Residents were left with “extremely long toenails” and were only showered once a month
05:00, 31 Mar 2026Updated 06:51, 31 Mar 2026
(Image: Google)
Elderly residents were reportedly left “starving” in bed at a Liverpool care home. Inspectors slammed Christopher Grange Residential Care in West Derby, where residents were left with “extremely long toenails” and were only showered once a month.
The home has been pushed into special measures by the Care Quality Commission following four days of inspections in October and November 2025. Fifty-seven people lived at the home at the time, some of whom had dementia.
Operator Christopher Grange Ltd was found to be in breach of regulations around safe care, staffing, nutrition, hydration and safeguarding. The home received the lowest possible rating.
‘Starving’
The inspector found that a number of people cared for in bed had not been offered adequate food and drink, with long periods between meals or fluids being offered. One person did not receive personal care until late morning, and their records showed they had not received continence support for more than 12 hours despite their care plan stating they required full assistance.
Records showed they had been awake for several hours without being offered a drink, and the person told inspectors they were “starving”. Inspectors found the resident did not receive breakfast until later in the day.
Another person did not receive any fluids or personal care until late morning. They had not been offered fluids for 15 hours.
Residents with diabetes were found not to have received adequate food and drink, including missed breakfasts on multiple consecutive days and delayed meals on others. The inspectors found people were losing weight without appropriate monitoring or escalation.
Residents ‘soaked through’
Hygiene records showed that residents were left for long periods without support for their toileting needs. One resident told inspectors that they were left “soaked through” at times in the lounge, adding: “It’s so uncomfortable”.
One person had not received continence support for more than 12 hours despite their care plan stating they required full assistance.
Records reviewed by CQC inspectors showed some residents only received a shower once a month. A resident told the inspector: “I would like a shower more often but only get one every few weeks now as I need support from staff.” When asked about the situation, staff told inspectors: “We just do not have the time to care for people properly no more”.
The inspectors found that a number of residents had “extremely long toenails”, and that one person was in pain and discomfort due to overgrown toenails having not received chiropody care for over two years.
44-minute wait for help
The report found staffing shortages meant residents were left waiting for prolonged periods without help. At one point during the inspections, 18 residents had called for assistance, with one call remaining unanswered for 44 minutes and 48 seconds.
The registered manager told inspectors: “So many staff are leaving due to the added pressures caused by staffing levels on each unit being cut.” Other staff said they were under “huge amounts of pressure”, with many saying they were seeking alternative employment.
One relative said: “The staff are so busy and morale is low, they never get a minute.” A resident said: “I am resigned to having male carers to carry out personal duties because they are short of staff you have to depend on whoever is there, but I feel as though there is a loss of dignity, I would prefer a female member of staff.”
‘Visibly dirty’
Inspectors found stand aids, wheelchairs and walking aids were “visibly dirty”, adding that shower heads and shower chairs needed cleaning, and communal toilets were unclean. Carpets were “heavily stained” and the environment was “tired” and “hard to keep clean”.
Inspectors found the provider did not make sure medicines and treatments were safe, adding: “We found issues with cleanliness and infection control across all units.”
‘We understand the concern this may cause’
A spokesperson for Christopher Grange Ltd said: “We acknowledge the findings of the recent CQC report and understand the concern this may cause to residents, families, and the wider community.
“Christopher Grange has been under new ownership and management since July 2025, following a period of significant challenge prior to our involvement. Since taking over, we have treated these findings with the utmost seriousness and have taken decisive action to address long standing issues.
“A new management team is now in place, supported by a strengthened governance framework to ensure that all aspects of care are effectively monitored, audited, and maintained to the highest standards.
“We are actively implementing a comprehensive and robust improvement plan, developed in close collaboration with the CQC and Liverpool City Council. This plan addresses all areas identified in the report and is being closely monitored to ensure sustained and measurable progress.
“Encouragingly, meaningful improvements are already underway, and early changes are having a positive impact on the quality and safety of care being delivered. We are working closely with healthcare professionals, regulators, and families to ensure transparency and accountability throughout this process.
“Christopher Grange has a long-standing presence within the local community, and we remain fully committed to restoring confidence and delivering the high standards of care that every resident deserves.
“Our priority remains, as always, the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of everyone who calls Christopher Grange home.”