Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
TURN IT OFF!
Care home blasted by Beyoncé and Bon Jovi
Elderly residents at an underfire nursing home say they are having to put up with the music of Beyonce and Bon Jovi despite wanting to listen to old classics.
It was one of a string of criticisms levelled at the operators of the Barham House facility by inspectors after an unannounced visit in September.
The Care Quality Commission branded the home in The Street, Barham, as “requires improvement” in all areas – although managers are challenging the findings.
Part of the report states: “There was a TV in the lounge but this was not on and the radio played pop and rock music – it was played on the radio almost continuously.
“People who were able to speak with us said they liked big band music for example.
“We heard music by Beyonce and Jon Bon Jovi being played and people said they had not been asked if they liked the radio station selected, which was not considerate of their preferences.”
One resident told inspectors she would rather listen to big band leader James Last.
Inspectors noted boredom for residents as another cause for concern.
Although many residents spoke highly of the level of care received, staff said they were left “dripping with sweat” due to staff shortages with one saying they were “dead on my feet”.
Staffing levels were identified as a key concern.
The overall assessment saw a slight improvement on a previous inspection in January 2017 when it was rated inadequate in the well-led category.
Concerns highlighted include late medicine rounds, a case of extensive unexplained bruising on two residents which had not been discussed with the safeguarding authority, and an incident where a resident who should be supervised at all times while eating due to a choking risk was left unattended. The nursing home was deemed to be clean, and previous issues highlighted had been addressed – although concerns remained about surfaces in the laundry room which were not suitable to prevent the risk of infection spreading. It was praised for its robust recruitment system, with all of the carers speaking kindly to residents but not always being mindful of the impact of what they said. A string of recommendations has been made for the home to focus on before inspectors return. The manager at Barham House refused to comment when contacted.