A CATALOGUE of failings at an Isle of Wight Council care home — where people with severe learning disabilities were left in bed or in front of the television due to a lack of staff — has been exposed by watchdogs.
Following an inspection, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found there were too few staff at Overbrook, Wootton, to look after the four residents. It has rated the home inadequate and placed it in special measures.
Residents could not communicate verbally that they were in pain, due to their disabilities, and were given pain relief 'as required.'
On one person's chart, the reasons for administering pain relief were listed variously as 'suspected pain,' didn't want to get out of bed,' 'not eaten' and 'tearful.'
Although relatives said staff were 'conscientious and devoted,' staff told the CQC they were too busy to care for people properly.
One said: “You're on the go full time. We never get to sit with them, you just can't do it.”
Following the inspection, the council appointed an extra member of staff during the day, and one at night.
The CQC found people were not always given their medication on time, care records were out of date and one staff member did not change their apron and gloves after providing personal care, putting people at risk of infection.
One resident was given pain relief for severe sunburn, while records for a diabetic resident showed their blood sugar was too high on numerous occasions and no action was taken.
Staff knew the residents well because they had lived at Overbrook for a long time. One relative said they were like 'surrogate parents.'
However, inspectors observed staff chatting to one another and ignoring residents while providing care, moving people who were blind without warning, and discussing residents' personal information in front of other people.
If improvements are not made within six months, the CQC could close the home.
A council spokesperson said an action plan had been implemented to address the CQC findings, and audits carried out at its other homes.
Adult social services director Carol Tozer said: “We totally accept the findings. The residents in our care at Overbook expect us to be better, if not the best. We will continue working with the CQC, those we serve, our residents, our staff, to make rapid improvement.”