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Friday February 12, 2016
12 MONTHS
No. 724
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INADEQUATE
Dementia care home where faeces were smeared on carpets and handrails is put in ‘special measures’ by watchdog By Staff Reporters A CARE home in Dewsbury is in special measures after faeces were found smeared on carpets and handrails during an inspection.
Aston Manor, on Moorlands Road, was rated inadequate across the board in a report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Inspectors made an unannounced visit in November after concerns were raised by Kirklees Council. They found a landing area had extensive smears of faeces on the carpet, walls, furniture and handrails. Later in the day there were still faeces on the handrail, while an “offensive odour” lingered. A person with a room near the landing area told inspectors they did not like the smell. Aston Manor specialises in caring for dementia sufferers. At the time of the inspection there were 31 residents, one short of capacity. The home was rated inadequate in the five areas of
being safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Staffing levels were found not to meet the needs of residents, with communal areas left unattended for long periods. On at least three occasions inspectors had to find staff when people in those areas needed help. At other times staff ignored residents or did not respond to requests or signs of them wanting support. In one case a person wanted to go to the toilet but could not find the words to express their need. Staff did not identify the problem and by the time inspectors intervened the person had become incontinent. Other problems found included: ■ A resident called by the wrong name more than once; ■ A faith room used as a store cupboard; ■ A resident’s trousers fell down and went unnoticed by staff.
The Aston Manor care home in Moorlands Road, Dewsbury ... inadequate across the board Aston Manor is run by Leicester-based Mauricare Ltd, which also has homes in Wakefield and Rotherham.
Inspectors found records showing some residents had lost weight and were at risk of malnutrition.
Inspectors found records showing some residents had lost weight and were at risk of malnutrition
But not all staff were aware of who was at risk – and where care plans stated a resident should be weighed weekly, there was no sign of this being done. Residents were in their chairs for long periods, without interaction or activities. Some appeared to be bored
or agitated, while one resident was reported to have told inspectors, “there’s not a lot going on except the meals”. A relative also claimed that since the previous activities staff had left, “nothing happens any more”. The activities co-ordinator said events were arranged but it was part of their other role as a cook. Elsewhere, staff lacked direction and often asked each other what they should be doing. During the inspection the manager was not often visible in the service and stayed in the office for much of the time. Salim Boodhoo, a director of Mauricare Ltd, said: “The report published is a period of history to November 2015, which is only a year under our ownership. “We see it pretty much a work in progress as we continue with our plan to rebuild and make the home a better place to live. “We remain grateful to all our partners for support and understanding to date. As a provider, we see safety and wellbeing of our residents as paramount.”