Upton Bay Care Home

Updated 10 May 2022

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

The inspection was carried out by one inspector and an Expert by Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

Upton Bay is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Upton Bay is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This service is required to have a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service. We sought feedback from the local authority service improvement and safeguarding teams who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with 12 people who used the service and eight relatives about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with 18 members of staff including the registered manager and deputy manager. We received feedback from four health and social care professionals who work with the home. We used the Short Observational Framework for Inspection (SOFI). SOFI is a way of observing care to help us understand the experience of people who could not talk with us.

We reviewed a range of records. This included five people's care records and four medication records. We looked at three staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We looked at training data, policies and procedures.

Updated 10 May 2022

About the service

Upton Bay Care Home is a residential care home registered to provide personal care and support to up to 68 people. The purpose built home provided care to older people across three floors accessed via stairs or a lift. At the time of our inspection there were 22 people using the service over two floors.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People, their relatives, professionals and staff were complimentary about their experience of Upton Bay Care Home. People told us it was a safe place to be.

We have made a recommendation to the home in regard to the environment for people who are living with dementia.

People had personalised care plans in place. The registered manager and deputy manager were making changes to the format and had planned, 'study days' for staff to read plans and contribute to them.

People had risk assessments in place for their care and support needs. General risk assessments and maintenance checks meant the home functioned safely. Staff were well trained and knew how to recognise concerns, how to raise them and confident they would be followed up.

People were supported by enough staff who were there when they needed them. Safe recruitment processes were in place which meant staff had the necessary skills and experience to support people at the home. Medicines were managed safely by staff who had been appropriately trained.

The home was clean, tidy and infection control measures were robust. The home was compliant with guidance and safe processes relating to COVID-19. We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.

People had enough to eat and drink and were positive about the food. Special menus and diets were catered for. Staff sought medical services in a timely manner, staff who knew people well and could identify changes in their wellbeing. Staff were supported and had regular supervision sessions and training updates.

Everyone we spoke with told us staff were kind and caring, nothing was too much trouble for them. People were happy living at Upton Bay. One person said, “Staff are kind and keep an eye on things.” Another said, “They have made me very happy.” People were supported with dignity and respect to keep their abilities and independence.

People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People had personalised care, the home-made efforts to get to know people well. People were supported to live full lives and to plan for their wishes at the end of life. The home had received compliments about its end of life care.

People had access to a wide range of activities to keep them active, involved and stimulated. Some people told us they preferred their own company and that was respected by staff. People were encouraged to continue with or develop new hobbies and interests. An activities co-ordinator made links with activity providers outside the home and developed activity plans that were varied.

The home had a complaints procedure in place and people were confident the registered manager would address any issues. The home had not received any complaints at the time of the inspection. Quality assurance systems operated effectively within the home, the provider had additional oversight of the home by monitoring visits and an electronic compliance system. Audits monitored the quality and safety of the home and actions were completed as planned.

People, their relatives, professionals and staff were complimentary about the leadership of Upton Bay Care Home. Staff felt proud to work at the home and were complimentary about their colleagues. Staff told us the reason they were working at Upton Bay was for the people they support. One member of staff said, “If I can put a smile on someone’s face or make someone laugh especially with my awful singing voice and….dancing then I have succeeded.” The home sought to engage well with the local community, groups and schools. Health and social care professionals told us they had a good working relationship with the home.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 25 February 2021 and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.