Could You Care Less? Abuse Scandal Home Slated By Watchdog

A care home at the centre of an abuse scandal has been rocked by fresh neglect claims. Inspectors have given owners 15 days to improve standards or be closed down.

The Care Commission acted after discovering residents were not receiving proper medical treatment or being fed properly. One was even subdued by a cocktail of powerful sedatives, nicknamed a “chemical cosh”.

Parkhouse Manor in Barrhead, Renfrewshire, sacked a worker in 2004 for taking humiliating pictures of residents. The latest neglect findings highlighted 25 major concerns. These included OAPs not being fed well enough, losing weight and staff not monitoring meal times. Bedsores and other painful skin conditions were not properly treated and warnings about fire safety and dementia care had been ignored.

The Care Commission’s report also criticised the way the home was run, claiming: “A range of internal and external maintenance was needed throughout the home. The main communal areas could be developed to make it more homely and comfortable. Procedures were not in place with regard to the protection of vulnerable adults and allegations of staff misconduct.” The home is run by Charda Poddar, 50, and her husband Pawan, who live nearby in Glasgow’s Newton Mearns suburb.

The Sunday Mail also revealed many patients and their families have complained about standards at the home. Between April 2005 and October 2006, the Care Commission up held six complaints about residents not getting enough water, the quality of food and staff levels.

James Grattan moved his late mum Margaret into Parkhouse but says she was beaten up in 1996 by another resident. The 85-year-old’s face was badly bruised and she was treated for a suspected broken nose. James, 68, of Pollok, Glasgow, said: “My mother had to be taken to Paisley Royal Alexandra Hospital. We were very concerned that this attack had taken place.

“The matter was investigated by the police but my mother did not want to press any charges. She moved into the home after my father died. She had a slight form of dementia and was not able to look after herself.” Margaret recovered from the attack but has since died.

The Care Commission said last night: “We served an improvement notice. Should the terms not be met we will take the appropriate action. It is vital the needs of people are met and this is paramount in any activity we undertake.”

In 2004 Parkhouse worker Joseph Shearer, 19, took humiliating photos of residents including one of a woman with senile dementia dozing with a pair of pants on her head.

A spokesman for the Parkhouse Manor said: “We would expect to comply with all the terms of the improvement order by September 3. With regards to the six complaints to the Care Commission, these are historical. Any other complaints which have been raised have been, or are being, dealt with to the satisfaction of the authorities.”