A care home has been plunged into special measures amid fears over staffing levels.

Inspectors made an unannounced visit to the Penrith home in June, but the findings have just been published.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) ruled that Cold Springs Park was 'inadequate' overall, falling short of the care it should provide in all areas.

Some were better than others, with its effectiveness and caring both rated as 'requiring improvement'.

The staff were singled out for their kind and caring nature, with one resident telling inspectors: "They (staff) work terribly hard, they never stop. They do their best and I feel sorry for them, I really do."

However, the overriding concern which had an impact throughout the home was resources.

The CQC report said: "Health and social care professionals told us they had also been concerned with the staffing levels and lack of visible staff during some of their visits to the home."

It continued: "One of the day staff told us: 'The people we are looking after now are more dependent. It's 10am and there are still three people waiting to get up. They need two carers so we have to wait until someone else is free. It is very stressful and sometimes carers go home in tears.'

"During our inspection we observed that two members of staff became visibly distressed at their situation."

As well as a shortage of staff, those working also had additional duties, ranging from washing bedding to mopping floors, cleaning furniture and delivering meals.

Their workloads mean simple interactions with residents, such as enjoying a cup of tea and chat together, were rarely taking place.

A shortage of hoists - leaving some residents forced to lay in bed for an hour waiting for a hoist to become available - and poor recording of falls and incidents were also highlighted as being of concern.

However, inspectors did note that an additional hoist had been secured from another site and a second hoist had been ordered while they were at the home.

Angela Zuraw, regional director for Bupa Care Services in Scotland and north England, said: “We’ve already introduced a dedicated team at the home to address the issues raised in the inspection. We aim to provide high quality care for all our residents, and we have a detailed improvement plan in place.

“As part of this, we’ve increased staffing throughout the night and we continue to recruit further colleagues at the home. We’re also recruiting a new manager to fully support our staff and residents.

“While we know there’s work to be done, I was pleased that the CQC commended the friendly and respectful approach taken by our staff.

"With these new actions in place, and additional support for our colleagues, I hope we’ll quickly return to the high levels of care our residents expect.”