After the SeneCura scandal

NEOS club leader calls for reform of care home supervision

Johannes Gasser doubts that the actual situation in care homes is reflected when inspections are announced.

(Bild: stock.adobe.com - Peter Atkins)

Club chairman Johannes Gasser is calling for unannounced inspections in Vorarlberg's care homes. Otherwise, there is a high probability that inspectors will not see what the actual situation is like. 

"Adequate care can only be ensured if standards are met. This requires inspections and quality assurance," says NEOS party leader Johannes Gasser. Following the case at the SeneCura home in Hard, the question of whether the state's home supervisory authority is currently guaranteeing these checks to the necessary extent is one that needs to be addressed.

Johannes Gasser sees a need for improvement.

(Bild: NEOS Vorarlberg/Ben Haemmerle Photography)

For Gasser, it is therefore clear: "We must face up to an open reform process for the state's home supervision." Specifically, he is calling for risk-oriented and unannounced inspections. "It is not acceptable for inspections to be announced weeks in advance every few years and for inspections to only take place when there is cause - for example, when there are specific indications."

It is also crucial how specific follow-up checks are carried out to rectify shortcomings and implement requirements. As the state's care home supervisory authority is not the only institution that carries out inspections, Gasser believes that a clear definition of roles is needed to ensure the safety of residents and staff and to further develop quality.