A CARE home branded Inadequate in a damning report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will close its doors next month.

Southwood Lodge in Bournemouth was heavily criticised in a report published in May.

All aspects of the home were examined over five days with inspectors giving ratings in five categories.

Inspectors are required to find the answers to five questions.

When they asked if the home is safe, effective and well-led, they concluded it is Inadequate in all three areas.

When they considered whether the home is caring or responsive, both were rated as Requires Improvement.

They criticised many aspects of the home including care planning systems, management arrangements, safety, the administration of medicines, staff numbers and skills and emergency procedures.

The home, in Southwood Avenue, Southbourne consists of three houses which are linked together to form one building. It has now been sold to developers.

Southwood Lodge managers are now working with LuxuryCare, an Outstanding provider that specialises in dementia care, to provide a smooth relocation package for residents and jobs for the staff.

The home is run by Cheryl Hadland, founder of Tops Day Nurseries, who said there had been increasing difficulties with adapting the building to suit the needs of residents.

She said: “The requirements for providing hospital beds with specialist mattresses, extra training, and sourcing additional staffing in a very challenging job market are also contributing factors. The pressure to provide all this has taken the heart out of the business for us. Unfortunately Southwood Lodge was not able to provide what CQC require in the time frame they want it and Southwood were not able to find another provider prepared to take over the location either.”

Ms Hadland said the residents of the home have “always been our top priority” and added: “This decision was not made lightly but we believe that under the circumstances this was the best decision for our residents. LuxuryCare is an outstanding provider and I am sure that they will help provide a smooth transition and the best possible care for our residents and some great opportunities for our colleagues.”

A Bournemouth council spokesman said the needs and wishes of residents will be considered before they are moved.“Our staff are working with management at Southwood Lodge to ensure people move safely to alternative services.”