An elderly woman receiving care from Radis Community Care was mistakenly fed microwaved dog food in June 2024, according to an investigation by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. The incident occurred while the woman, referred to as Mrs Y, was being cared for at home in Portsmouth following a fall.

The dog food, packaged and labeled as a “fresh take on dog food” for adult dogs and puppies, was taken from the woman’s freezer and mistakenly recorded as a “lamb dinner” by a care worker. Mrs Y consumed three mouthfuls before another carer noticed the packaging in the kitchen and intervened. The woman died approximately one month after the incident.

Following concerns raised by the family in April 2024, Portsmouth City Council initiated a safeguarding inquiry into the standard of care provided by Radis Community Care during Mrs Y’s three months under their supervision. The inquiry uncovered multiple instances of inadequate care, including the provision of stale or inedible food, neglect resulting in the woman being left wet or in darkness, and reports of feeding methods deemed forceful by the family. Additional concerns were raised regarding Radis staff allegedly documenting visits that did not take place.

The ombudsman’s report highlighted “abysmal failures” in the care Mrs Y received and noted that communication difficulties between staff and the woman may have been compounded by cultural differences. Amerdeep Clarke, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, described the case as “truly shocking.”

In response to the findings, Portsmouth City Council stated it had ceased commissioning care services from Radis Community Care. Both the council and Radis have issued apologies for the shortcomings in care experienced by Mrs Y. The investigation underscores ongoing challenges in safeguarding vulnerable individuals receiving in-home care and highlights the need for rigorous oversight in the sector.