Care home residents left room once a day, says CQC

Maranello is home to up to nine people with learning difficulties on the outskirts of Thaxted

A care home that only let one resident out of their room once a day has been rated as inadequate following an inspection by a watchdog.

Maranello, run by Zero Three Care Homes LLP, is based on the outskirts of Thaxted, Essex, and provides residential care for up to nine people with learning difficulties and complex needs.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out an inspection from 19 June to 11 July and found that residents did not leave the home for several days.

A spokesperson for Maranello said the care home had implemented a "robust action plan to address these issues".

The report found that residents were not given "basic" items such as toilet roll and soap when using the bathroom.

Relatives gave inspectors mixed reviews of the care home and one said: "I don't feel that [name of relative] is 100% safe."

"It is the fear of not knowing what is going on there."

Another relative said: "I'm pleased with [name of relative] level of care and feel [they were] having the best possible care to meet his very complex needs."

The report also said there was water damage at the home, which meant one room had a hole in the roof and was not able to be used.

Lack of training

Inspectors said residents were not always supported by staff who had the right skills and knowledge.

Records showed that staff were caring for residents without the training required to help them do so safely.

Some residents needed rescue medications for their epilepsy, but not all staff had received the correct training in the event they needed to administer the medicine, the report found.

One staff member said: "I would not have a clue how to support people with a seizure. Staff have had a quick run-down.

"I would be screwed. And that adds an extra stress to the day."

After inspectors spoke with the care home provider immediate action was taken to ensure it deployed staff who had the right skills to look after people safely, the report added.

The CQC also found that the feelings of people living at the care home were not always considered.

One staff member said: "We have constantly reassured [residents] that they are safe. I think a lot of them can't go out due to lack of staff."

A spokesperson for Maranello said the care home has appointed a new leadership team and a full review of all governance systems and staff training.

"We are confident that these changes have already had a significant positive impact," they added.