A WATCHDOG has put a nursing home into special measures for its inadequate care.

Residents complained to inspectors from the Care Quality Commission when they visited Howgate House in Idle that they were sat around bored with nothing to do.

The activity board was blank, notes the newly-published report from the inspection last December which also found some of the home’s equipment was not fit for purpose and there was not always enough staff on duty which meant people were left waiting for help.

Howgate House Care Home, which is run by Countrywide Care Homes and has up to 63 residents, will now be kept under review to make sure it improves before being inspected again by another team of CQC inspectors in six months.

Although medicines were stored appropriately, the way they were given out was not always recorded properly. Care records for eight residents had not been updated and call bells were not always left within reach for people which left some residents unable to call for help when they needed it.

Confidential information was sometimes left out and staff were openly talking to each other in communal areas about people.

Residents were not always given the support and encouragement they needed to eat sufficient portions, relatives had mixed reviews that staff provided compassionate care and were professional and caring.

Inspectors’ observations showed training had not made sure staff followed best practice at all times which put people at risk of unsafe care and treatment.

“This service will continue to be kept under review and, if needed, could be escalated to urgent enforcement action," states the report.

“Where necessary, another inspection will be conducted within a further six months.”

A spokesman for Howgate House said: “Senior managers are supporting staff at Howgate House in order to ensure that the necessary improvements are made and sustained. We are confident that we have made the necessary improvements and look forward to demonstrating this when CQC next visit.”