so relatives who, like our family, have no experience of care homes, can beware and learn about their rights to protect their loved ones. If you ever have to fight for your relative through the social care system you can ask for an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate. IMCA are free of charge and they protect people who lack capacity in their decision making. A Power of Attorney is an important tool to enable caring relatives to speak for their loved one. A live-In specialist carer in my relative’s own familiar home has proved a less restrictive and cheaper option with 24/7 one to one care.