The homes in Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and Rushden are among 13 in the county which received the lowest possible score.

Inspectors from the Commission for Social Care Inspection said more could be done to protect the dignity of some residents and ordered immediate improvements at two homes.

All the privately-run homes will be regularly checked and could face closure if they don't improve in key areas.

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Homes rated zero were Sandalwood Court in Corby, Holly House and Ashbourne in Kettering, Oakfield in Easton Maudit, Willowtree House in Wellingborough and Avenue House and Higham House in Rushden.

Managers of some of the homes said major changes were underway and others have already improved their performance.

A spokesman for the Commission for Social Care Inspection said: "When a home is rated 'poor' we follow our inspections up quickly, with random inspections, to check they are making an effort to meet the requirements.

"We can make improvement notices where they must improve in certain areas and then make more requirements.

"If nothing is done, we can interview them under caution and if they're still not shaping up, we can remove their registration with us. All care homes have to be registered with us."

One home told to improve was Avenue House Nursing and Residential Home in Rushden.

Director Chris Clark said at the time of the inspection there was no manager.

He said: "We have taken on a training manager and a consultant to work on our care plans. I would be extremely disappointed if at the next inspection, we didn't do significantly better. A lot of hard work has gone in and relatives can vouch for that."