By Isle of Wight Observer
Autumn House Residential Home in Sandown has again been rated as ‘inadequate’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following a further inspection earlier this year.
The 27-resident home, which cares predominantly for individuals with dementia, failed to address critical issues highlighted in a previous report and a further concern was raised over new staff working before essential employment checks were completed. Inspectors also deemed the environment unsuitable for dementia residents and reported failures such as inadequate nutritional support and a lack of response to residents in distress.
Additional concerns included incomplete care plans, poor medication management, and a lack of engagement with resident families. CQC’s Deputy Director of Operations Neil Cox criticised the home’s leadership for not addressing safeguarding issues or monitoring staff practices effectively.
Autumn House for now is under special measures and close scrutiny by the CQC while further action is considered.
However, since the inspection took place, the home was sold and is now in the ownership of an experienced care home operator with more than 25 years of experience, including with dementia patients. The new management team acknowledges past failings and has committed to overhauling standards and operations to ensure compliance with CQC requirements with some new staff already in post. There is also the necessary infrastructure and framework in place to help the team work towards an improvement in the CQC rating. Plans include implementing robust governance, comprehensive staff training, enhanced care planning, and creating a strong culture of compassion and accountability, with support from other homes in the group.
The new owners emphasise they are working collaboratively with the CQC and the local authority on an action plan aimed at establishing Autumn House as a ‘centre of excellence’ for care. While acknowledging that improvements will not happen overnight, they assure residents and families of their commitment to providing safe, respectful, and high-quality care building on their knowledge and experience from other homes they own.
