Heckmondwike care home inspection: Manager was unaware of patients’ dementia

Newlands Hall care home had four managers in the months preceding the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) visit.

The home, which is purely residential and caters for 37 people, was inspected in September. The CQC has taken enforcement action with regards to the homes ability to provide care, support and treatment that meets people’s needs; care for people safely and protect them from harm; and the quality and suitability of management.

The latest manager was not fully aware of the needs of the residents. Inspectors noted: “When we asked the manager if there were any people living at the home with a diagnosis or symptoms of dementia, they said there were not. When we looked at care records we found there were a number of people with a diagnosis of dementia.”

The report added: “Care staff did not always respond in a caring manner to people who lived at the home. For example, a person who asked for their walking frame was told they could have it when they had finished their lunch.”

The report that staffing and the staff treating people with respect and involving them in their care were up to standard.

But is also stated: “Two of the visitors we spoke with told us that staff had not responded appropriately to concerns or queries they had raised.

“Some people who lived at the home did not have their needs clearly identified within care records and we saw some people did not have their needs in relation to their healthcare met.

The report also noted problems with hygiene and risk of infection.

A Silverline Care spokeswoman said a new operator would be taking over the ownership and management of Newlands Hall, in High Street, in early 2015.

She added: “Regency Healthcare has a wealth of experience in running residential and nursing care homes. It currently manages six homes across Yorkshire and the North West.

Once it takes over ownership and management of Newlands Hall Care Home it will work with residents, families and staff to plan improvements to the home’s environment.”