Elderly and frail residents of a Salford care home are allegedly being locked away in their rooms and refused help if they are not cooperative, a report has revealed.
Kersal Dale Private Residential Home has failed in six out of seven areas by the Care and Quality Commission (CQC), including care and welfare, respecting and involving people and record administration.
However the most shocking revelation in the October report showed the residential homes failure to safeguard people using their service from abuse.
Allegations raised by two whistle-blowers informed CQC inspectors that residents were often locked in their rooms and were refused help if they were not cooperative. Other concerns raised were that people were not treated fairly or with respect and were sometimes locked out of their rooms too.
An unannounced visit by CQC inspectors found that locks did facilitate people being locked in their rooms with no way of unlocking from within. They also observed that three people were effectively locked out of their rooms during the day.
One patient said: “I do not understand why I cannot go to my room.”
This information was referred to the local authority safeguarding team.
Several staff felt unable to challenge the provider about concerns or poor practice as they felt the provider would not listen to them.
Kersal Dale Residential home also failed to adequately care for the welfare of people using the services, and staffing in the care home was found to be less than satisfactory.
Although a number of people who used the service told inspectors that staff were ‘lovely,’ the relatives of two residents complained that there were not sufficient staff on duty at all times to meet certain needs.
One said: “Sometimes, I feel there are not enough of them to give my relative time. I always come in to support her. I do wonder what would happen if I didn’t spend the time here.”
On inspection a number of people were seen to sleep for lengthy periods of time, and this was partially accredited to a lack of available stimulation.
Although music classes are provided, there was little stimulus to meet the specific needs of people with dementia.
Staff told CQC inspectors: “We would like to have more time to spend on a one to one basis but there is always something to do.”
Another staff member added: “I go home feeling sad about the things I haven’t been able to do. We don’t have the chance to sit and chat very often.”
The residential home also has a duty to respect and involve people using their service.
Although the inspectors heard a number of positive reviews in this area of assessment, one relative had concerns about their dignity. They told CQC: “His eyes are often sticky and sometimes has lunch left on his face, today these are not his trousers.”
These concerns were raised with the manager who said she would address the issue.
As a result of their findings the CQC has issued a compliance action requiring the provider to produce a report listing the amendments and improvements they have made in line with CQC standards.
If the care home continues to breach CQC standards of care, an enforcement action will be implemented.
A CQC spokesperson said: “CQC carried out an inspection at Kersal Dale Private Residential Home in September 2013 and identified a number of concerns.
“The home is currently non-compliant with national standards and has been informed that improvements must be made. In the meantime we are in close liaison with the local authority to ensure the safety and welfare of those living there.”
Image courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks.
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