Care home put people at serious risk, says report

A care home has been told to improve after inspectors found it had put residents at "serious risk".

The Lodge, in Old London Road, Copdock, Ipswich, was visited by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on 21 and 22 July before being told it required improvement.

The report, published on Monday, said the facility was effective and caring, but raised concerns over its safety, responsiveness, and the extent to which it was well-led.

Inspectors were particularly worried about potential dangers posed to residents by things such as unrestricted windows above ground level and metal radiator covers.

They also found wardrobes were not fixed to walls, residents had access to loft areas, and steep staircases and fire doors were left propped open.

"This inspection identified several environmental concerns that posed an immediate serious risk to people residing at the service," the report said.

The Lodge is a residential care home which provides support to adults living with dementia and those with mental health needs.

The service can accommodate up to 44 people. Although at the time of the inspection, 39 people were living at the home, which operates across two houses.

Inspectors said they also "identified breaches of regulation relating to governance and safety".

Some care plans, for example, designed to document the needs of residents, did not have adequate risk assessments for people living with conditions such as diabetes.

Inspectors did, however, conclude that the service had enough staff to keep people safe.

Staff received an induction as well as regular training and supervision, and people's medicines were managed safely.

Improvements to the home's managerial oversight had also been made since the CQC's last visit, according to inspectors.

Gemini Care Limited, which runs the home, was contacted for comment.

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