Care home resident left in chair for nine hours surrounded by blaring rap music, damning report finds

A resident inside a care home was left sat in a chair for nine hours while rap music blared on speakers around him, a damning report has found.Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found that elderly people living at Brantwood Hall Care Home in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, were not being treated in a dignified manner or with respect by staff. On one occasion a resident was referred to by just their room number, while staff claimed that another pensioner had 'given up' when asked why they were left in their room all day.One unhappy resident even pleaded with inspectors to be allowed outside so they could go to the library or buy a newspaper as they had nothing to read.The retirement home had previously been rated inadequate when it was visited by inspectors between July 6 and July 7.Now, a follow-up review from the CQC said there was a continued lack of 'effective leadership, management, and oversight of the service'. It added that no improvements had been made since their last visit and new problems had arisen in relation to the care and treatment of residents.In the scathing report, the inspector also found that one resident, who was unable to move independently, was forced to sit in a chair for a minimum of nine hours while music played continuously from a device they were unable to reach. Pictured: Brantwood Hall Care Home in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, which had previously been rated inadequate when it was visited by inspectors and in follow-up review it was found there was a continued lack of 'effective leadership, management, and oversight of the service'Staff even admitted they could not remember the last time the pensioner had been outside.'One person remained sat in a chair in their room, for a minimum of nine hours. They were unable to mobilise independently,' said the report.'In the room music was played continually from a device that was placed out of the person's reach. The music included modern pop and rap music, playing without pause and without consultation with the person. There was no meaningful interaction outside of tasks being completed.'Staff told us they couldn't remember when the person had last been outside. Activity records showed no outdoor access or meaningful activity from 1 May 2026 to 6 July 2026. 'One staff member told us, "Well, [person] doesn't go out, [person] just stays in their room, [person] has given up".' The inspectors also recorded statements from residents. One said: 'I would love something to read. If only I had more to read. I would like to go to the library and find something. I can pay for a newspaper I've got money.'Another was left sitting all day in the lounge area. When approached and asked if they were OK, they said: 'No, would you want to sit in here like this all day?'There were other cases where a person was left walking around the second floor in urine-soaked clothing, and was only attended to when the inspectors notified staff.The CQC found that the residents' 'dignity' was not always maintained leading to neglect and social isolation.Rather than treating 'all people with kindness, empathy and compassion, or respect their privacy and dignity' residents were branded 'awkward' or 'naughty' and in one case a person was referred to by their room number.The CQC added: 'People's dignity was not always maintained, and staff were not always respectful. People's personal care and communication needs were not always met. There was an inequitable approach to care with some people being neglected and socially isolated. 'The provider and leadership team failed to take action to improve people's experiences and quality of life despite concerns being shared in relation to this at the previous assessment.'In the area of 'safe' it was found one person with a serious injury had not been reported to the CQC and records were not complete. There was not always sufficient staff and the staff present did not work well together.There was insufficient monitoring, and one professional told the CQC: 'I feel so sorry for [person]. I've known them seven years. [Person] is tortured. They used to be able to go to a quiet lounge. Now when I come, they are always in their room.'Their mobility has deteriorated. Care is not being maintained or personalised for people with complex mental health needs.' One relative told the inspectors a staff member referred to a resident as 'naughty'.Inspectors said: 'Some people had the opportunity to participate in activities but there were no specific dementia friendly activities in place. There was also a lack of opportunity for some people to have purpose in their day. People were not routinely supported to access the community, fresh air, or outdoor space, to enhance their wellbeing.'Staff also struggled, with one member saying: 'It's a blame company.' Staff were told to 'up their game' without being given targets.When one staff member was asked how things could be improved, they said: 'CQC get off our backs.'Another said: 'I'm afraid for my job, we all are. I think the home will close. Not because of [CQC], but because they [the provider] don't care. If something is wrong, I like to know what that is.'If we are told, we can know how to put it right. I've not had any information since the last inspection, nothing.'The care home now remains in special measures following this inspection.