A VILLAGE care home with a “lack of robust management” has been told it must improve.

Forest Home in Sible Hedingham has been rated as 'requiring improvement' by the Care Quality Commission.

The service provides support to older people and people living with dementia, and was given the rating across all sectors, including safety, effectiveness, level of care, responsiveness and leadership.

The report says: “There was a lack of robust management oversight in some areas of the home.

“Some quality assurance monitoring was undertaken however, this was not always effective as the shortfalls found at inspection had not been identified through this monitoring.

“Medicine management was not always robust, however, concerns identified at the inspection were addressed by the manager immediately with support from the GP.”

It continued: “People's care records, care plans and risk assessments would benefit from further detail to help and support staff to provide personalised and consistent care.

“Some practices in the home did not always promote people's dignity and privacy. We have made a recommendation about promoting and respecting people's dignity.”

Inspectors also noted some areas of the home were “tired and in need of refurbishment”, with the manager saying this was taking place “gradually”.

The report does give some positive feedback, particularly from those at the home.

“People told us they felt safe, and staff said they knew how to report concerns,” it said.

“People's relatives told us, and we saw in records and through our observations, that changes to people's health were identified and managed.

“People and relatives said they were treated with care, kindness, dignity and respect.

“Staff had a good knowledge and understanding of people's specific care and support needs and how they wished to be cared for and supported.

“The relationship between staff and people using the service was positive.”

Forest Home has been approached for comment.