Home care service rated inadequate following errors

A home care service whose staff were unaware of their clients' disabilities has been placed into special measures after a visit from inspectors.

Elite Homecare, in Hazel Grove, Stockport, was rated inadequate after managers told the Care Quality Commission none of its clients had dementia or needed mobility support, when in fact several did.

Further concerns were raised over medicine management following "evidence of medication errors" where people had not received their medicines.

One employee told the inspection team they did not know how to provide catheter care, had raised the issue with managers but ultimately had to "figure it out on their own".

Home care services provide trained carers for patients and tend to them at their own homes.

Staff lapses regarding their clients' needs also raised concerns about the service's understanding of consent and safeguarding and whether appropriate training and risk management was in place to ensure safe care.

Staff said they did not "feel supported", nor did they receive "enough training" to properly carry our their work, the CQC papers added.

The rating comes after the CQC's Greater Manchester-wide report into home care services in the region.

The Lakes Care Centre, in Dukinfield, Tameside, was rated as "requires improvement", the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Staff there did not always listen to safety concerns and did not always investigate or report issues.

The quality of risk assessments "varied", the report added, while one relative raised concerns about their loved one's treatment, saying they "constantly get bruises" but the family does not always know about it.

Further concerns were raised about personal hygiene. Relatives raised similar concerns, with one saying: "I often find my loved one dirty and their clothes are disgrace."

Fernclough Surgery, in Harpurhey, was also rated as requires improvement - with risk assessments for diseases like legionella found to not be in place.

Training was not always up to date, including some staff not having 'basic life support training', inspectors said. Some recruitment checks were not documented, they added.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.