Shrewsbury care home criticised over record keeping

Ideal Home in Gains Park, requires improvement according to a report released by the Care Quality Commission.

But CQC inspectors did say that patients felt safe living at the home, which offers specialist help for those that suffer from dementia and Alzheimers.

Officials at the care home, which caters for up to 50 people, said that the report, compiled following an unannounced inspection in October, had recognised many positive practices at the home.

They added work had been taken to support staff to address concerns raised in the report.

On the day of the unannounced visit, inspectors found that records were not accurate or up-to-date.

But they did find that people living at the home received support from staff who were knowledgeable and trained to meet their needs.

The home was rated as good for providing a safe environment and being caring and responsive to the needs of the residents.

But it was found to be below standard in offering an effective service. It was also criticised for not being consistently well led.

In their report, the two inspectors who visited the home said: "Where decisions had been made on people's behalf there was no reason recorded why these people had not made their own decision.

"The provider had checks in place to monitor the quality and safety of the service, however they did not identify that records were not kept up-to-date.

"People and staff felt there was a positive atmosphere at the home and that they could approach the registered manager at any time should they have any concerns. Throughout our inspection we saw that people were supported in a timely manner and no one was rushed."

But inspectors found that management and staff had not followed the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act of 2005 and that the registered manager did not have a full understanding of their responsibilities under the MCA.

It also found that staff did not know if anyone was subject to a Deprivation of Liberty application.

It was also found that care records were not kept up-to-date or accurate. But those living at the home said they felt it was "very pleasant" and "relaxed". Staff said there was a positive working culture at the home and they enjoyed working there.

A spokesman for Ideal Home said: "We are pleased that the report acknowledged a significant number of positive factors including the residents being safe, well-cared for and treated with kindness and compassion, as well as the hard-working and caring efforts of our staff."