Operators of an Aberdeenshire care home have come under fire for failing to look after the wellbeing of all of its 40 residents’ needs.
The Grove Care Home in Kemnay was graded as “weak” and “adequate” following a recent unannounced visit by the Care Inspectorate.
Operators Meallmore have now been given up September 16 to implement a number of improvements.
Leadership and the support of people’s wellbeing at the home was described as weak, as was the staff team.
The home’s setting and support plans fared slightly better and were graded as adequate.
‘Not respectful, dignified or compassionate care’
Inspectors spoke with 17 residents and 19 family members during their visit, which was carried out on June 27 and 28 and July 1.
Finding that some residents appeared to be unwashed with unbrushed hair and were wearing unironed clothes, the Care Inspectorate also questioned whether residents would have chosen radio stations they were listening to.
A report, issued today, said: “Some people did not appear to have received the right support to help them look their best.
“Some relatives raised concerns with the support given with assisting with washing and in oral care. We felt that staff had not helped some people with their washing, dressing and oral hygiene needs.”
“Some people in their rooms had appropriate music on or the television was on. However, some had radio stations on which we question would have been their choice, some people had no radio or television on.
“This was not respectful, dignified or compassionate care.”
‘Poorly made’ meals
While one group of people sat down for meals in a well prepared dining room, others were not so well cared for. They were provided “finger food” that they were unable to eat.
Meals were described as “poorly made and were visually unappealing”.
The inspector found some residents not offered pain relief when having wounds dressed – which left them in discomfort.
The report continued: “People told us that when they ‘buzz’ they sometimes had to wait for long periods of time for assistance. This delay meant that they didn’t get the care and support they needed at the time they wanted.
“Visitors told us that they struggle to find staff at times when visiting. This meant they were not able to discuss any queries they had.”
Inspectors found that low staff numbers “impacted on the quality of care people received”.
The report said: “We read that in one person’s review a number of areas of concern were raised in regard to the levels of care and support their loved one received.
“The management team were unaware of the content of the review and the concerns raised thus no changes or improvements had been made.
“Two people said that they would be reluctant to speak up due to fear of retribution. ”
It was found that staff were appointed by telephone call which “increased the risk of people who are unsuited to care being recruited”.
The report continued: “On occasions people sat for long periods of time and were disengaged and unoccupied.
“Some relatives felt more could be done with keeping people socially active and engaged.
“We felt more could be done to help people form friendships. This will help those people who receive no or few visitors to pass their day with companionship.”
A spokeswoman for Grove Care Home said: “The safety and wellbeing of our residents is our highest priority so, understandably, we are disappointed that standards have fallen short.
“We have immediately taken action to address the points raised following the inspection and are working closely with the Care Inspectorate and the local health and social care partnership to further improve the level of compliance in the home.
“We can reassure the families of our residents that we remain focussed on ensuring everyone at Grove Care Home receives the highest standards of personalised, quality care and support.”
Conversation