A CARE home has been ordered to improve after concerns were raised about the safety of elderly residents.

During a routine visit to Goldenley in Richmond Avenue, Benfleet, inspectors found patient records did not reflect their care needs, staff did not engage with residents and equipment was unsafe.

The care home has been told it needs to improve two essential standards – care and welfare of people who use the service and the safety, availability and suitability of equipment.

During the visit the Care Quality Commission inspectors discovered staff refused patients requests to go outside for some fresh air, and made decisions for them.

Wheelchairs, which had missing footplates, were not taken out of operation and pressure mattresses were not checked daily as required.

The commission has ordered Goldenley to write a report setting out what steps it will take.

A spokeswoman for the health watchdog said: “We found that before people received care or treatment they were asked for their consent and the provider acted in accordance with their wishes.

“Where people did not have capacity to consent, the provider acted in accordance with legal requirements.

“However, we found that care and treatment was not planned and delivered in a way intended to ensure people's safety and welfare.

“We looked at the nutritional needs of people and found people were protected from the risks of inadequate nutrition and dehydration.

“Health, safety and welfare was also protected when more than one provider was involved in their care and treatment, or when they moved between different services.

This was because the provider worked in cooperation with others.

“However, we found people were not protected from unsafe or unsuitable equipment.”

Goldenley was found to be meeting three out of five essential standards consent to care and treatment, meeting nutritional needs and co-perating with other providers.

The 40-bedroom home specialises in dementia care.

Management at the Goldenley home refused to comment when approached by the Echo.