A DUKINFIELD care home placed into special measures is under ‘new’ ownership after its founder took it back.
And Jack Meredith has vowed to return the Lakes Care Centre to its former high standard after buying it when it was four days from closure.
Care Quality Commission inspectors rated the facility, off Boyds Walk, as inadequate and told the then owners to take action.
Users told how they were bored and inspectors even requested three people were placed on the correct diet.
Others include medicines not being safely handled, risks not being fully assessed and necessary action to mitigate them not being taken.

A damning report told home one user said: “I would like to go out more. I feel hemmed in and lost.”
Several people commented that there was not much to do.
“Another added: “There’s nothing to do. I just sit and watch TV,” while a third complained: “There is nothing to do but sit and behave and shut up and do as you are told. It’s boring. That’s how I feel.”
Now Mr Meredith, who was its owner and managing director between 1983 and 2020., has bought back what was previously owned by his mother.
On July 19, after months of negotiations, he took back control and said: “I took on this challenging project to ensure the continued wellbeing of the 45 existing residents, the employment security of some 60 staff, and because of the affinity I have with the home.
“I know that with the required investment, its viability can be restored.”
Mr Meredith has already made changes since his The Lakes Care Centre Limited company took control.
It has invested more than £100,000 in building refurbishments, new electronic systems and other improvements and expects to spend a further £300,000 in the coming months.
Works are currently ongoing, with current improvements including new carpets, furniture and decorative works, a new CCTV system, window replacements and the renovation of the grounds.
The centre’s broadband capacity has also been doubled to enable staff to use mobile devices and specialist apps to keep accurate records of the support and medications that they provide to residents.
Improvements are already being noticed and welcomed by the centre’s residents. Enhancements to bedrooms and communal areas have attracted significant praise, as has the restoration of the centre’s wooded gardens.
In all, the firm plans to invest £1.5 million to bring it back to its former standing, with hopes it will create a further 30 jobs over the coming months and open up its doors to new residents.
“I consider that it will be a two-year project to get the home to the level I feel is appropriate,” Mr Meredith added.
“Whilst our aim will be to make the home ‘Outstanding’ during this time, a rating of ‘Good’ is the least we must achieve.
“We still have a way to go, but we are making good progress and we’ll continue to do so.
“In the meantime, I want to acknowledge and commend the commitment shown by the administrators, the lender and Tameside Council.
“They all made significant efforts to keep the home open during the nine months after the home was placed into administration.
“Each of them went above and beyond to ensure the continued care and safety of the 45 residents – people who would otherwise have been forced to find new homes. The same action also saved dozens of jobs.”
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So happy to hear such amazing news and the residents care and environment sounds like will improve dramatically in a positive way so individuals can thrive within the new environment safely and comfortably.
Well done to all the new team at the lakes care home