Sevenoaks care home in special measures

A care home has been put into special measures after being deemed "inadequate" by the health watchdog.

Alpine care home in Bradbourne Park Road, Sevenoaks failed to keep its elderly residents safe from abuse and harm, the Care Quality Commission said.

Inspectors found they were not protected from the risk of infection and staff did not have the necessary skills to meet residents' needs.

The home, run by Regal Care Homes, will be kept under review, the CQC added.

It said Alpine would be inspected within six months after being rated inadequate in all five aspects of its service.

The 26 people who lived at the home were not protected from the risk of abuse and staff did not respond "appropriately" to incidents of abuse, the CQC reported.

"The premises did not meet the needs of people living with dementia and mobility difficulties," inspectors said.

"Some staff were not kind or compassionate in their approach. Staff did not always listen to people or treat them with respect.

"Staff did not always respond or know how to respond, to people's distress."

One person at the care home told the CQC inspectors: "I don't really feel safe - you never know what's going to happen next."

A spokeswoman for the care home said it had been in administration when its new owners bought it earlier this year.

"New shareholders have re-invested in the home and it is in the process of awaiting a re-inspection as per CQC protocol."