A CARE HOME where residents are “at risk of becoming socially isolated” has been given a “Requires Improvement” grading.

Issues with safety, effectiveness, leadership and responsiveness were also highlighted by Care Quality Commission (CQC) officials who visited Victoria Lodge in Shakespeare Road, Worthing.

Inspectors said people were looked after by kind and caring staff who knew them well.

The care home was rated an overall “Good” in its previous inspections.

Director of Victoria Lodge Care Home, Vasanti Patel, said: “We are in the process of appealing the decision from the CQC and how they carried out their inspection due to the inconsistencies in their report.

“We are awaiting further information for our appeal and can comment further after we have received their response. We continuously provide good quality care and nothing has changed as to the care and commitment we offer to our residents.”

The report wrote: “The provider had failed to notify the Commission of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards authorisations and of a diarrhoea and vomiting outbreak in 2017, which they were required to do.

“Risks to some people had not always been identified and assessed appropriately or managed safely.

“Staffing levels were consistent, but there was no system to show how staffing levels were assessed based on people’s care and support needs.

“Staff records we looked at showed that staff had not received regular supervisions in line with this policy. For example, one staff member received a supervision in January 2018, but none since.”

Officials noted there were insufficient activities organised for dementia patients. The report stated: “People living with dementia are at greater risk of becoming socially isolated.

“Activities were not planned to address this risk.

“One person told us they were bored and we saw they had fallen asleep after lunch in the lounge. There were items available to people to interact with, for example, scarves, teddies, dolls and magazines, but people were not showing an interest in them. Activities had been organised for people, but these were limited. These include celebrating the royal wedding of Prince Harry and a tea party.”

Victoria Lodge Dementia Care Home was originally opened in October 1989, and is comprised of two flats for elderly residents with dementia.

Its website said: “All residents are treated as individuals and their independence, privacy and dignity is of utmost importance.”