Struggling Sandwell care agency which missed quarter of calls shut ahead of being placed into special measures
A struggling Sandwell care agency has closed its doors ahead of being placed into special measures by the care industry watchdog for safety and management breaches.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) made a decision to downgrade the rating for Dependable Care LLP in Old Hill, in Cradley Heath, from 'requires improvement' to 'inadequate' and placed it into special measures to protect people following an inspection carried out in October. The body said 27 per cent of planned care calls were not made by the company which put people at risk of neglect.
Agency director Olu Osinkolu told the Express & Star that due to difficulties including the loss of its Sandwell Council contract which expired earlier this year and issues retaining staff, the Halesowen Road enterprise released its four remaining private clients and ceased operations on November 30.
Dependable Care provided home care and a supported living service including for clients with autism and learning disabilities in their own homes.
The CQC said during the latest checks despite none of the people using the service having a learning disability or autism, it continued with the inspection in line with its guidance, following concerns it received about the service. It said the inspectors found that care had deteriorated and the service was in breach of five regulations in relation to providing person-centred care, safe care and treatment, staffing, fit and proper persons and good management.
