This unannounced inspection took place on 13 December 2017. At our previous inspection in March 2015 we found no concerns and rated the service as 'outstanding'. At this inspection we found that the service was not consistently safe, effective, caring, responsive or well led. We found two breaches of the Health and Social Care Regulations (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. Lawton Rise is a 'care home'. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.
Lawton Rise accommodates 62 people living with dementia across four separate units, each of which have separate adapted facilities. At the time of the inspection 62 people were using the service.
There was a new manager in post who was in the process of registering with us. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are 'registered persons'. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
There were insufficient numbers of staff available to meet people's needs and reduce risks of harm and people's medicines were not always managed and administered safely.
Staff did not always follow national guidance in delivering care that met people's needs in an effective way. The provider was not following the principles of the MCA and ensuring that when people lacked the mental capacity to agree to their care they were supported to do so in their best interests.
The building and environment required improvement to meet people's needs in relation to their dementia. We have made a recommendation to offer staff further training in dementia care.
Staff had limited time to spend with people at mealtimes to ensure it was a dignified dining experience and people did not always receive personalise that met their individual needs and preferences due to a lack of available staff and routines.
The provider had a complaints procedure, however some relatives did not feel able to raise their concerns.
People had not always been consulted with about changes to their care routines and some relatives and some staff felt that the manager was not approachable.
People were safeguarded from the risk of abuse and lessons were learned following incidents that had resulted in harm.
Infection control procedures were followed to prevent the spread of infection.
People were supported and encouraged to engage in hobbies and entertainment and offered social stimulation.
People's wishes were gained as to how they wished to be cared for at the end of their life and people and their relatives were involved in their care planning and treated with dignity and respect.
People's right to privacy was upheld and respected.
People's needs were assessed and when their needs changed or they became unwell the appropriate health care support was gained in a timely manner.
People who used the service received a holistic service and were supported by staff who were trained and effective in their roles.
People were supported to eat and drink sufficient amounts to remain healthy.
The provider recognised the needs to improve the quality of care for people and was implementing new systems to bring about the improvements in a timely manner.
Staff worked alongside other agencies to ensure that a holistic approach was taken to people's care.
Audits and analysis of accidents and incidents were effective as lessons were learned and the quality of care was improved when concerns were raised.