Shropshire care home is rated as inadequate

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) found Ellesmere House in Church Hill, Ellesmere, was failing to provide care which was safe, effective, caring, responsive or well led during an unannounced inspection in August.

It provides accommodation for up to 28 people who require personal care – with most people living there with dementia.

The report states that inspectors found hazardous substances and equipment used in the home were not stored safely and "could cause harm to people".

The report stated: "The registered manager informed us that no medicine audits or checks were completed. We saw one person's medicine was not stored safely and tablets had become free of their packaging. The tablets were at risk of contamination.

"In the laundry room we found nine commode pots were stacked on the floor. These were visibly stained and at least two had an unidentified substance around the rim. Out of the nine commode pots only three had handles.

"Next to the commode pots, an airer with clean clothes drying on it was touching these pots. Wet mops were found standing in buckets which meant they were unable to dry effectively."

The report identified that staff were supported in their roles but not all staff had received training which would help them meet the needs of the people who had dementia. Inspectors found the registered manager had not informed the CQC of two deaths that had occurred in the last 12 months.

The report goes on to say: "We observed that staff treated people with respect and dignity. However they did not always communicate with people effectively."

Under the CQC's new programme of inspections, all adult social care services are being given a rating to help people choose care. Overall Ellesmere House has been rated as inadequate.

Nobody from Ellesmere House was available to comment.