The Scottish Government

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Get the right quality of care.
Just like Tam.

Have you heard about Scotland's National Care Standards?

They've been created by the Scottish Government to make sure that a wide range of care services provide good quality care.

It's all about improving the quality of life of older people and others.

How? By setting standards for the quality of care and support they receive and checking to make sure these standards are met.

The aim is to make sure people get the same quality of care no matter where they live in Scotland.

The National Care Standards that may be relevant to you

• Care homes for older people
• Care at home
• Support services (daycare)
• Short breaks and respite care
• Adult placement services
• Hospice care
• Housing support services
• Nurse agencies

There are another 15 sets of National Care Standards covering a wide range of care services, including services for children.

What do the National Care Standards cover?

Information to help you decide

Regardless of whether you are in a care home or receiving another type of care service the National Care Standards tell you what information you can get to help you decide about using a service. This can include an introductory pack from the care provider, which explains everything about the service simply, in a language or format that suits you.

Once you've decided

The National Care Standards explain what you can expect the care provider to do to meet your individual needs.
Things like what you prefer to be called; looking after your healthcare needs; helping you with day-to-day tasks such
as washing and dressing and many other things.

Know what the right quality of care means for you.
Just like mum.

The principles

The Standards explain what you can expect from care services as you use them at different stages.

They provide a useful reference and help you to raise concerns or even make a complaint.

Remember, the National Care Standards have been created from the users point of view. They're all about you. They are based on the following important principles.

Dignity
Your right to be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

Privacy
Your right to have your privacy respected and be free from unnecessary intrusion.

Choice
Your right to make an informed choice and know about the range of choices available.

Safety
Your right to feel safe and secure in all aspects of life,
including health and wellbeing.

Realising potential
Your right to have the opportunity to achieve all you can. To make full use of the resources that are available to you and make the most of your life.

Equality and diversity
Your right to be valued for your ethnic background, language, culture and faith. Be treated equally and live in an environment free from harassment and discrimination.

Get the right quality of care.
Just like Betty.

The Care Commission
Care services in Scotland are regulated by the Care Commission. That means services have to be registered with the Care Commission which inspects them to make sure the national Care Standards are being met.

If you're not happy with the service you are receiving you can take it up with the Care Commission.

You can contact the Care Commission at:

Helpline: 0845 603 0890
Website: www.carecommission.com

To view a copy of any of the National Care Standards online, visit:
www.infoscotland.com/nationalcarestandards

Alternatively, copies are available from:

Blackwells Bookshop
Tel: 0131 622 8283
E-mail: edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk

For more copies of this leaflet, please contact the Scottish Government:

Tel: 0131 244 5387
E-mail: standardsandsponsorship@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

This leaflet is available in other community languages on request.
www.scotland.gov.uk

Talk to us now.
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