Thera (Scotland) operates the home in Dougall Court, Mayfield, which provides residential care for up to five adults with learning disabilities.
However, the operators were heavily criticized for not making improvements to the home with a Care Inspection Panel report describing the living space as “functional rather than creating a warm home environment”.
The inspectors commended the staff at the home for their care and commitment to the residents and the work they do.
But while the inspectors rated the staff’s performance as a grade 4 or ‘good’, they could only provide support with an ‘adequate’ grade of 3, because they said that although the staff tried hard to keep the house clean, the decor was such difficult to do.
They gave the setup a score of 2 “weak,” and instructed the house to draw up an action plan to address the property’s deficiencies by June 12.
They cautioned: “If it is concluded from the business plan that the accommodation was not fit for purpose, then alternative accommodation options should be explored.”
A spokesperson for Thera (Scotland) said it had been looking for new buildings but had not succeeded.
They said: “It has been recognized for some time that the property does not meet the needs of individuals. As a result, we have been looking for suitable alternative housing, but so far, no housing has been found.
“In the meantime, a renovation plan was designed, but it was held up by Covid restrictions.
“We work with the people we support, their families and employees, local authorities and other key stakeholders.”
The inspectors criticized the condition of the house, after a short visit earlier this month, and said: “Over the past few years, we have become increasingly concerned about how tired the decor used to be and how the layout of the house will continue to meet the needs of people as they get older and weaker.”
“In this examination we concluded that as people age and their mobility needs slowly increase, the design and layout of the building has a negative impact on the quality of life of the people who live there.
“The living space was functional rather than creating a warm home environment to meet people’s needs and preferences. There was a lack of attention to standards such as home touches, décor, and furniture quality.”
The inspectors’ report gives the home until August to carry out work including laying new carpeting, improving the décor to create a warm and friendly living environment, ensuring that décor can be cleaned effectively, and that essential repairs and redecoration are recorded and implemented within timelines.
Morag Barrow, joint director of the Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership, said the partnership is working with home operators to improve the facility.
She said, “We are working with this voluntary third sector and the Care Inspectorate to address the issues highlighted in the inspection report, including the design and décor of the nursing home, to ensure residents enjoy a good standard of care and quality of life.”
