ITV News has uncovered further allegations of neglect of disabled adults at Lifeways and at least one council has placed the company into special measures.
Disabled people and their families have told ITV News that they fear lives are being put at risk by one of the UK’s largest private care companies – as ITV News’ Investigations Editor, Daniel Hewitt found out.
An ITV News investigation has found allegations of neglect across multiple residential and supported living homes run by Lifeways, the UK’s biggest provider of complex care in the community for people with learning disabilities.
After our first report last month into alleged failings at the company, Lifeways Chief Executive Andrea Kinkade told us that our findings were “historic” and “rare”.
Now, more than 80 people have come forward to ITV News with further allegations, including a mother whose blind, learning-disabled son, who requires one to one care, was left alone when a fire alarm went off in his flat.
In a statement to ITV News Lifeways said, "We are of course, deeply sorry where any failures occur. Everyone deserves to feel safe, cared for and respected. Fortunately, among the thousands of hours of care we have provided Mikey, and for all of those we care for, incidents like those which have been brought to our attention are rare. "
"Since 2022, we have been delivering a Transformation Plan that has resulted in the quality of our care, as well as the satisfaction of those for whom we care, improve. We know there is always more we can do. This is especially true [at Mikey’s accommodation] where we know that more needs to be done for the property to meet our high standards."
Lifeways also says within the last year they have implemented a full review of the accommodation and all risk assessments, delivered 871 hours of training, and the area manager has met with all family members to provide them with information about how to raise concerns.
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