Bedfordshire care home rated inadequate by CQC
The Limes Care Home placed in special measures after concerns raised about residents’ safety
A care home in Bedfordshire has been rated as inadequate and placed into special measures following recent inspections.
The Limes Care Home in Henlow supports up to 28 older people, including those living with dementia or physical disabilities who do not require nursing care. At the time of the inspection, 23 people were living in the home, which is managed by Ask Care Homes LTD.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) previously instructed management to make improvements to staffing and the safe recruitment of workers, but these hadn’t been addressed. Inspectors also uncovered new issues affecting residents’ safety and welfare.
Inspectors raise concerns over human rights and safety
Hazel Roberts, CQC deputy director of adult social care in the East of England, expressed worries over the rights of residents and protection from abuse, following inspections.
"When we inspected The Limes Care Home, we were very concerned that leaders had not respected people’s rights to refuse care and hadn’t protected people from risks of abuse”, she said.
Adding: “Staff had restrained some people who refused personal care and placed chairs in bedroom doorways to stop them leaving, but hadn’t assessed the risks of this or their mental capacity to make these decisions for themselves. This violated their human rights.”
Staff were found to have safeguarding training but failed to recognise incidents with one individual raising repeated complaints of pain and unexplained injuries without receiving adequate attention, according to CQC findings.
Leaders also allegedly failed to address or report these incidents to appropriate authorities, missing opportunities to investigate and prevent future occurrences.
Findings in report
Potential hazards were found within the building, including fire risks, scalding-hot outlets, and windows residents might fall from. The CQC say evidence showed unsafe manual lifting practices, contrary to health professionals’ recommendations to use a hoist.
Medication procedures were also flagged as inadequate, with expired and undated medicines remaining in storage.
Patient dignity wasn’t always respected. Inspectors witnessed staff discussing health needs inappropriately in communal settings and calling a resident a "good boy".
“We fully recognise the seriousness of this outcome”
Management at the care home say it has already made changes since the inspection and a a comprehensive improvement programme has been implemented.
In a statement, Ask Care Homes LTD which manages The Limes Care Home, said: “We acknowledge the findings of the recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection and the rating of Inadequate. We fully recognise the seriousness of this outcome and the concerns that have been raised.”
Adding: “Our priority remains the safety, dignity and wellbeing of our residents.”
The provider also says that it understands how distressing an Inadequate rating can be for residents, families and staff. It is wanting to reassure that the service is safe, open and transparent, actively improving, and committed to achieving a Good rating and beyond.