FRAIL residents were left “vulnerable to abuse” and suffered unexplained bruising while at a failing care home, a damning report has found.

Government watchdog the Care Quality Commission uncovered a litany of serious failings in care at Crouched Friars Residential Home in Crouch Street, Colchester.

Throughout an unannounced visit, inspectors spoke to staff and reviewed residents’ care records.

They found residents had developed bruising.

A report, published following the visit, said: “The registered manager told us they did not consider it necessary to investigate the cause of the bruising.”

In one case, an inspector saw a resident “dragged” from their wheelchair by a member of staff.

The report also highlighted how one resident was found lying in a “wet bed in a cold room.” It said: “People were left in an unhygienic and undignified manner because staff did not know how to support them.

“Respectful, compassionate and emotional support was not consistently delivered where needed.

“We observed one person in a wet bed in a cold room. Staff were unable to tell us how they could deliver care and support to ensure they were warm and comfortable.”

Inspectors reported staff feel there is a “blame culture” at the home and that their concerns were not taken seriously.

There were reported staff shortages and inadequate training, residents left in an unhygienic environment and a poor standard of management.

The report said: “We are taking enforcement action but cannot yet publish the actions due to the representation and appeals process.”

The watchdog has placed the home into special measures for the second time in a year.

It was found to require improvement at a previous inspection in February.

Crouched Friars caters to up to 56 people aged 65 and over.

Home director Dave Rai said: “I would like to reassure everyone that there is no intention to close Crouched Friars on our part, nor the CQC or local authority, as we are all committed to working together to improve the home going forward.

“I can only apologise that Crouched Friars fell far short of the high levels of care that we pride ourselves on delivering.”