A CARE home resident's dignity was compromised, a damning report has revealed.

Representatives from Healthwatch Lancashire also found there had been a significant accumulation of ‘malodorous unwashed items’ during a visit to Riverside Care Centre, Smiley Old Brow, Sawley.

Inspectors also noted an ‘odour’ throughout the facility, while they found interaction between staff and residents on the Riverside Court dementia unit was ‘minimal’ and on occasions, residents were not responded to in a ‘timely manner’.

A report by Healthwatch reads: “A discernible odour was noted throughout the facility however representatives considered this was more obvious on the dedicated dementia unit Riverside Court.

“Representatives also observed the dignity of one resident being compromised.

“At the time of our visit, both the manager and deputy manager were on annual leave as was the activity coordinator.

“The laundry operative was also “off sick” and this had led to a significant accumulation of malodorous unwashed items.”

The homes provides care for up to 40 people over the age of 60 who are affected by dementia.

Representatives from Healthwatch Lancashire visited the home during an announced ‘Enter and View’ visit, where they spoke to five staff members and one relative.

They gave the home an overall rating of amber/red - with amber being they would choose this home if some improvements were made, while red means they would not choose the home for a loved one unless significant improvements were made.

A spokesman for Riverside Care Centre said: “We appreciate all feedback that we receive and while we are disappointed with the findings of this report, we have taken the issues raised seriously.

“This January, we were inspected by the Care Quality Commission and rated as good.

“As the Healthwatch report demonstrates, we also received excellent feedback from family members of the residents we care for.”