THE owners of Aldbourne Nursing Home have been told it needs to improve by the Care Quality Commission, despite glowing appraisals from residents.

The home in South Street was visited by an inspector from the health and care watchdog on May 7 and 11 and in the report published last week, three of the five categories reviewed have been classed as ‘requires improvement’ with the safety and care at the home being rated as ‘good’. The home's overall rating is 'requires improvement'.

The inspector observed staff, analysed documents and reviewed employees’ training. They also spoke to residents, the report reads: “People told us they were treated with kindness and compassion and staff respected their dignity and privacy.”

However, the main concern found was requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 were not met when assessing people’s capacity to consent to care and treatment.

One resident, whose care plan said they were unable to make decisions on their daily routine, was observed by the inspector and found to be capable of making those choices.

The report adds: “We looked at four care plans and found that guidance did not always reflect people’s current needs and identify how care and support should be provided. This meant that people were at risk of inconsistent care and/or not receiving the care and support they needed.”

Following the inspection, staff are taking action to address the concerns highlighted.

Manager of the family-run business Helen Peach said: “We’ve got bespoke training booked and an action plan and we are confident it will be addressed.

“She [the inspector] spoke to 11 residents and she came up to the office and said she had been in many care homes and never heard so much praise from residents, which is wonderful and she did point out that the staff were genuinely caring.

“I think all of it is very fair and very comprehensive but it looks worse than it is if you just look at the summary.”