The leadership team at a care home which has twice been rated 'inadequate' have defended their record and declared: 'Things are getting better.'
Dunsland, in Paston Road, Mundesley, received its second 'inadequate' rating from the Care Quality Commission on November 22 and was placed in special measures.
The health watchdog said the care home was still failing to meet required standards, in particular with regards to safety and leadership.
But Rachael Robertson, the director for adult and community services at Cephas, which runs Dunsland, said steps were being taken to improve conditions and paperwork.
She said: "We've had to improve the recording side of things, and make sure staff document everything they do, because it's all about having that evidence basis for when someone comes in. It's been a lot of hard work, but it's worth it."
Ms Robertson said the inadequate ratings had been difficult to accept for everyone who works there.
She said: "Unfortunately Dunsland has had its challenges over the past year which have impacted the care given. But the staff care so much about everybody who lives here, and it can be hard to get a negative judgement on what you're doing."
Ms Robertson said some aspects of CQC report seemed unfair. For example, it said leaving the laundry unlocked was dangerous as it gave residents access to chemicals.
She said this meant that some residents, who had preferred to do their own laundry, now had to ask permission to access the room.
Ms Robertson said: "Now we've had to lock it, which seems a shame. While I understand it in a sense it's never been a risk."
Dunsland is home to 11 adults with learning disabilities, autism, physical and mental health care needs.
Cephas bought Dunsland in 2008, and it was already a care home before that, and many of the current residents have lived there for more than 10 years.
Ms Robertson said they were working with Norfolk County Council's quality assurance team to implement an action plan to lift standards and bring Dunsland out of special measures.
The home's next CQC inspection is due within the next six months.
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