A CARE home in Hoyland which cares for dozens of older residents - some of whom are living with dementia - does not protect people ‘from abuse and avoidable harm’.
Royal Court Care Home, was the subject of a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in February - and has been placed in special measures.
Inspectors found that the care home was ‘inadequate’ - and that many of the 34 residents are not safeguarded correctly.
The report states: “Staff were able to recognise possible signs of abuse and knew how to report such concerns.
“However, some staff told us they did not feel comfortable raising concerns with the registered manager due to a lack of confidentiality.
“We could not be confident people were safeguarded from abuse and avoidable harm.
“The feedback from staff showed there was risk concerns may not be reported.
“We observed unsafe practice with regards the moving and handling of people in hoists.
“People’s risks were not always being managed safely.
“There was an increased risk that people could be harmed.”
Whilst the inspection was taking place, one resident began choking - and it wasn’t dealt with correctly, according to the report.
“The provider had not ensured each person had a suitable hoist sling and there was clear guidance for staff to follow on how the sling should be used,” the report added.
“Risks related to bed rails were not managed effectively.
“For example, one person’s bed rail bumpers were not suitable to prevent the risk of entrapment.
“We observed a choking incident.
“The person had not been appropriately supported to reduce their risk of choking.
“The consistency of the person’s meal had thickened whilst stood and a staff member was not sat with the person.
“The person’s care plan did not have any information on how staff should respond during a choking episode.
“Staff did not record the choking incident in the person’s daily notes.”
* The Chronicle contacted Royal Court Care Home for a comment.
