Security measures have been stepped up at a Hinckley care home following two thefts of money belonging to residents.
The first theft from an office safe happened in January and the second in May, despite assurances that actions had been taken to prevent a reoccurrence.
The thefts happened at The Trees, a purpose built home caring for 11 people with learning and physical disabilities in Hinckley.
It is run by Leicestershire County Council.
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Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who visited the home in October said: “In both instances people’s monies were refunded.
“Security arrangements were further reviewed with assistance from the police and stricter controls had since been put in place.”
They added: “At the time of our inspection building work was going on.
“This included the installation of a new system for securing the safety of the entrance to the main building.
“This would prevent unauthorised people gaining access into the building.”
Inspectors gave the home an overall “good” rating, although they said improvements are needed in providing safe services.
In their report they said: “When we asked people whether staff were caring they responded that they were.
“A person told us ‘it’s a big family’.
“Another said it was a ‘happy home’ .
Relatives said similar things.”
The report added: “We saw staff convey kindness towards people . . .
by the way they interacted with them.
“They gave people time to respond when they asked them questions.
“Staff were attentive to people’s needs and supported them to be comfortable.
“We saw a care worker re-arrange the cushions on a chair to help someone sit more comfortably.
“They offered to do this without first being asked.
“Staff were able to support people with kindness because they knew what was important to people and knew what mattered to them.”
A spokesman for Leicestershire County Council said: “We always take the security of residents’ money seriously and that is why we have worked with the police to adopt the safeguards required.”
He added: “It would not be appropriate to go into further detail about the measures taken, to ensure we don’t compromise the new security measures.”
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