A recent report has raised serious concerns about the conduct of the owner of Elliscombe House, a care home in Wincanton. Staff members have accused the owner of threatening employees, barging into residents’ rooms without knocking, and evicting residents on short notice.
Despite receiving an overall ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in categories such as safety, effectiveness, caring, and responsiveness, Elliscombe House was rated ‘Requires Improvement’ in the well-led category due to leadership and management issues.
The inspection, conducted in March at the 35-bed home that supports older adults including those with dementia, revealed a tense atmosphere. One staff member confided that they were in “constant fear” because of the owner’s behaviour, which hindered their ability to provide quality care.
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Families expressed distress over the owner’s actions, reporting careless remarks and intrusive behaviour, including entering residents’ rooms uninvited. One relative described the experience as “upsetting and humiliating,” noting the owner’s failure to apologise.
A particularly troubling incident involved the owner entering a resident’s room without knocking while an intimate nursing procedure was underway, which staff described as “disgusting behaviour.” Staff also reported feeling unable to speak openly, with one member stating they were threatened with dismissal for communicating with CQC inspectors.
These issues are not new; concerns were previously raised in a 2025 inspection, leading to an agreement that the owner would limit visits and direct contact with the care home. However, this agreement was reportedly breached, causing ongoing staff anxiety.
Despite these leadership challenges, the report commended the care team, highlighting their dedication, compassion, and positive relationships with residents.
In response, Elliscombe House has announced swift leadership changes, including the appointment of a new managing director and a ‘Nominated Individual’—Tina Welford, a former CQC inspector with extensive governance experience. The home emphasized its commitment to resident safety and wellbeing, noting that feedback from families and residents remains positive.
Elliscombe House continues to hold an overall ‘Good’ rating from the CQC and boasts a high 9.9/10 score on carehome.co.uk, reflecting the valued care provided despite recent management challenges.