Talking to the care provider or to the Care Commission

Once you have thought through the issues from a human rights perspective you are in a more informed position to talk to your care provider, local authority or the care regulator about your concerns. If the care provider, regulator or local authority understand human rights too then this will help and you might be able to resolve the issue by finding a different way of doing things.

If you have an issue with your service provider, you may want to talk to them directly about why you think your human rights are not being respected and what your suggestions might be to resolve the issue. If you don’t feel comfortable raising the issue with the provider, you can raise the issue with your social work care manager or the Care Commission. The Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (the Care Commission) is currently responsible for regulating care services in Scotland and can help with complaints. It is important to remember you have the right to complain to the regulator at any time and you do not have to talk to the care provider first of all if you don’t want to.

Both the National Care Standards and the Scottish Social Services Council Codes of Practice for social service workers and employees can help you to know what you can expect from your care provider and the staff who support you.

If you think you might require changes to your care support, then you can talk to your care manager or alternatively Care Information Scotland may be able to signpost you to help.

Care Information Scotland is a telephone and website service providing information about care services for older people living in Scotland. They can provide information about:

  • Care needs assessment - why do you need one?

  • Care at home - services to assist you while living at home

  • Supported housing - services and adaptations to support independent living

  • Care homes - places to live which offer full-time care. What are the options for finding and paying for a care home?

  • Support for carers - services and support to help unpaid carers

  • Your rights - what rights do you have?

  • Advice and support - organisations that can offer information and assistance.

The telephone helpline number of Care Information Scotland is 08456 001 001 and the website address is www.careinfoscotland.co.uk/home.