Inspectors who previously issued a damning report on a north-east care home have revealed they are satisfied that conditions are improving.
Buchanan House Care Home in Fraserburgh was blasted earlier this year after “exhausted” employees told inspectors they were so overstretched they could not speak to the residents.
They revealed carers were working in excess of 50 hours a week, sometimes for seven or eight consecutive days without a break.
Employees also revealed they had been forced to pay for the shopping with petty cash – meaning residents did not receive their personal allowances on time.
The Care Inspectorate demanded immediate steps be taken to improve the Victoria Street home, and have since made a follow-up visit.
Their fresh report indicates the situation is getting better following a change of senior staff – although they still want more to be done, including fresh training and more up-to-date care plans for each resident.
There are currently 13 residents living at Buchanan House with round-the-clock care from staff.
A team from the watchdog made another “high intensity” surprise visit to the home – once an old manse for the adjoining Episcopal Church – on August 21.
In their report, the inspectors state: “The quality of care had got worse since the last inspection and then improved again. The improvements started to happen when the new manager and experienced senior care workers were appointed.
“By the end of the inspection we concluded that quality of care and support was adequate.
“We were confident that the manager could carry on and make the service even better with the right training and support.”
Relatives of residents at the home told inspectors that, under the leadership of a new manager, the service was gradually improving.
One relative said: “In the short time the new manager had been in place I’m noticing small changes which, in my opinion, is all the better for those living within the home setting.”
Another added: “Things are happening and its all for the better. I would say they are beginning to go up the slope but are nowhere near there yet.”
Last night senior management at Buchanan House Care Home declined to comment on the new report.