A CARE home for people with autism and learning difficulties has been put in special measures after being branded “inadequate” by inspectors.

The Care Quality Commission has dropped the rating of Ashview, in Riverview, Vange, from requires improvement to inadequate after a number of concerns were raised over the quality of care and safety of residents.

Following the inspection, on May 31 and June 6, the home has been placed in special measures - meaning it will be kept under close review and re-inspected to ensure improvements are made.

Inspectors found the home had not ensured documentation in people’s medicines folders were “accurate or reflected their current support needs”.

As well as this, people’s care was not “focused on their quality of life and was not delivered in line with best practice”.

The report, published today, said: “The provider had not ensured staff were appropriately skilled to meet people’s needs and keep them safe.

“People were not always supported by staff who understood best practice in relation to the wide range of strengths, needs or sensitivities people with a learning disability and/or autistic people may have.

“This meant people did not always receive compassionate and empowering care that was tailored to their needs.”

At the time of the inspection, Ashview was providing personal care to 12 people.

Some of the workers did care for people in kind and compassionate ways, but this was not consistent, the report stated.

The report added that inspectors found some staff using “outdated and disrespectful language” to describe people’s emotional support needs.

However, residents told inspectors they felt “comfortable” talking to staff and raising concerns.

Rebecca Bauers, the health watchdog’s director for people with a learning disability and autistic people, said: “We were concerned to find leaders allowed a culture focused on routine, with care that was convenient for staff instead of taking into account people’s individual needs and preferences.

“This meant the autistic and people with a learning disability using the service weren’t always able to live the safe, fulfilling and meaningful lives many of us are able to take for granted.”

The Echo has contacted Ashview for a comment.