‘We must take a much closer look at homes’
CALLS have been made for greater scrutiny of struggling elderly care homes after three were criticised by government inspectors.
The homes, in Accrington, have all been rated as ‘requires improvement’ after visits from watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Among the homes in question are Belvedere, on Wellington Street, and Addison Court, on Addison Street. The third, Church View, on Princess Street, had been subject to complaints of abuse and neglect prior to June’s inspection, many of which were substantiated upon investigation.
All three homes say they are making the necessary improvements and take the CQC reports seriously.
Lancashire County Council (LCC) is the local authority whose remit covers care homes and it funds some places for elderly people.
And Hyndburn borough councillor Munsif Dad, cabinet member for health, has called for the county council to act.
He said: “I would encourage the portfolio holder to look at these homes more closely to make sure they are delivering what they are supposed to and spending funding the way they are supposed to.
“These issues can be raised at scrutiny meetings. It is a very important issue, we have to ensure care provided is consistent. It is a cause for concern. If places have been identified I would look at ways we can help and support Lancashire County Council.”
Prior to Church View’s inspection, complaints included workers sleeping on duty, going for breaks together and staff being rough.
While inspectors found action had been taken to deal with these issues, other breaches of regulations regarding safety of care and monitoring of services were uncovered.
Addison Court was inspected in June and had improved from its previous visit in terms of staffing levels but was found to use too many agency workers.
Belvedere had progressed from its previous inspection rating of inadequate, but its auditing and monitoring still fell short of requirements when visited in May.
County councillor Graham Gooch, LCC’s cabinet member for adult services, said ensuring people’s safety is their main priority.
He said: “We have a stat- utory duty to look at homes that are failing and help.
“Where there are persistent problems we can stop sending people there.
“It is a concern but it is being tackled by the CQC.”
He added: “The standard of care homes in Hyndburn is generally good.
“We’re currently working with managers at Church View, Belvedere and Addison Court Care Homes to help them address the issues highlighted in the inspection reports.”