A dementia care home slammed by inspectors for its shocking failures has made massive improvements under new management.

Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors criticised Helme Hall and Helme View in Meltham over its “chaotic” and inexperienced staff.

During an inspection last year, a shocked inspector saw an elderly resident struck over the head with a walking stick as two pensioners argued at the dinner table.

The inspector was forced to intervene as there were no staff around and they also stepped in when they saw a senile resident choking on meat.

Residents’ care was said to be lacking with some losing weight because the food was “awful” and no one was checking on their nutritional needs.

Warning notices were issued demanding urgent action.

CQC inspectors made a return visit in March this year and found the home much improved, giving it a “good” rating.

The latest report published on the CQC website says that a new management team was put in place and consultants brought in to bring the home up to standard.

The home, though registered for nursing care, currently only offers residential places.

The report says that “sufficient action to meet with the breaches of regulation” had been taken.

The report adds: “People told us they felt safe and staff knew how to maintain people’s safety. Personal emergency evacuation plans were in place.

“The home was clean and staff followed good routines in relation to infection control. An infection control champion had been appointed from within the care staff.

“Staff received good levels of training and support and treated people with kindness and respect. People told us they were well looked after.”