Autumn Care Home in West Parley shuts amid abuse allegations (From Bournemouth Echo)

Autumn Care Home in West Parley shuts amid abuse allegations

11:05am Thursday 19th January 2012 in News By Joanna Codd

ALLEGATIONS of abuse triggered the investigation into a Dorset care home which has closed its doors amid concerns over the welfare of its elderly residents.

Dorset County Council has been carrying out an investigation into levels of care at the Autumn Care Home at West Parley in conjunction with Dorset Police and the Care Quality Commission, but has refused to divulge any details.

Harry Capron, deputy director of adult and community services, told the Echo: “We take any allegations of abuse very seriously.

“Dorset County Council is conducting safeguarding investigations following serious concerns being brought to our attention about the standards of care provided at Autumn Care Home.

“Due to these concerns, to help inform the investigation and safeguard individuals, all residents had a full assessment of their care and health needs carried out by a range of relevant professionals.

Mr Capron explained: “The purpose of these assessments was to establish the residents’ current needs and how they could be best met. Alternative placements were found for all residents on an individual basis and in consultation with residents and relatives.”

He added that the council was working closely with partner organisations, including the Care Quality Commission and Dorset Police, to investigate concerns.

Dorset Police declined to add to an earlier statement, which said no-one had been arrested.

Quality Commission's vital role

The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator for all health and social care services in England.

Its job is to make sure the care provided by hospitals, dentists, ambulances, care homes; and services in people’s homes and elsewhere meets government standards of quality and safety.

Care services that meet the standards are registered with the commission and subject to unannounced inspections.

Dorset County Council, in common with other local authorities that operate social services departments, has responsibilities for safeguarding adults at risk of serious harm – including financial, sexual, psychological, financial, physical and neglect.

Adults at risk are those who may be in community care because of mental illness, learning disability, age, physical disability or illness.

The council’s job is to investigate and develop protection plans to prevent individuals from further harm.

Adult services has a number of investigators, usually registered social workers, who have undergone training with the police.

Dorset Police are called in when there is a possibility that a criminal act has taken place.