Stanley House

Updated 25 December 2020

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to care homes with outbreaks of coronavirus, we are conducting reviews to ensure that the Infection Prevention and Control practice was safe and the service was compliant with IPC measures. This was a targeted inspection looking at the IPC practices the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 2 December 2020 and was unannounced.

Updated 25 December 2020

About the service:

Stanley House is a nursing home registered to provide accommodation for up to 42 older people with needs relating to physical disabilities and dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 24 people using the service.

What life is like for people using this service:

People said Stanley House was a safe place to live because there were always staff available to support them. Staff were vigilant and knew how to protect people from harm. Staff understood what made people feel safe, for example, one person liked their bedroom door left ajar so staff ensured this was done. People said staff gave them their medicines when they needed them. All areas of the home were clean and fresh.

Relatives told us their family members were assessed before coming to the home. One relative commented on how sensitively this was done which helped them to come to terms with the situation. Staff were well-trained and experienced and understood people’s care and medical needs. They worked well with health and social care professionals in the local community. We observed lunchtime which was a lively and social occasion. People had plenty of choice and assistance with their meals if they needed it.

The premises were well-decorated and maintained and people and relatives commented on the high-quality of their surroundings. To make the home an interesting place for people themed corridors based on the seaside and the movies had been created. People had access to two large spa bathrooms with colourful murals, rise and fall baths, and a sensory sound and lights system so people could enjoy a relaxing bathing experience.

The staff were kind and caring and valued the people they supported. The atmosphere was relaxed and people felt at home. After lunch one person came into the small lounge and settled themselves onto the sofa for a nap. “Don’t mind me,” they said, “I always put my feet up here after lunch because it’s so comfy.” Visitors were welcome at any time. The home had a children’s reading corner where young visitors could gather and look at picture books dealing with topics like dementia in a way that children could understand.

People were encouraged to make choices about their daily routines and lifestyles and staff ensured they consented to any care provided. Staff were knowledgeable about people and understood their preferences. The home had an extensive programme of activities covering weekdays and weekends. We saw twelve people taking part in a quiz run by two of the home’s four activity co-ordinators. The co-ordinators ensured even the quietest answers were heard and celebrated. People enjoyed the quiz and reminisced and laughed together.

People and relatives said the home provided high-quality care and they would recommend it to others. The home had an open and friendly culture and people and relatives said if they had any concerns or complaints they would tell the registered manager or staff who were approachable and kind. People were consulted when changes were made to the home. For example, the new garden area incorporated the features people asked for including a raised fishpond, scented flowers at wheelchair-height, a pergola, and seating areas. The provider and registered manager monitored all aspects of the home to ensure it continued to provide a good service to people.

More Information is in the detailed findings below.

Rating at last inspection: Good (report published on 26 May 2016)

Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection.

Follow up: We will continue to monitor the service through information we receive until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.