Care homes in special measures over safety concerns

Two Kent care homes have been placed in special measures to protect its residents, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has said.

Cedardale Residential Home in Maidstone has had its overall rating dropped from good to inadequate following an inspection in September.

Meanwhile, Ruth Lodge in Chatham has been changed from requires improvement to inadequate after an inspection identified six breaches of the legal regulations.

Both care homes have been approached for comment.

At the time of the inspection, Cedardale Residential Home, which is run by MGL Healthcare Limited, was providing care for 25 people, some of whom were living with dementia.

The CQC said the home had been placed into special measures, which means it will be kept under close review to ensure people are safe while improvements are made.

Inspectors found that the environment was not dementia friendly and while staff attempted to be kind, they lacked knowledge and skills in supporting people living with dementia.

For example, staff sometimes shouted at people when someone asked to go home.

Meanwhile, inspectors found a high number of falls and that medicines were not managed safely.

Serena Coleman, CQC deputy director of operations in the south, said the standard of care was "completely unacceptable".

"People weren't always treated with dignity and respect," she said.

"We have taken urgent action to prevent Cedardale Residential Home from admitting new residents without the written agreement of CQC, until they can demonstrate how they are improving the service."

Ruth Lodge in Chatham, which is run by TKSD Care Homes & Training Ltd, provides accommodation and personal care for two people who have complex learning disabilities and autism.

In December, inspectors found breaches of the legal regulations in relation to safe care and treatment, dignity and respect, safeguarding, staffing and how leaders were managing the service.

Ms Coleman said the deterioration in the level of care had put residents "at risk of harm".

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