An Inverness care home has received a “weak” inspection report which highlights a number of infection control and safety issues.
Problems identified at Elmgrove Care Home include unsatisfactory arrangements for cleaning and storage of commodes, as well as torn and uneven flooring in an upstairs bedroom and lack of handrails in corridors.
Other issues were that the grounds on one side of the home were uneven and “hazardous” to walk on and overgrown with vegetation around fire exits and paths.
But relatives and friends of residents who filled out questionnaires also praised the quality of care provided by staff at the home.
Despite the concerns, the report also states that one anonymous resident said they felt “well looked after” and another said “I feel like I receive the best care.”
And a relative said they were “confident” their mother is happy and settled in the home and that the care received has, at times, been “beyond expectations.”
Other categories assessed – quality of care and support, staffing and management and leadership – were classed as “adequate”.
The 27-bed care home, located in Ballifeary Lane, has scored similarly in reports for the past three years – but performed worse prior to that.
The latest report, compiled following an inspection last month, states: “The quality of the environment was weak. Although there were some strengths, there were important weaknesses which caused concern.
“The service needs to take structured and planned action to make the improvements required to improve the quality of the environment.”
Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant (Labour) said the Care Inspectorate should give elderly care a “higher priority” more akin to children’s services.
She said: “It is disappointing that issues that had been picked up and required action have not been satisfactorily dealt with.
“Safe care of the elderly, either by infection control or ensuring their surroundings as such as to prevent accidents is surely fundamental, as is staff training. All these are required to meet the very basic needs of residents, and it is sad that in the months that passed since the February report these issues have not been rectified.”
Dr Ian McNamara, chairman of Highland Senior Citizens Network, said: “We are aware that this nursing home has had a chequered history in terms of Care Inspectorate reports, and that the issue raised about environment is obviously critical, as this is important for residents’ safety.
“We trust that the home would act urgently on the recommendations made by the Care Inspectorate and that the Care Inspectorate will follow through to ensure improvements are made.”
A manager at the care home refused to comment on the findings of the report.
