Healthcare identified as major problem in nursing homes

Seven out of 10 people gave a positive assessment of their experience of working in nursing homes in a collection of opinions published this Friday by the Lares Online platform, in which health care is the subject of greatest concern.

According to the same source, conditions, hygiene and professional care received the highest ratings.

Among the main complaints commonly reported and published on the association’s own website is lack of hygiene.

“One of the most common complaints from family members about nursing homes appears to be a lack of hygienic care,” says the platform’s page, which provides information on channels through which reports of abuse or other complaints can be made . related to user support.

The assessment, now published, ranks health care as the “most serious concern” with reports of neglect and abuse. Food is also a “subject of concern” with evidence of homes serving food of low nutritional value and little variety.

“When it comes to facilities, there is a discrepancy: while some respondents describe these places as modern, well-kept, pleasant and safe, there are others who note the age of the facilities and lack of maintenance,” the platform admits.

The results presented now are based on the opinions of Portuguese people who contributed in 2023 to the Assessmentlares.pt website, launched by Lares Online a year ago.

“60% of respondents have a positive assessment of the home they are directly involved with and point to improvements that should be implemented in the Portuguese housing sector so that it becomes increasingly better,” said a message sent to the media.

More than a quarter of reviews (26%) are negative.

On a scale from 1 to 5, when asked about living conditions in their homes, respondents gave a rating of 3.73; for care provided by professionals, the rating was 3.72.

Indoor hygiene received a score of 3.63. Home-cooked food received a score of 3.53, followed by home-based health care with a score of 3.52.

According to the platform, four groups with different relationships with the homes being rated were surveyed to develop the index.

“Home workers tend to be more critical of all indicators analyzed, especially regarding the care provided by professionals and the quality of food. Guests take a more neutral point of view.

“Families of residents have a more positive attitude towards the analyzed parameters, which tend to highlight the condition of the premises and the care provided by professionals as a more positive indicator – a reality that directly contrasts with the perception of staff,” he said, highlighted in the document.

“This divergence in perceptions clearly shows that staff, because they are directly involved in the day-to-day running of the homes and know the challenges of caring for older people, are more demanding and have a less optimistic outlook,” he adds.

Residents “have a more balanced view, but the topic poses some complexity: while some older people may feel well cared for, others may simply believe that the treatment they receive is fair, what they deserve” only “certain care.” This is a matter that should undoubtedly be explored in future investigations,” said Marina Lopez, who founded and ran her own home before creating Lares Online, mentioned in the statement.

For the person in charge, the overall experience is positive, but qualitative analysis of the ratings reveals a reality that is neither perfect nor ideal. “This tells us that there is an urgent need to strengthen checks to ensure the well-being of older people, as well as quality and happy aging,” he concluded.

The platform also said it notifies Social Security monthly of critical cases and that of the 34 homes it flagged as at risk, three were ordered to close.

To create this index, 423 ratings were collected and 341 homes were rated.