A CARE home’s “lack of action” over a resident’s unexplained bruise is an area of concern, says the Government’s watchdog.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) visited Seaway Nursing Home in Hove in March, rating it inadequate in its report published in September.

The home is now in special measures, which means the CQC will monitor it closely.

The report said while staff had an understanding of safeguarding adults, the raising of safeguarding alerts to the local authority “was not always consistent”.

In the case of the resident with a bruise to their eye “it was not evident what action had been taken to identify the cause”.

The report said: “Records showed that the area manager had reviewed the accident and felt that the person may have accidentally bumped their eye whilst in their room.

“The person had a condition that affected their ability to fully communicate their needs and due to their condition would be classed as a vulnerable adult.

“However, it was not evident within the incident records if consideration had been made to report the incident to the local authority as a potential safeguarding alert.”

The report said an occupational therapist had recommended a person sit out in a specialised wheelchair for two to three hours each day to assist with strength and posture.

But a member of staff said the person left their bed just once a week as they “became aggressive and agitated when in their chair” and was “not keen on being touched or moved”.

The report said: “The use of restraint to manage people’s behaviour and the lack of action when a vulnerable person sustained an unexplained bruise are areas of concern.”

Seaway was rated inadequate for leadership and requiring improvement for care, effectiveness and responsiveness.

The Argus has contacted the home for a comment.