Inspections by HIQA last year found that improvements were needed to protect residents from the risk of abuse at two designated centres for people with disabilities.
Reports published this morning say a risk of abuse was identified at a centre run by Muiríosa Foundation and at another run by the HSE, both in Leinster.
While the inspection at the Muiriosa Centre found safeguarding concerns were appropriately identified, reported and investigated in line with national policy; the inspector found a significant number of safeguarding and behavioural incidents had been occurring in one of the houses since 2019.
A risk assessment had taken place on the compatibility of the residents in July 2020 and it was noted that there was a need to change the living environment.
The report says that on the day of the inspection, the provider "indicated" that they were actively working on transitioning one of the residents in the coming months but a formal plan had yet to be developed.
Safeguarding plans and positive behaviour supports were put in place in an effort to reduce and manage these incidents however, the inspector said there was an ongoing risk of "a negative impact on the residents' well being and safety" while the existing living arrangements continued.
A behaviour support plan outlined the need for a consistent core team, in order to ensure the best possible outcome for the resident, however that approach was negatively impacted at times due to reliance on agency and relief staff.
The report says "a significant incident" occurred in the weeks prior to the inspection when two unfamiliar staff were on duty. They had not received any training in proactive approaches or reactive strategies where the need for physical intervention may have been required.
The need for training in this regard had been identified during a previous last inspection 18 months ago.
Incident and accident logs showed that for the most part, appropriate follow up took place following any adverse events and learning outcomes were documented and shared at staff meetings.
At a HSE run centre in Co Meath, inspectors found residents were not fully protected against any possibilities of abuse.
While plans to rearrange the accommodation to provide extra living areas had been approved by members of the multi-disciplinary team, it had not yet commenced when it was inspected in October.
It meant that residents who posed a safeguarding issue to each other were living in close proximity and the report says "allegations against staff members were not addressed, investigated or mitigated in a timely manner".
Non-compliance with the regulations and standards were identified in eleven out of 25 disability centres, however, there were also examples of good practices.
Residents at a new centre operated by Muiríosa Foundation told the inspector that they 'loved' their new home and that the food was very good.
Due to a resident's anxiety about moving to the centre, staff had replicated the layout of their old bedroom, including the use of aromatherapy to help them to settle in better.
At a centre operated by Positive Futures: Achieving Dreams. Transforming Lives CLG in Leitrim, interactions between residents and staff were observed to be "kind, caring and respectful".
Residents were supported to participate in a range of activities at home and in their local communities, including visiting friends and participating in walking clubs, exercise classes, and plans linked to the Special Olympics.
At a centre in Meath operated by the HSE, residents were supported to participate in a range of activities and interests.
One resident enjoyed gardening and was supported to plant a herb garden and paint garden furniture.
Residents were also looking forward to and excited about an upcoming overnight mini-break away to attend a music event and celebrate a resident’s birthday.
