Police probe into Leicestershire care home

AN INVESTIGATION has been launched by police and the social services following concerns raised about a care home specialising in help for dementia and Alzheimer’s sufferers.

Police enquiries are being made into Beech House Care Home in Great Bowden Road, Harborough.

The Mail understands the probe began after a member of staff raised concerns about the home, which closed last week.

The matter is also being looked at by the Care Quality Commission and social services.

A spokesman for the commission said it was made aware of the concerns by its local safeguarding team.

The commission’s inspectors had planned to carry out an investigation based on these concerns but the home closed down before it could be carried out.

Beech House specialised in dementia and Alzheimer’s support and was able to care for up to 13 residents.

Despite the closure of the home, a spokesman for the commission said its safeguarding team would continue to investigate the allegations.

A police spokesman said: “Leicestershire Constabulary along with the Care Quality Commission and social services are making enquires following concerns raised into a care home in Harborough.

“The care home is now closed and the decision to close the home was made by the owners.”

A spokesman for Leicestershire County Council said: “Our priority is the safety and welfare of residents and we have worked with relatives to help them move to alternative accommodation.

“We are working with the police and supporting any inquiries they are making.”

The Mail spoke to a man at Beech House who said he was the owner but he declined to comment.

He refused to give his name.

Commenting on last week’s closure of the home, Catharine Harris, a relative of a woman who was cared for at Beech House, said: “My mother was a resident at Beech House for over four years and we have nothing but praise and thanks for the owners and staff.

“It is very sad that she had to move.”