Explained and unexplained bruises and skin tears were cited as reasons for a Knebworth care home's 'requires improvement' rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
A report, published on Tuesday (February 20), saw Monread Lodge rated as 'good' in three of the five areas assessed.
However, safety and leadership were factors that 'require improvement' according to the CQC.
The "use of inappropriate moving and handling techniques" was also highlighted in the report.
The CQC stated: "We reviewed records over a period of six months and saw people had suffered unexplained and explained skin tears and bruises.
"Many of these indicated the use of inappropriate moving and handling techniques.
"For example, these were in areas of the body that could easily be held or knocked during support if appropriate care wasn't taken.
"We saw a person be pulled up by a staff member holding their hands. Another person told us their arm had been pulled in the night during care.
"We shared these incidents with the management team who took immediate action to address them.
"People living with dementia were not always supported swiftly or in a way that reduced the risk of distressed behaviours.
"Staff had received training and, in most cases observed, were kind and attentive, but this was not consistent."
Regarding leadership at the home, the report continued: "The service management and leadership was inconsistent.
"Leaders and the culture they created did not always support the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care.
"Relatives gave mixed views about how the service engaged with them, but they felt their views were listened to.
"One relative said, 'concerns are generally acknowledged but action sometimes takes a while'."
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A spokesperson for Maria Mallaband Care Group, which operates the centre, commented: “Following the publication of the latest CQC report senior managers are supporting all staff at the Monread Lodge Care Home in Knebworth in order to ensure that the necessary improvements highlighted are made and sustained.
"We are confident that we are making the necessary improvements and creating a positive care service since the initial inspection and look forward to demonstrating this at the next CQC visit.”
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