The Manor House Thurloxton

Updated 8 January 2021

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 Care Act 2014.

This was a targeted inspection to check on specific concerns we had relating to infection prevention and control.

Inspection team

The inspection was undertaken by one inspector who visited the service location.

Service and service type

The Manor House Thurloxton is a 'care home'. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

This service is registered by an individual provider who is not required to have a registered manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. The provider oversaw the day to day operation of the service. This means that they are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided.

Notice of inspection

We gave the service 24 hours' notice of the inspection. This was because we needed to be sure that the registered person would be available to support the inspection.

Inspection activity started on 11 December 2020 and ended on 18 December 2020.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. Prior to the visit we requested copies of infection control policies and procedures at the service, cleaning schedules, a COVID 19 risk assessment, the most recent infection control audits and contingency plans in the event of an COVID 19 outbreak. We sought feedback from the local authority and Clinical Commissioning Group. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection-

We met with four people who used the service. We spoke with the provider and another staff member. We reviewed a range of records. This included the provider’s covid-19 guidance for staff; risk assessments; cleaning schedules and individual visiting arrangements.

After the inspection –

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found. We followed up what actions had been taken to improve infection control systems. For example, the use of PPE, and regular testing for staff and residents. We met with the local authority; Clinical Commissioning Group infection control nurse specialist and other health professionals to discuss additional support for the service.

Updated 8 January 2021

The Manor House-Thurloxton provides personal care and accommodation for up to five people. The home specialises in providing care for older people in a family home. The home is a large house situated in its own grounds at the edge of a rural village. The staffing and equipment available in the home mean the service is best suited to people with minimal care needs. At the time of the inspection there were five people in the home. Three people received assistance with personal care. The other two people lived their lives as independently as possible supported by the service staff.

This inspection comprised of two visits to the home. The visit on 23 August was unannounced. The visit on 29 August was announced and provided a further opportunity to speak with the provider and review documentation.

At the last inspection on 25 August 2015 the service was rated as Good. At this inspection the service remained Good.

People told us they felt safe in the home. A relative told us “I come every day. It is totally safe. They know how to look after people.” Staff said they knew how to report any concerns and were confident the manager would take appropriate action. People were supported by sufficient staff to meet their needs. Additional support for staff was available so they were able to prioritise people’s care needs.

People were supported by a small team of staff who knew them well and had the skills and experience to meet their needs. There was a system in place to recruit new staff safely. A programme of training had been planned to ensure staff knowledge was up-to-date.

People received care and support that was personalised and respected their wishes and preferences. People were able to make choices about all aspects of daily living and were encouraged to maintain their independence.

People told us how much they enjoyed their meals in the home. There was one main choice at lunch time cooked freshly using good quality ingredients. People were asked to choose their supper each day from a range of food and were offered lighter meals and snacks when they were unwell. One person told us “Food is very good. A bit too good. Lovely puddings!” Another commented “We have marvellous food.”

People confirmed their health care needs were met in the home. They told us if they were unwell they received prompt attention from their GP and good care from staff in the home. People were supported to attend hospital or clinic appointments.

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

The registered provider was experienced and committed to providing good care within this family home environment. They wanted to provide a service that met the required regulations in a manner that was appropriate to the size of the home and the needs of people living there.

Further information is in the detailed findings below