§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of any cases of exploitation of elderly people in receipt of domiciliary community care by employees of local authority social services departments or private providers; and
Whether employees of private organisations providing domiciliary community care are required to 74WA be security screened before they are allowed to work in the homes of elderly people; and
Whether there is any legal minimum qualification required by employees of private providers of domiciliary community care.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Cumberlege)Although the Government are not aware of any recent incidents of exploitation, they do recognise that abuses may happen in any setting. The Government are therefore supporting the work of "Action on Elder Abuse". There are no legal requirements with regard to screening or qualifications. In any work involving vulnerable people, employers should be aware of the need to take up adequate references and ensure that prospective employees have suitable training or experience.