Ombudsman finds almost no physical violence in care homes

Physical violence is almost nonexistent in the three care homes inspected by the parliamentary ombudsman, Kringvarp Føroya reports. However, staff sometimes use language that can become threatening.

The ombudsman recommends that employees also be trained to manage and stop verbal violence.

The three institutions had familiarised themselves with the coercion law and knew that approval must be sought from the Appeals Agency before intervening in residents’ personal freedom.

Interventions covered by the law require approval. Although coercion may in special circumstances appear necessary to provide adequate care and support, each resident’s situation must always be assessed individually. Any intervention must be directed at a specific resident, not at all residents.

In one case, the ombudsman found that approval for an intervention had expired. The institution was asked to apply for a new approval if necessary, and it did so.