A CARE home looking after people with dementia has been ordered to improve by a health watchdog.

The Care Quality Commission branded the Hollies, in Canewdon Road, Westcliff, “inadequate” after its one-day inspection.

Inspectors found the building did not meet residents’ needs, with its lack of lift access and steep staircase causing difficulties.

Residents with limited mobility could not access communal lounges, or the manager’s office because of steps.

The ground floor only has three bedrooms and inspectors heard one resident was asked to switch rooms with another who struggled with stairs.

The home says it is obtaining quotes to install a stairlift and is considering plans to level the flooring to allow for easier access to and from communal areas.

Inspectors said: “The gardens were unkempt, insecure and not adequately maintained.

We also noted a broken greenhouse which contained hazardous chemicals which we asked the manager to remove immediately.

“People did not have access to a safe well-maintained garden that had a defined boundary from the road and next door garden.”

Inspectors also found the service was not consistently safe and had not taken steps to provide a safe environment for people to live in.

Issues with staff were also raised, with concerns over the number of employees and their employment histories.

Despite ordering the service to improve, inspectors praised staff for treating residents with dignity and respect and for robust medication practices.

The home provides accommodation for up to ten people with physical and learning disabilities, including people with dementia.

Manager Sara Lamma said changes were being made.

She said: “We are working on the recommendations and I can assure you the people in the service are safe. We are working on the action plan.”