Radis Homecare has apologised after a vulnerable woman was fed a meal intended for a visiting family dog. The incident occurred in Portsmouth, where the woman, who has not been identified, was fed dog food in the last few months of her life by care workers.
The company said it is “deeply sorry” for the distress caused. The woman was also a victim of force-feeding and, at times, was not given food at all. She was left alone for “prolonged periods of time”.
Investigation findings
A Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman investigation found the woman experienced “significant personal injustice”. A ‘Do Not Attempt Resuscitation’ (DNAR) document was found “scrunched up in a cupboard”.
The care workers were contracted to provide home care for Portsmouth City Council. Both organisations have apologised.
Company response
A Radis spokesperson said the support worker “mistakenly” served a “vacuum-packed meal that was intended for a visiting family dog”. The product was labelled as dog food and should never have been served, but it was commercially packaged in a way that resembled a human ready meal.
The spokesperson added that it “should have been checked and identified correctly” and that the “packaging may provide some context as to how the mistake occurred, but it does not excuse it”.
The support worker who prepared the meal is no longer employed by Radis, and a second employee faced disciplinary action. Radis said it had taken “significant steps” since the incident, including strengthened care planning, nutrition guidance, and safeguarding training.
Radis made the decision to give notice on the Portsmouth contract and voluntarily withdrew from providing services on 1 December 2025.
