Care Houses Want “Pressing Enhancements” After Inspection Deems Them “Unacceptable”
It is unfortunate and devastating for any family to have to place a family member in a nursing home because they are unable to adequately care for that person on their own. It goes without saying that a nursing home has a duty to provide high quality care and to be transparent to the families about everything that goes on in the home.
However, it doesn’t seem uncommon to hear about situations of abuse or neglect in nursing homes for the vulnerable. It is therefore important that these facilities are regularly inspected and that any reports of neglect or abuse are properly investigated. Organizations like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) play a vital role in ensuring the safety of all people who live in such facilities.
A new report from the Care Quality Commission has just outlined some “unacceptable” life situations for people with autism living in two care homes in Cornwall, the St. Erme Campus and Trelawney House. The report calls for urgent improvements at the two sites.
The unannounced inspection by the CQC found staff shortages at both sites and agency workers reported suspected abuse cases.
Both nursing homes have received bad reports from previous inspections as well. The St. Erme campus was inspected in May and rated as insufficient. This report gives it the same rating. Trelawney House was originally rated “Needs Improvement” but has now been rated “Inadequate”.
Debbie Ivanova, the CQC’s deputy chief inspector for people with autism and learning disabilities, says inspectors found widespread and significant deficiencies in staffing and the way the home was run.
“At Trelawney House, inspectors were informed of three cases of suspected abuse of persons using the service by temporary workers, including one when the employee mocked a person while doing personal hygiene,” said Ms. Ivanova. “That is totally unacceptable and the employee has now been removed from the service.”
CQC said several incidents were improperly reported by Spectrum to local authorities and employees who tested positive for COVID were asked to continue their work. A resident with mobility issues reportedly fell multiple times but was never given a fall risk assessment to prevent future falls.
“The way the people in these two houses are expected to be is neither acceptable nor sustainable,” says Ms. Ivanova. “We will not hesitate to use our legal powers and take further enforcement measures to keep people safe.”
Spectrum, the company that services the St. Erme campus and Trelawney House and more than a dozen other nursing homes in the area, disagrees with the results reported by the CQC and will appeal. A spokesperson said the Spectrum was “extremely disappointed” with the report, which they believe “did not adequately capture the care and support provided”.
Spectrum claims it offered residents “fulfilling activities” such as swimming in the ocean and horse riding. It also states that while the facilities are affected by the nursing staff shortage, each employee is “fully trained and able to provide proper care”.
“The inspection reports do not reflect the feedback we normally receive from the individuals we care for and their family members, and we would like to thank our community for their support and understanding at this point.”
The CQC says “special measures” need to be taken to prepare the two nursing homes for people with the autism spectrum for a safe life.
