RESIDENTS at a care home in St Asaph are having their health and wellbeing placed at “increased risk of harm”, an inspection report has concluded.

Park Lodge Residential Care Home, which caters for up to 17 people, has five priority action notices and two areas for improvement to address following Care Inspectorate Wales’ (CIW) latest visit.

These refer to such areas as protecting residents’ wellbeing, improving recruitment processes, and supervision.

The home, run by MJS Care Ltd and situated on Llannerch Park, was inspected on September 18, with the report published by CIW earlier this month.

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Inspectors found that action is needed to ensure care and support is of a suitable standard, that it follows residents’ care plans, and that is promotes their health and wellbeing at all times.

Its responsible individual was said to visit frequently, but to have failed to take necessary action to improve supervision.

He was also found to have “failed to appoint a suitably qualified and competent person to deputise in the manager’s absence”.

Residents were deemed not to have consistent control on their day-to-day lives, while practices such as bathing and access to food and drink were described as being “institutionalised”.

During the inspection, staff were heard to tell one resident that they had to wait when they asked if they could have a bath, because this was not due until a specific time.

A resident also said that their dinner is “always the same – sandwiches”, and that they would like to have drinks outside of the usual times, but don’t want to “cause any bother to the staff”.

Inspectors also found that residents cannot be certain that staff consistently follow their personal care plans.

Instances of “poor interactions” between staff and residents during moments of support were also noted, while care plans for those at risk of malnutrition or dehydration also drew criticism.

There was also felt to be a lack of effort to promote use of the Welsh language at the home, despite it housing Welsh residents; though, the home was said to have invested in bilingual signage.

Daily care records were found to contain “inadequate detail”, with no evidence of food or drink being re-offered to residents if they had previously refused.

Care staff also did not “adequately support” residents to eat at their own pace, or “engage in a warm, considerate way” with them.

A resident told inspectors: “Staff don’t come in to chat, but they come when I call them for support.”

Residents’ underwear and continence products were also found left in full view of other people and visitors during the inspection.

Elsewhere, the main lounge/dining room and upstairs bathroom were felt to require refurbishment, though the responsible individual told the CIW that plans are in place to address this.

The CIW report added: “People do not always get to do the things that make them happy or feel valued.

“We saw no activities taking place during our visit.

“We observed care staff not interacting with people when sitting with them or sitting separate from people when there were opportunities to engage with them and chat.

“People told us they don’t do much and one person told us they like to read, but we saw all their books were placed out of their reach on their windowsill.

“People cannot be certain their wellbeing and dignity is consistently maintained and promoted by staff.

“The poor quality of care and support in the home is impacting on people’s dignity and placing their wellbeing and health at increased risk of harm.”

More positive aspects of the report included staff telling inspectors that they are well-supported by the manager, and that residents have timely access to specialist professional advice.

People were also considered to be protected from harm and abuse, while systems are in place for the safe administration and storage of medication.

The home was found to be warm and comfortable, with its garden well-maintained, and residents’ rooms appropriately furnished.

In response to the report, a spokesperson for the home said: “Park Lodge is committed to providing good-quality care to people.

“We are being supported by external consultants to make the improvements required by CIW within the agreed timescales.”

The spokesperson added that an “action plan” has since been agreed to bring the home up to standard, ahead of CIW’s next visit, anticipated in early 2024.