Care home not meeting ‘complex’ needs of residents, inspectors say

A town's care home for adults with learning disabilities has been told it needs to improve after a watchdog questioned whether the 'complex' needs of its residents are being met.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated the Kalmia & Mallow care home, under the ownership of the Priory Adult Care Group, in Watton, as requiring improvement.

The care home, in Dereham Road, accommodates up to 13 people with a learning disability and/or autism and was inspected on November 18, 2019.

Despite inspectors reporting that most members of staff 'worked hard to ensure people's needs were met', they remained concerned that high staff turnover and vacancies had impacted on resident's 'continuity of care and support'.

The report said: 'People had complex physical health care needs, communication needs and learning disabilities.

'We remained concerned about communication, management and leadership and record keeping within the service.

'We were not assured people always got the care and support they needed.'

A spokesman for Kalmia & Mallow, said: 'We are disappointed by the findings of the inspection.

'There are shortages of staff with the appropriate expertise in the local area, but we are currently putting significant resources into recruitment.

'Kalmia & Mallow now has its own dedicated manager. Staff are working closely with external professionals so that residents with complex needs get the most appropriate specialist support.'

This comes after Buckingham Lodge care home, also under the Priory Adult Care Group, in Carbrooke, just outside of Watton, was rated as requiring improvement at an inspection on January 8, last year.

Inspectors from the CQC reported that service had made improvements but not all staff possessed the 'necessary skills and competence for their role' due to lack of training and residents unable to eat or drink independently were not given adequate support.

In both reports, for Kalmia & Mallow and Buckingham Lodge, it also highlighted a lack of activities and stimulation.

A spokesman for the care homes added: 'At Buckingham Lodge staff have received additional training and we have made changes to the activities programmes at both homes.

'Staffing is regularly reviewed in response to the changing individual needs of residents and senior management have oversight of both homes through regular visits.

'We continue to work closely with the CQC, residents and their relatives as we continue to make further improvements.'