A Highland care home, where vulnerable residents used to be unable to bathe or shower regularly due to a lack of hot water, has made “significant” improvements.
The Lynn of Lorne at Benderloch, near Oban, faced having its registration revoked by the Care Inspectorate.
An inspection of the premises raised serious concerns and a formal improvement notice was served.
However, a follow-up visit by the organisation has showed that improvements have been made “in all areas”.
A letter from the inspectorate to the home states: “During our visit to Lynn of Lorn Care Home on December 4 and 6, we could see there was a significant improvement in peoples’ appearance.
“Systems of work had been reviewed to ensure that peoples’ choice of dress and personal appearance was maintained to a high standard.
“The environment was odour-free and management had a good overview of the standards of hygiene within the home.
“On the basis of the above, we can see there are clear systems to manage peoples’ hygiene and personal appearance. Therefore, the Care Inspectorate accepts that a significant improvement has been made.”
A spokeswoman for the inspectorate said: “After issuing a formal Improvement Notice in September 2017, we liaised closely with the provider and the Health and Social Care Partnership, and monitored the situation there closely.
“We saw evidence of improvements being made through the contribution of all parties and we also provided improvement support to the provider.
“We visited the service again at the beginning of December and confirmed that improvements had been achieved in all areas. As a result, we wrote to the provider and lifted the Improvement Notice.
“We will continue to monitor this care home closely and inspect again, unannounced.”
Oban Councillor Julie McKenzie said: “I’m delighted to see the improvements requested by the Care Inspectorate have been made. That is testament to the hard working staff in the home.
“I would hope that we continue to see these improvements being carried forward in the future.
“I also hope this provides some reassurance to the residents and their families.”
