A hard core of care homes across England have repeatedly failed to meet basic standards in hygiene and infection control, and a handful of homes have failed inspections four or more times in three years, research by the Liberal Democrats has revealed.

The information, uncovered through Freedom of Information requests to the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), revealed that 169 homes had recorded major failures in unannounced inspections, 28 of them on more than one occasion.

Inspectors found rooms so cold residents were forced to wear their coats, homes that smelled of faeces or urine, and one home where standards were so appalling that inspectors issued a notice under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act in order to take photographic evidence.
Other reports noted:

• Bags of used incontinence pads left outside attracting vermin
• Dining rooms with food stuck to chairs and walls
• A resident living in a room where the ceiling had fallen in
• Commode bowls and urine bottles left to soak in a bath
• Flies in every room of one home
• Dirty razors that may have been shared by residents left in bathrooms

The research also uncovered one case where major failings had been noted, but the CSCI does not appear to have returned to re-inspect the home for over two years.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb said:

“It is indefensible that people in care homes are being treated with neglect that verges on abuse.

“Next month CSCI’s responsibilities transfer to the new Care Quality Commission.  It is to be hoped that they never again leave vulnerable people in dirty care homes for two years without inspection.

“There must be zero tolerance of these disgraceful conditions.  Homes that repeatedly fail to meet basic standards should be closed down.

“This Government has consistently neglected social care and older people are suffering as a result.

“The Liberal Democrats are committed to targeting an extra £2bn in funding to make sure all older people get the care they deserve.”