An investigation by the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman has found evidence a care home resident was not treated with dignity and respect.

The complaint regarded the care provided to a Mr X during a two-week respite stay with Ideal Carehomes in October 2022.

The Ombudsman found evidence Mr X’s bathroom had been left in an unhygienic state, his bed was initially unsuitable and he was unable to always call appropriately for assistance.

There was also evidence that Mr X, who only wore a top denture and preferred soft foods, was not always offered an appropriate diet.

The Ombudsman found Mr X’s medication was missed on one occasion and that he developed a pressure sore which was not treated with appropriate urgency.

Ideal Carehomes was instructed to, within one month, review its approach to dietary requests, review its approach to obtaining care for pressure sores, ensure its complaints responses accorded with procedure and offer Mr X a sum equivalent to one week’s fees.

Catherine Smith, regional director in the South Midlands, said: “The care of our residents will always be our first priority, and we take all feedback from our residents and their loved ones very seriously. We respect the final decision made by the Ombudsman and have now resolved this matter with the resident and their family.

“Following our regular internal audits and checks, we are confident that the home will maintain its usual high standards going forward, as reflected in their recent Good rating from the Care Quality Commission in all key lines of enquiry.”