The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Adalena House on Reads Avenue in Blackpool as Requires improvement following an inspection that examined care standards, staffing and governance. The small home, registered to provide personal or nursing care for up to six adults with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and autism, was full at the time of the review.
Inspection findings and areas of concern
The inspection, carried out between 4 March and 10 April 2026, found breaches of legal requirements in relation to safe staffing and oversight of the service. Inspectors identified problems with recruitment and record‑keeping, and were not assured staffing levels were consistently safe.
- Staff rotas were sometimes inaccurate and indicated staff had worked excessive hours, at times breaching working time regulations.
- Medication storage and management did not always meet safekeeping standards.
- Care planning and reviews were not consistently documented, and it was not always clear that people had been involved in assessing their own needs.
- Good practice guidance for people with learning disabilities and autistic people was understood but not always reflected in practice.
"Right support, right care, right culture"
While inspectors concluded the service understood the principles of the CQC's guidance, application of those principles was inconsistent. The report highlighted that best‑interest decisions did not always show involvement of those important to the person, and records did not consistently demonstrate that the least restrictive options had been considered.
Ratings across key areas
| Domain | Rating |
|---|---|
| Safe | Requires improvement |
| Effective | Good |
| Caring | Good |
| Responsive | Good |
| Well‑led | Requires improvement |
The overall judgement was Requires improvement, reflecting particular concerns in safety and leadership. Despite strengths recorded in effectiveness, compassion and responsiveness of care, the identified breaches relate to statutory requirements that providers must meet to legally operate.
What this means for residents and families
Adalena House provides support to a small cohort of people with complex needs. For relatives and advocates, the CQC findings will be a prompt to seek clarity from the provider about how the issues will be addressed and how residents will be kept safe while improvements are made.
Families and carers commonly expect providers to:
- Maintain clear and accurate staffing records and ensure safe staff working hours
- Keep medicines securely and follow robust administration procedures
- Document care reviews and involve residents in planning and decision‑making
- Apply up‑to‑date guidance consistently in day‑to‑day practice
The CQC report will be used by commissioners and the regulator to monitor progress. Where necessary, the regulator can require action plans, make recommendations or take enforcement steps if improvements are not delivered.
Local health and social care partners usually expect providers to respond promptly to inspection findings. Anyone with concerns about care at the home should speak to the provider directly, raise the issue with the CQC or contact Blackpool Council's adult social care team for advice.
