TWO DORSET care homes have been told to improve by government inspectors.

The Care Quality Commission said that while it was a caring place, the service provided by Avondene Care Home in Stanpit required improvement.

"People were not always protected from avoidable harm as risks had not always been assessed such as for the use of bed rails to ensure they were a safe restriction," said the inspection report. "When risks had been identified actions had not always been put in place. One person had been assessed as high risk of skin damage but no care plan had been written to provide details of actions needed to minimise avoidable harm."

The report noted that the 11 people living at the home at the time of the inspection in September felt safe and cared for and that the food was nutritious and good.

Newtown House care home in Waterford Road, Highcliffe, was also told to improve.

Inspectors found that while the service was caring and responsive, and the residents felt safe and had their dignity assured, the dining experience wasn't always dementia friendly, with the example given of pudding being served at the same time as main courses.