A care home has been put into special measures after it was found an assault on a resident was not officially reported and another was receiving end of life care when they did not need it.

Whistleblowers and relatives of residents raised concerns about the The Willows Care Centre in Margate, prompting an investigation by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

It sent in inspectors for an unannounced two-day visit, which revealed a catalogue of problems and a shortage of staffing.

It was found one person, understood to be a resident, had been slapped and punched by another and the registered manager did not know about it.

Staff told inspectors they did not get close to one resident unless they needed to as the person might hit them.

It was also revealed someone was receiving end of life care when they were not supposed to be.

The inspectors also had concerns about the care for residents at risk of losing weight.

A woman was prescribed high-calorie drinks which she did not receive.

There were additional concerns meals were served too close together.

On one of the days one person’s records showed they had their breakfast at 10am, lunch at noon and then declined dinner at 4pm.

Another person had not eaten from lunch until 9pm when they had a slice of cake for supper.

Inspectors saw incidents concerning people being given medicine during mealtimes.

One resident was given their medication without their knowledge after it was crushed in a yoghurt.

Medicines were not always given as prescribed.

One person’s medicine was prescribed twice a day and the dose was to be spaced evenly every 12 hours but it was given to the patient at 8am and 5pm.

Some people and their relatives told the CQC that staff were kind and caring but inspectors found some staff did not treat people with dignity and respect.

A spokesman for the care home's owners said: “The directors of Premiere Care are concerned by the findings of the CQC inspection which took place on January 17 and January 18 and immediate action is being taken to rectify the situation.

“In doing so, Premiere Care are working hand in hand with CQC, Kent County Council and other professional organisations.

“The directors value, above all else, the quality of care at their care homes and they wish to assure the residents, the families of residents and the public generally that all necessary actions will be taken to rectify any failings.”