Procedures for care agencies when a client is “unreachable” could become a “key focus” for inspections by the island’s care watchdog this year – after an inquest heard that carers hadn’t been able to reach a man for two weeks before he was found dead in his home.
A recent inquest heard that José Fernando Baptista Martins, who was described as a “vulnerable man”, lived alone and independently before his death last year.
The 68-year-old had been receiving home care from agency Tutela Jersey one hour a day, six days per week.
But in the weeks leading up to his death, Mr Martins’s carer hadn’t been able to reach him, despite visiting his home and speaking to businesses who knew the man.
The care worker felt it was not uncommon for Mr Martins not to respond immediately, and waited two weeks to escalate the issue.
Mr Martins was eventually found dead in his flat by police officers on Thursday 29 February 2024.
Viscount Mark Harris, sitting as coroner, found that Mr Martins had died from bronchopneumonia contributed to by ischaemic heart disease with myocardial scarification, cirrhosis of the liver with steatosis, lung emphysema with cor pulmonale and multiple myeloma.
The inquest heard that Tutela Jersey had, since Mr Martins’s death, put in place much stricter requirements for employees, and made sure they had all attended training and read the new rules.
Tutela staff now have to escalate matters if they haven’t heard from a client in two days.
A year after Mr Martins’s death, the Jersey Care Commission found the agency still needed to improve areas of management and reporting notifiable events.
The Commission said it was “continuing to monitor the service” of Tutela, with a further inspection coming up.
“We have also been working with Tutela to ensure compliance with regulatory expectations,” the Commission added.
Mr Martins’s death highlighted “the need for all care agencies to have effective procedures in place when a client is unreachable”, according to the Care Commission which is now “considering how best to share the learning from this inquest with the wider sector”.
“This may be a key focus for inspections in 2025, reinforcing the requirement for all care providers to implement clear policies to safeguard individuals,” a spokesperson said.
The Care Commission carries out inspections of care homes, home care services, and children’s services in Jersey to ensure that standards are met.
In a statement, the Commission said it expected all registered care providers “to have clear policies in place for situations where staff cannot contact a client”.
“These should include escalation procedures, risk assessments, and notifications to relevant parties if concerns persist,” the statement continued.
“Care workers must understand specific risks and required steps when contact cannot be established.”
A spokesperson for the Commission added: “The Care Commission extends our deepest sympathies to the family affected by this individual case.
“Every individual receiving care must be supported with robust policies and procedures to ensure their safety and well-being.”