Staff shortages have been listed as a key problem in three-quarters of all the care homes in England where the Care Quality Commission (CQC) had cut their rating from “good” before Covid-19 to “inadequate” this summer, according to new research.

Analysis by the Guardian found that, of the other homes whose CQC ratings decreased, recruitment was also reported as a factor for a further 10%, due to improper reference taking and criminal record checks, or inadequate staff training.

Skills for Care reported that staff shortages rose by 52% in the last year to 165,000 vacancies, with almost 10% of social care posts in England now vacant. Comments care workers made to inspectors include “staffing is a disaster” and “because of how intense it’s been and lack of support, staff just don’t want to do it anymore”.

With the current average care home hourly rate in England only £9.01, workers are taking the less stressful option of £10 an hour at Starbucks or £10-£12 as an Amazon warehouse worker. Low pay worsened by high inflation and burnout were among the most common reasons given for quitting the sector.

Health secretary Steve Barclay last week announced plans to recruit overseas workers in care homes amid concerns about staff shortages this winter.

The analysis of the inspection report found evidence of activities being cancelled, residents being left in their rooms for hours, going without water, and waiting “bursting” for up to 30 minutes to be taken to the toilet, with one care worker commenting “We haven’t got time for the residents.”

The Department of Health and Social Care is providing at least £500 million to develop and support the workforce.

“Additionally, our new international recruitment taskforce is considering innovative ways to boost staffing numbers within health and adult social care,” a government spokesperson said.

“As part of this, we will work with the sector and recruitment experts to examine how to recruit staff from overseas more effectively into adult social care to ensure quality care and provision continues to be given for people in care homes.”

“Following the pandemic, the sector has struggled to recruit across the country, and we continue to invest in hiring and developing talent in our homes,” commented a spokesperson from Four Seasons Healthcare.

“Since the inspection in March, we have reviewed our staffing management systems and installed an experienced senior manager to oversee the home, working closely with the CQC and the local authority to demonstrate that staff receive training, support and leadership. We always maintain safe staffing levels and continue to recruit new team members into the home. The care and support of our residents and colleagues remain our first priority.”