A CARE home in Bromsgrove has been rated 'inadequate' and placed into special measures, after a surprise inspection uncovered shortfalls in the safety of elderly and vulnerable residents.

The Oaks Residential Home, which cares for up to 16 residents, including some with dementia, was previously rated 'good' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2016.

But when an inspector returned in October last year, the Birmingham Road home was found to have insufficient staffing levels, and some carers weren't properly trained.

A follow-up report, published this month, detailed five breaches of health and social care regulations, which are now being addressed, including controlled drugs being stored insecurely, staff hired without necessary background checks, and the provider not responding to employees' concerns.

It said a shortage of hoists meant disabled residents were being lifted unsafely by hand, while insufficient washroom facilities meant residents' independence and dignity were sometimes compromised.

The provider was criticised for not carrying out their own checks to understand what was really going on in the home, and for failing to investigate staff concerns.

The CQC report said carers felt undervalued and overworked, particularly during the night shifts, when just two members of staff were on site.

One worker told the inspector: "It's hard when there are two of us. I'm running around like a headless chicken."

Others apparently felt frustrated that there were not enough staff to take residents out, while one elderly resident said they 'just sit around' due to a lack of activities.

However, residents and their families did tell inspectors that staff treated them kindly and respected their privacy.

The report added residents were given the medicines they required and had access to a doctor whenever they needed one.

They were also supported to eat a balanced diet, with enough fluids to keep them healthy.

Pauline Kay, manager at The Oaks, said: “All measures put in place are being addressed. Obviously this is a learning curve for us and all we can do from now on is work to improve.”

The home will be inspected again within six months.