People were found to be at “risk of harm” at a Bedfordshire care home being investigated by police and the regulator.

The probe was launched into the death of a resident at HC-One’s Ridgeway Lodge in Dunstable following an alleged assault in October 2022.

The home was rated Requires Improvement following in an inspection that was partly prompted by the incident.

In its report, the CQC said the incident “indicated potential concerns about the management of risk of dementia care and staffing levels”.

The inspection found that while staffing levels had been temporarily increased since the incident to suitable levels during the day, shortages remained during night shifts.

A spokesperson for Ridgeway Lodge said:  “The wellbeing and safety of our residents remains our top priority, and we therefore take all feedback from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) very seriously. We are pleased that the CQC have recognised the steps we have taken around increasing staffing levels and note the positive feedback from resident and relatives. 

“However, we recognise there are further improvements needed to meet the high standards our residents and their loved ones rightfully expect and deserve. We acknowledge the report highlights instances where we have fallen short of these standards. Since the CQC’s inspection in October, we have begun taking actions and embedding new practices to specifically address these shortfalls.

“We continue to work closely with the local authority and the CQC to progress our improvement plan, and to make sure residents consistently receive the right support. Everyone working at Ridgeway Lodge is determined to deliver kind care and achieve the best outcomes for our residents.”