The Devonshire care home in Rodway Road, Reading which supports up to 137 residents, was downgraded following a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection earlier this year that highlighted failings in fire safety, risk management and governance.
At the time of the inspection, which took place between February 24 and March 26, the home was caring for 132 residents.
Inspectors found the service to be in breach of regulations relating to safe care and treatment, as well as good governance.
These concerns led to the rating being lowered from the “good” grade it received following a full inspection in August 2024.
In their report, published on June 11, the CQC said: “Inspectors found fire safety measures were not consistently effective, leaving people at risk in the event of a fire.”
The report stated that broken furniture and equipment, which posed potential hazards, had not been identified or removed in a timely manner.
Documentation around accidents and incidents was incomplete in some cases, with follow-up actions not recorded or implemented.
This meant opportunities to learn from events and improve practice were being missed.
Care plans were not always updated to reflect changes in residents’ needs.
Checks and audits were not consistently identifying errors or areas for improvement.
Despite these organisational shortcomings, inspectors found that staff had been trained in safeguarding and knew how to protect residents from abuse and neglect.
They determined that medicines were being managed properly and referrals to external healthcare professionals were made without unnecessary delay.
Most residents and family members told inspectors they felt safe and well cared for at the home.
Relatives said staff seemed to know residents well and respected their preferred language.
There were, however, concerns about communication with management.
Many people did not know who the registered manager was, and some relatives reported feeling discouraged from contacting them directly.
Activities were available to residents but were not always personalised or meaningful.
Those receiving care in bed had less access to social interaction and engagement than residents who were more mobile.
One relative said more should be done to support people living with dementia.
Inspectors also found that staff did not always uphold residents’ privacy.
The CQC has required the provider to submit an action plan explaining how it will address the failings.
This includes improving fire safety, risk management, care planning and governance.
The home will need to demonstrate progress in these areas to regain its previous “good” rating.
The CQC has the authority to return for further inspections.