A CARE home has been told it “requires improvement,” after an inspection by the Care Quality Commission.


The CQC report said Victoria Care Home on Victoria Street, Rainford needed to raise its performance in three categories: effectiveness, caring and being well-led.


However, it was rated good for safety and responsiveness, following the unannounced visit last year.


The home provides nursing care for up to 53 residents, some of whom need dementia support. 


The report said: “We noted staff on the first floor did not always engage in a kind or friendly way towards the people they were supporting.


“For example staff walked past people without speaking to them on numerous occasions throughout the day, even when people asked them a question.


“We saw a member of staff assisting a person with a drink during the morning and they stood over the person and did not speak to them.”


The report also found that communication between staff and people living at the service with dementia was poor. Staff interactions did not always ensure people were treated with dignity and respect, the report stated.


It said: “People’s dietary needs were not consistently being met and they were not always offered choice.


“People did not always have a positive mealtime experience or receive care and support.”


 Inspectors did note that visitors gave positive feedback on the home and that staff were up to date with training.


In a statement Victoria Care Home said “we regret that some aspects of the care on the dementia unit did not meet the standards we expect to provide”.


It added: “Since the inspection we have provided a programme of further training, particularly to help staff in the way they engage and interact with people with dementia.


“We have reviewed the administration of care documentation and increased supervision to ensure our procedures to support quality of care are consistently followed.


“We have also moved some staff around within the home so that some people who have shown an aptitude for dementia care and responded well to training have joined the team on the dementia unit.”